Handlebar Replacement
 

Hi folks,

I hope this is the right section. In any event, I have a Trek Madone road bike. Not the top model but more than good enough for me. I also have a 7500. I love the Madone but early this year, I was told I need a 2 tier cervical disk fusion-sucks. Not immediately but at some point. It figures. My two passions are cycling and motorcycling. Enough of that. I can ride my 7500 pretty comfortably but hate having my Madone collecting dust. If I were to put it up for sale, I'm sure I'd take a beating. I'd like to convert it ergonomically similar to my 7500. Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations. I'm assuming that in addition to replacing the obvious bars and cables, I'd need new shift levers. Thanks

I would start with trying a different stem with more rise. Before that "flip" your current stem if it's not that way already. Leave the bars and shifters alone and see if just a higher position is all that's needed. Good luck!

mtb type shifters wont work with road derailleurs. you'll need bars, brake levers, shifters, rear and front derailleurs, maybe a new cassette. lookin at some bucks. or, if the stem replacement doesnt do it, you could get a new fork with a higher steerer tube and raise it all up.

Many MTB shifters work with many road derailers, actually.

What year Madone ya got?

If you can ride your hybrid you can ride the road bike after cervical fusion. I know because I have C3-C6 fused as well as L2-L3 and L4-S1. I know my back is a mess but my surgeon steered me to a road bike as he wanted me off my mountain bike.
I don't know the geometry of your Madone but I have a Synapse that puts me a little more upright and shortened the stem from 120 to 80MM that also helped. However since I got it last December, I've ridden 3000 miles and the back as well as my neck have strengthened to the point I'm ready to put the original stem back on as I'm now feeling cramped.
Discuss with your surgeon if the discs involved will hinder your returning to your Madone. I would be surprised if the answer was negative. Good luck.

Thanks. If I were to shop for a new stem, what type do I look for. To be honest, I really don't know too much about the different components, thanks again.

Try your LBS. I know mine always have more than a few lying around to test out. As suggested earlier though, try to "flip up" your current stem to get that positive rise if you haven't already done so. Otherwise there are typically 6, 10, and 17 degree stems that in the "up" position, will give you a more upright riding position. Given your upcoming condition, your LBS would probably be invaluable in providing advice on stem length also.

Thanks for the replies. I'm actually tring to avoid surgery as long as possible. My symptoms have quieted at the moment. I'm not sure what you mean by "flip" the stem. Here are some pics of my bike.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...05B62030E1.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...05C789D8EC.jpg

Your stem looks like it is already flipped (they are often angled and can be flipped over so the angle points up, raising the stem, or points down, lowering it). You might be able to get one with a steeper angle (more rise) that brings the bars up higher.

Looks like it's a 31.8mm bar so shop for 31.8mm stems.

Habanero has a handy chart to compare various angle/extension stems to your current setup.

http://www.habcycles.com/stemfit.jpg

35 degree stems are widely available. I see 45s sometimes but they're pretty rare.

Very cool. So where do I look online for the stem? You were right. I have a 31.8 bar. The stem is 17 deg with a 8 cm reach. I guess I should look for the greatest rise and shortest reach. Thanks a million.

How about a Ritchie adjustable? Or this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...o_cart_title_1

Ok, I bought the stem from Amazon. Why can't I mount it backwards with the reach pointing back? My motorcycles' risers are that way. Also, will there be torque specs with the stem? thanks

I use the torque specs that come with the handlebar. You don't want to crush the bar, so look on the bar or on the manufacturer website for the specs.

I think turning the stem around would be a bad idea. For one, there could be clearance issues with the bar hitting the top tube. Your knees would likely hit the drops. Even if those clearance issues were solvable, I think it woul negatively impact the handling of the bike.

I spoke to Shimano and to switch bars, they said all I need is SL-R770 shifters and R780 brake levers-about $300 from Amazon but I'll probably get from my shop at a higher cost. I'll have the stem tomorrow. I also have an appt at my bike shop tomorrow.

My bike shop recommended a stem extension so I'll try that first.