Okay, this isn't a true C&V question, but this is the forum where I spend 99% of my BF time and I value the opinions of the people that hang out here.

I'm looking for recommendations on a replacement stem (probably adjustable, at least temporarily) or other adjustment for my wife's '94 Trek 7900 hybrid. She's leggy with a shorter torso and has been experiencing some hand/wrist pain related to her commute. Current setup is the original System 2 stem with Scott AT-2 trekking bars, which are taped (no grips). Frame is 16.5". She is 5'4".

My theory is the reach required by the current setup is causing her to lean into the bars more than she should.

Here's the bike:




...And while I was in my photobucket for that image, I stumbled on this "as purchased" pic. Can't help wondering if those bars were on there for exactly this reason?


Any help is appreciated. Many thanks.

Nice Hybrids!! I think the really high end hybrids were really under appreciated by the cycling community.

I would certainly recommend some nice grips for her favorite hand positions. That stem looks pretty high already, you might find a shorter reach 11/8 on the 'bay (who started using that here?) but if she needs much more height you may have to go the quill to threadless adaptor route.

[MENTION=348967]J.Oxley[/MENTION]- sounds like I'm built like your wife and reach is challenging for me too. Since I like to experiment with setups to get them dialed in, I like the Kalloy "Riser Quill Stem" - Universal Cycles -- Kalloy Riser Quill Stem

Inexpensive, readily available, silver and comes in 60-100 mm reach lengths. I have a pair of Soma "Oxford" handlebars which look similar to the ones pictured on the red bike you show. The beauty of these handlebars is they're meant for mountain brakes levers/shift levers (22.2) AND can take bar end shifter pods also (usually need bars that are 23.8 diameter for this). So it's the best of both worlds. Here's a link:

Universal Cycles -- Soma Oxford Bar

i realize you didn't ask about handlebars, but I saw that bike you showed and thought it might be an option.

Thanks. Yeah, she really likes the bike, even though she was initially grumpy about the purple.

I agree about the height. I really think it's the reach that's causing the problem. I checked ebay, various online shops, and amazon, and it seems there are about a zillion options. That's why I'm wondering about something adjustable. Maybe something adjustable and some ergon grips for her primary hand position. Heck, I don't know. I just don't want to throw a bunch of money at the problem and still have a problem afterward.

I was looking at that stem and wondering about quality. Good to hear a thumbs-up about it. Plus I'm in PDX, so I can bop on over to Universal Cycles at my leisure.

All three pictures are the same bike, by the way. Sunshine makes a big difference!

Hey thanks for the tip on the stems. I love these and usually just get them on ebay but I can't always find one.

Plus, with a little Mother's Mag Polish you can really improve the finish on the Kalloy stems. It's surprising actually, so I guess that means they're not anodized. I worked on one just to see how shiny I could get it and was close to the finish on my Nitto Technomic.

When I see Trekking bars- they're open towards the rear- the stem is the front, and they come back to the rider.

The way you have them set, she's reaching WAY out past what they're designed for.

I think the opening in the rear (towards the rider) is a personal thing and may cause handling issues. As we all know people do all sort of odd strange things in regard to the position of the bars for comfort. I once saw a bike with a set if barends attached to the set attached to the bars and they were going straight up!

They way the OP has them set up would be correct according to Scott advertising.

Yes. The forward portion is really only for use during serious hills. My wife rides probably 80% on the main grips, 15% on the sides, and the last 5% on the forward grips for climbing. I think the difference in mounting is "butterfly bar" specific.

[EDIT] After looking at those pics, though, maybe we should invest in a set of those rather than a stem....

What's wrong with going back to the Northroads touring bars?

The reason she wanted to move away from those was the fully upright riding position they produced. I think now we're looking for the middle ground, which is tricky when I only somewhat know what I'm doing.

+1 I like the other shape trekking bars much better, so called butterfly pattern. Gives you a lot more options, can get bars and controls much closer to rider.

Flip them and mount upside down for a path racer look.

That's what I'm noticing. I think a trip to Ye Olde eBay is in order...

Nashbar among others sell that pattern trekking bar.

Got a used one by Nashbar on eBay last night. It should get here this week, and then I'll follow up with a tale of great success. Thanks for helping out, everyone!

UPDATE: The butterfly bars from Nashbar are excellent. Shifted the cockpit back by 6 or 7 cm, which gives her a more upright "Position 1" and makes the far-forward "Position 3" more accessible and useful.

Thanks for the suggestions, especially to Golden Boy for looking at the bars instead of the stem. This was a major victory for my wife's commuting comfort.

You're quite welcome!

I just wish I could come up with something to help my wife love riding, even half as much as I do.