handlebar height

mambosabi

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I have just bought myself a Ridgeback Panorama for a Corsican tour next year. I have previously ridden a Marin Larkspur hybrid with an old fashioned adjustable handlebar, set well above the saddle height for a really comfortable upright riding position.
Im finding the low handlebar position of the Panorama a real pain in the neck and shoulders. (Ive got a slightly curved spine and mild scoliosis). It is supposed to be a supremely comfortable bike, which is why I bought it, but I don't know if I'll be able to ride it for long days as it is at the moment.
Is there a way of changing the handlebars to a flat set on a screw stem (rather than screwless) so I can raise them up to make it easier to ride?
I understand that this means changing the STIs and brake levers etc.

andymiller

You can do what you want (assuming I've understood you) with a threadless stem:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rit ... m-ec011600

or

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/delta ... iser_.html

You might even want to consider butterfly bars:

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id22440.html

BTW I've spent a lot of time touring in Corsica if you have any questions.

hisoka

I got the butterfly bars on my touring bike I got. They are great, so many hand positions and I find I am in a much more raised position and see alot of the world as I ride by.

mambosabi

Thanks guys. Those butterfly stems look interesting. Presumable I'd have to get rid of my lovely STI levers though, or could they be place on these type of bars?

tim_f

another option (which I am considering) is

http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP4016.aspx?utm_source%3dinternal%26utm_medium%3dsite%26utm_campaign%3dDDI

which I understand can raise bars by 85 mm

But tricker to fit as star nit need sto be knocked out.

May not fit all steerer depending on iternal diameter - much discussed on CTC forum, view seems to be that fits steel steerers ok, but not aluminum ones.

If you decide on a new adjustable stem make sure you get one for correct handlebar diameter as there are three sizes.

PHcp

You can't change from an Ahead type stem to a quill stem, they require different forks.
There's no reason why you can't get a different ahead stem to get the bars at a comfortable height. I'd go back to the shop and ask them to sort it out. I don't see how changing the bars and controls makes you anything but poorer. Have a look here for an idea of the the range of stems available
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/category.asp?cat_id=902

If you want a bit of inspiration, the fully loaded website is worth a browse, you'll see plenty of different set ups, many with the bars higher than the saddle
http://www.pbase.com/canyonlands/fullyloaded

I know nothing of your phisical limitations, so this might not be relavent. When I changed from an upright hybrid to a drop bar tourer it felt uncomfortable for the first few hundred miles, now I wouldn't go back.