I have a new 2020 Specialized Di2 Roubaix Comp with the Future Shock 1.5 fork. My problem was that I was unaware of the extreme limitations of using spacers (or any method) to raise the bar height. I am coming from a 2007 Roubaix which I used spacers to adjust to a perfect fit the bar height. However, despite using every technique that I am aware of I am still about 25mm (~ 1 inch) too low which creates significant shoulder and neck pain for me. I have put on an adjustable stem (like my 2007 Roubaix) and have adjusted to about 30 degrees (do not want to go more for steering control issues) and lowered my seat some to compensate but still not there. The Specialized Future Shock manual indicates you can add up to 15mm (max) of spacers directly on the proprietary cartridge under the top cover. To make matters worse you are limited to any stem with a steerer height well of 40mm which means any fixed stem angle is limited to about 17 degrees as any stem with steeper height interferes with the installation of the proprietary top cap. You cannot use any standard replacement cap and bolt. I talked with my Specialized dealer (LBS mechanic) and he said he was not aware of any way to raise the bar height using spacers with this model bike and he has never added spacers as indicated in the manual (was not even aware it can be done). Other bike shops (non-Specialized) won't touch it as it is so proprietary and my bike fitter, I get the feeling is not as knowledgeable on this as I would want. So my question is have any of you tried raising the bar height on this model bike with the Future Shock fork (2017 -2021 model years I think) by adding spacers or any other method? Thanks.

look into handlebars that have raised tops. Specialized, Surly, Ritchey, Soma, and Prime make a few models that come to mind.
also consider using a shorter-reach stem. this won't make the handlebar higher, but it will bring the bar closer to you, which decreases how far forward you have to lean.

i've been through the same thing before and I came to the conclusion that most of the problem is MY BODY. a lack of muscle strength and flexibility from sitting at a desk most of the day and riding a bike as my main form of recreation an exercise leads to weak glutes, tight hamstrings, and a weak core. all that adds up to pain on the bike no matter how much you tweak the handlebar position. it's worth considering if you're serious about getting confident and strong on the bike. if you're self-motivated, a few minutes online will tell you how to make your body stronger to relieve pain with exercises you can do at home with minimal equipment. if you need more guidance and motivation, a sports-oriented physical therapist will set you on the right path. if you'd rather not deal with the true basis of your problem and just keep throwing money at the bike, no one can stop you from doing that, either.

if none of the above helps, it's very likely that you are on a bike that is a little too big for you or it's just not suited to your riding style. a frame with more stack and less reach should be in your future. that sucks because bikes are not cheap!

how long have you had the bike? in this situation, I would send a message to Specialized to tell them that excessive proprietary BS alienates customers. buy a bike from a company that is not making non-adjustable proprietary crap instead. if the manufacturer and the shop want to keep their customers, they will accommodate you. when I look at a bike that has non-standard bits like that, i run away from even the thought of getting sucked into that game. Specialized, Cannondale, Canyon, Cervelo, etc make so much of that junk. it's planned obsolescence for disposable bikes.

You've got the wrong bike buddy. The Roubaix can easily accommodate bar heights up to level with the saddle. Higher than that gets progressively more ugly and more compromising. The Roubaix was originally designed as a race bike with a heavy emphasis on comfort. For most endurance roadies, the Roubaix fits like a glove without casting aside aesthetics. The bike is simply not designed for fringe cases like yours. Specialized would instead point you towards another brand. You can (somewhat) successfully make a truck into a race car, but you can't make a race car into a truck.

Also, don't lower your saddle to compensate for the bars. That's like puncturing the other tires on your car when you flat to "make it feel the same".

Yes, and I should call up Ernesto Ferrari and tell him his cars are not only too expensive, but too fast. If only there was some version that was just like a Honda CR-V...



Edit: Spacers can be added under the Future Shock cartridge. Max of 3 spacers.

Get a pair of Specialized Hoover handlrebars

In this case your best bet would be to opt for a different bike with a suitably higher stack and a shorter top tube/reach unless you want to convert to a suitable stem/flat bar configuration like I did.

Thanks for all the comments but I have tried about all of them. I have a 15mm Spec Hover Riser bar on it now and just installed a Ritchey adjustable stem (setting to about 25 - 30 degrees like my 2007 model) but still about 1/2 to 1 inch shorter than my old Roubix set-up which has more spacers to get to the correct stack height of the headset. I am 70 years old and just need a higher headset to alleviate shoulder and neck issues (torn rotator cuffs and ligaments). After much investigation, I think as commented, this bike just may not fit me despite riding a Roubaix for 13 years which fit like a glove after adjustments and a visit to my fitter. However, you can do more with the older Roubaix's than with the new ones with the Future Shock which I have come to dislike (for this lack of adjustment reason) and have not even felt much difference (it was even missing the spring which my dealer says is not unusual with Specialized leaving them out). I did study the geometry on this bike and compared to my 2007 Roubaix before I bought it and was aware that there were some differences but thought it could be overcome with bike adjustments and changes. Unfortunately, I missed the limitations of raising the headset. I will take the bike back to my Spec. dealer and try to talk them into adding the 15mm of spacers I tried but could not get the FS cartridge out) and see what difference that may make (should substantially help if they will do it which they said can't be done). After that, the only remaining item I have not added to the bike yet are the new SPD-SL pedals I have. Not sure if that lifts you a few mm in the saddle or not. After that, I may decide to pay another visit to my bike fitter (have already talked to him) if I think he can really do anything about this. If all else fails it will be time to put this new Di2 Roubaix up for sale :-( and start looking for a Synapse, Defy or Addict where hopefully would not have these proprietary bike set-up issues or just keep riding the 13 year old Roubaix I have.

Yes. If you feel like you need the bars above saddle height, you need something other than a road bike. Maybe try a hybrid or comfort bike or even a 'bent. Different strokes and all that.

Understood but I ride with saddle about 1-2 inches ABOVE the bars. That is the way my older Roubaix is set up. I still think if I can get the spacers in it might do the trick.
Thanks.

The S-Works Aerofly Carbon Handlebars (link below) have 25mm of rise vs 15mm of rise with the Hover bars. Not a cheap option, but 10mm is 10mm. Edit: sorry, just noticed they're out of stock online.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/s-...ext=21017-0038

I'd also look at tweaking the positions where the shifters attach to the handlebars and the tilt of the handlebars to better suit you. Slight changes can make a difference. Good luck.

I think at your age, your needs do not councide with the geontery and race fit of duch a bike.

You'll be happiest riding a bike where you can set up the saddle to be at or below your bars without too much effort.

I finally got the 3 spacers added which raised the headset 15mm and along with my 17 degree Easton 90mm stem all is good (although I may experiment with a 100mm stem).

I think you'd be best off with something shorter than 100mm.

how do you feel about moving to a riser (flat) handlebar? that will make your handlebar higher and close to you because there's no additional reach to the bar from the forward position on a drop bar. I know that's a hassle because you need to change brake levers and shifters and all that. if that's what it takes, spare no expense to make your bike enjoyable! you're not getting any younger, so make the bike enjoyable at all costs. it sounds like either your days riding with a drop bar bike are gone, or you need a different bike. if your choices are a) ride with pain. on a drop bar and b) ride comfortably with a flat bar, I'd pick b. put some comfy bar ends on it to switch up your hand position too.

I agree that you want a shorter stem, not a longer one. less stem reach will allow for a more upright position.