Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Fitting Your Bike
Reload this Page >

Raising the Handlebars...

Search
Notices
Fitting Your Bike Are you confused about how you should fit a bike to your particular body dimensions? Have you been reading, found the terms Merxx or French Fit, and don’t know what you need? Every style of riding is different- in how you fit the bike to you, and the sizing of the bike itself. It’s more than just measuring your height, reach and inseam. With the help of Bike Fitting, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your frame size, style of riding, and your particular dimensions. Here ya’ go…..the location for everything fit related.

Raising the Handlebars...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-04-14 | 08:37 PM
  #1  
Bacciagalupe's Avatar
Thread Starter
Professional Fuss-Budget
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,494
Likes: 26
Raising the Handlebars...

I have a few road bikes, and it seems like the saddle position is dialed in reasonably well. I'd like to try the same saddle position on my touring bike, with a handlebar position that is higher and closer than on the road bikes.

Will this work, or do I need to adjust the saddle position with the different handlebar location?
Bacciagalupe is offline  
Reply
Old 09-04-14 | 10:53 PM
  #2  
ofgit's Avatar
Full Member
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 291
Likes: 2
From: NELA

Bikes: Mostly '80s MIJ steel.

On my 52cm '80s/'90s steel road bikes, the older MTB stems (prefer Specialized cold forged) work well to get the bar up to saddle height. They are not in the original style but look rather elegant and somehow safer to me. Guess I have fostered the imaginary terror of an emergency stop of some description resulting in my being impaled on a tall 7 stem.

Last edited by ofgit; 09-04-14 at 11:27 PM.
ofgit is offline  
Reply
Old 09-04-14 | 11:03 PM
  #3  
headloss's Avatar
Lost at sea...
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Western PA

Bikes: Schwinn Paramount (match), Trek 520, random bits and pieces...

Saddle position is independent of handlebars, generally speaking... saddle position should be where you are best balanced fore-to-aft and with the appropriate leg reach to the pedals.

It could change though, depending on how upright you go. If you are going from an aero position to a 45degree position (or from 45 degree to 90) then that might be enough of a change that you will want to get a wider saddle (sit bones will sit differently depending on your angle). Obviously, if you have to change the saddle, you'll need to readjust position a bit.

But for the most part, you should be treating saddle position and handlebar position independently if the bike is a good fit to begin with. Still, as you move more upright, you may find yourself sitting back farther on the saddle than you were previously, necessitating a move. I doubt it, but it's not out of the question either. Just listen to your body.

I'm not a fitter though, so take it with a grain of salt.
headloss is offline  
Reply
Old 09-04-14 | 11:27 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,737
Likes: 10
Two ways to do it:

If you have a bike with a threaded fork, a Nitto Technomic or Nitto Dirt Drop stem is the way to raise the bars.

If you have a bike with a threadless fork, you need a stem riser and either an adjustable stem or a short stem with 50-70 degree rise to raise the bars.
NormanF is offline  
Reply
Old 09-06-14 | 12:46 PM
  #5  
ofgit's Avatar
Full Member
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 291
Likes: 2
From: NELA

Bikes: Mostly '80s MIJ steel.

You might need a different (shape) saddle for your new, more upright posture on the bike.
ofgit is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
johngwheeler
Road Cycling
26
07-29-17 09:14 PM
curttard
Road Cycling
33
07-20-17 08:52 PM
jambon
Fitting Your Bike
2
08-10-16 10:19 AM
Velo Mellow
Fitting Your Bike
34
10-13-14 10:09 AM
philbob57
Fitting Your Bike
6
10-05-14 07:19 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.