jeanluc

As explained in a different forum, I'll have to do something with my wife's bike to raise the handlebars (replacing the drop bar with trekking bars may not work because of the Shimano brifters).

As the stem is already at the top of the fork column and the stem is already angled up, the only thing left I can think of is to replace the fork column.

What I don't know without disassembly is whether this is possible for her bike (Specialized Roubaix Triple 2007, the fork is listed as "Specialized FACT monocoque carbon fork"). Is the fork column a single body with the fork blades, or are they separate pieces? I suppose in the latter case I can buy a CF tube and replace the column.

Thank you.

DannoXYZ 

Just get a new stem with even higher rise:


https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21iaSciRYrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Be sure the bar-clamp diameter is the same as as the existing handlebars.

Did you buy the bike from a shop? I've found a lot of them do customers a disservice by selling them a racing bike. Most people aren't going to be racing and would better be served with something like a Specialized Crosstrail or Cirrus.

JiveTurkey

How about a stem raiser: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...ils.php?id=941


With this expander plug (which takes a standard top cap bolt): https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=29439

randya

carbon fiber = not a good material to make bikes out of

Ingleside

Sell the bike and start over.

If you want to stick with the bike you will need to buy a new fork to replace the one you have. I suggest a fork with carbon blades and an alloy steertube. Avoid another fork with a carbon steertube because you will most likely limit yourself to the same spacer stack height of your current fork, about 40mm.

I would also avoid any type extender because they place more leverage on the carbon steertube and may cause it to fail.

You could use a mountain bike type of riser bar on the bike that could bring the bars up about 3 inches but it would require new shifters, brake levers grips. It is not impossible but the conversion would cost some $$$.

jeanluc

Indeed, I think I'll be getting another fork. I didn't quite understand the remark about the limit imposed by the spacers stack. I can install more spacers, can I not? I was hoping to get a CF steerer to reduce the road vibrations (how much of them are dampened by the steerer, versus the rest of the components: tires, fork blades, bar taping, I don't know).

HillRider

No you can't, at least not much. The general recommendations from fork makers is no more than 25 mm (1") of spacers above the headset and below the stem for a 1" carbon steerer and no more than 40 - 50 mm (1.5 - 2") of spacers for a 1-1/8" carbon steerer. The steerer extender shown is the same as increasing the spacer stack.

Al1943

I think post #2 is your best alternative, assuming that otherwise the bike fits well.

jeanluc

I see. Thanks!

jeanluc

I'll try it (once I find a retailer shipping to Canada). I couldn't find anything similar it at Nashbar or Jenson :-( An adjustable stem is a lot more expensive and am not sure about the reliability, I think these are made for temporary use, while the rider checks different heights.

Al1943

You need to know the diameter of the steer tube and the diameter of the handlebar before you buy a stem. Since the bike is a 2007 model the steer tube is probably 1 1/8 inches. But "probably" is not good enough.

jeanluc

Correct. Both are 1 1/8".

dabac

Doesn't have to be. I can get an adjustable stem for about 12 USD. Although entirely devoid of bling value and somewhat on the heavy side it seems to do its job just as well as one can wish for. But sure, bling AND adjustability will cost you.

Certainly there can be lemons available here too, but I can't remember reading/hearing anything about sudden failures. If there are reliability issues they've gotta be fairly rare.

They certainly CAN be used like that, but they don't have to be. There are plenty of hybrids that are sold with adjustable stems as stock, and keep rolling like that for years.
IMO it's more about vanity and image. An adjustable stem is heavier, and not quite as sleek as a fixed stem. It might even have a little more torsional flex than a fixed stem.
If you're really pushing your bike and yourself, or want to look like you do, then you're supposed to care about these things, whether they're significant or not. So while an adjustable stem is "OK" for dialing in your riding position on a new bike you'll spoil the illusion if you keep riding with it.
In an average, everyday setting it's entirely insignificant.

DannoXYZ 

Stack-height is limited due to increased torque on the steerer tube where it exits the headset. The higher the stem is above the headset, the more torque and bending forces exerted on the steerer tube at the stress-riser.

As for road-vibrations, the tyres makes the biggest difference. Going from 23c racing-tyres @ 110psi to 26-28mm touring-tyres @ 70-80psi reduces road-shock and vibrations by 50x more than the difference between a carbon fork vs. aluminium/steel one. Again, a racing bike may not be the best model for anyone but racers.

HillRider

Here are adjustable stems intended for road bikes and neither is terribly expensive. This one fits the newer "oversize" 31.8 mm handlebars: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_200459

This one fits 25.8/26 mm road bars: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...5_10000_200459

And this one fits 25.4 MTB and a few road bars: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_200460 I had this one on a road-converted MTB for a while and it was very strong and held its adjustments with no problems.

Camilo

Don't over think this. There are three easy to find and inexpensive products that when used in combination should solve your problem that have already been mentioned:

1 or 2: High angled stem - or - adjustable angle stem (you're not correct - they're neither expensive nor unreliable. I have them on two of my bikes!)
3: Stem extender

Both should be available through many online sources, and most local bike shops. I think your solution will be less than $50.

A new fork will get you VERY little more height than the fork on your Roubaix and will cost you at least a couple of hundred if not more. Steer tubes, whether they're aluminum or carbon fiber, are usually not recommended to be much more than 80 (MAYBE 100) mm above the top headset bearing. You can measure the total height of your current steer tube (add height of all spacers, including cone spacer, plus height of stem clamp), and compare to that number. I'll bet yours is already 80mm. That bike probably came with that (~80mm); did you cut it down from there?

jeanluc

I found the fork manual online and Specialized says not to to have more than 40mm of spacers. It's exactly how it is now, so the LBS must have cut it as long as they could. At least I'm at peace that it could not have been longer.

Thanks.