DTSMA68

I was reading in "Bicycling" magazine that if you cannot get rid of the pain that is on one side between the neck and shoulder blades, you should consider raising the stem a little. It says that I am probably reaching too much. I have a Cannondale R700 with a Cannondale 3-D Forged stem. Is it as easy as loosing the stem bolt and lifting it up an inch? I have put 690 miles on it since I bought it 3 weeks ago. I just started road biking. Should I wait to see if the pain goes away or adjust the stem a little higher?

toomyus

im guessing it comes with a threadless stem. u basically loosen the top bolt on the stem, then loosen the two bolts at the side closest to u and then u loosen the four bolts holding the handle bars on. u simpy flip the stem upside down and then tighten the stuff back up. if u dont know how to do it all right, just ask someone cos it is important

sydney

If it's a current model bike with threadless stem. You cannot just 'lift it'. If there are spacers on top of the stem,they can be put under it to raise it,otherwise get a riser stem or give it more time.It also may be flippable to give more rise. FWIW, you should not be messing with HS and stems if you don't know what you are doing.There is potntial for personal injury or death.

DTSMA68

Thanks Sidney. I'll ride it for another month and see if the pain goes away. I found this website on what you are talking about:

https://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/stem.htm

I have the FlightDeck with all the wires so if I need it adjusted, I'll have an experienced mechanic take care of it.

AndrewP

If it is a threadless steerer tube, the previous replies apply, but if it is a quill stem you just loosen the bolt, tap it to release the wedge, raise the stem and retighten the bolt. You may have problems with cable lengths after raising the stem, which will be another thing to fix.

This site shows you what a quill stem looks like

https://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/headset.htm

This page shows what the threadless headset looks like

https://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/stem.htm

DTSMA68

It's threadless and it has 5 spacers.

juicemouse

If you have any of those spacers above the stem, I'd get someone to raise the stem above them for you. Start with your bars high enough that it doesn't cause you pain, then move them down as you adjust to the road biking position. Don't fall for the "whatever Lance (or I guess Cunego, since he rides C-dale) does" thing.