How to raise handlebars on bike? Other thoughts on converting mtn bike to hybrid.

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12-27-13, 10:13 AM

#26

cyccommute

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Quote:

Originally Posted by draco_m

Okay guys. $15 is certainly in my budget.

Now that you see the picture in post #8 what is your advice? Should I buy a stem riser for $12 and use my existing stem? Or should I buy a new stem with a longer neck (is that the correct term?) for $15 or $20?

Regarding sizing - this is the correct size bike for me. When I stand above the top tube with feet flat on the ground I have about 1.5 or 2 inches of clearance. The seat is also correctly adjusted - my leg is almost completely straight at the bottom of the stroke. So the only thing I can think to adjust is the handlebar height. Feedback appreciated!

Also, how do I measure what width I need? Is it a standard size?

After working in my local coop for several years, I've noticed that older mountain bikes tend to have much lower front ends than more modern bikes do. Part of the reason is due to the lift provided by long travel suspension forks and part of it is that a more upright riding position is more in vogue now for mountain bikes. The bike is the right size for you but that doesn't mean that the geometry was right to begin with.

That said, I would suggest that you spend a bit more then $15 so that you can make more and, hopefully, better adjustments. Get a threadless stem adaptor. Then get a threadless stem with a similar reach to your current stem (measure from the middle of the binder bolt to the middle of the bars). You want a stem with a removable faceplate like this one

Two bolts or 4 doesn't matter and the rise angle should probably be around 10 degrees. Going to this kind of stem will allow you easier removal of the handlebars and more latitude for adjustment of stem length and/or stem rise. Also get a riser bar with a 1" rise. All of this should rise your handlebar position up around 2" (with some adjustment for height in the stem) and put it about level with the saddle. If you have a bicycle coop near you, you can experiment with stem length and rise fairly cheaply by getting used stems.

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