raise the height of my bars?

sheep911uk
sheep911uk Posts: 29
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
Is it possible to raise the height of the bars on my 2010 Carrera Virtuoso.
Sorry probably a stupid question but i have only had the bike a week!!

Comments

  • chrishd883
    chrishd883 Posts: 159
    Why?
    And that's not a sarcastic remark. Are you sure you want to raise the bars?

    There are two adjustments for the bars (by changing or flipping the stem).

    So two options:

    1. changing the length of the stem
    A shorter stem will reduce the stretch to the bars

    2. Changing the stem for one with a different angle
    Normally people flip the stem over to lower the bars
    I'm assuming that flipping the stem over won't lower your bars.
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    i just feel it might be more comfortable.
  • chrishd883
    chrishd883 Posts: 159
    OK.

    My first advice would be to use the bike for a few more weeks - you may get use to it.

    Then if you still want to move your bars then:

    1. buy a shorter stem to reduce the reach or

    2. buy a stem with a different angle - to raise the bars

    If you aren't sure how much you want to move them you could try one of the adjustable stems. You can then make changes without having to buy several different stems.

    But try to stick with it for a little while longer - it will seem easier in time.
  • merak
    merak Posts: 323
    If the steerer hasn't been cut and there are spacers above the stem you can move them under the stem and raise the bars very easily.
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    Its my first road bike after a mountain bike so maybe i need to ride it a bit more!!
  • fludey
    fludey Posts: 384
    A pic may help, when i switched from mtb to road bike to start with I had stem flipped to raise bars but as I got used to it I have turned it back round to lower position and find it just as comfy now.
    Felt AR4
    Planet X Pro Carbon 105
    MTB Kona Kikapu Deluxe with a few upgrades!!
  • Paul E
    Paul E Posts: 2,052
    I would say give it a little more time, I was in exactly the same position and after a while you build up the muscles needed to maintain the position without any discomfort
  • cyberknight
    cyberknight Posts: 1,238
    I use a virtuoso for commmuting and when i first had it i flipped the stem and had the saddle all they way forward to give me a really upright position.
    As i got use to riding a road bike i have turned the stem back down and moved the saddle back so now i have a position that is what a "proper " fit should be.
    FCN 3/5/9
  • MountainMonster
    MountainMonster Posts: 7,423
    It may just be a question of getting used to the different geometry and riding position of the new bike. I had quite a few problems when switching from mtb to road bikes, but now I am used to the position, I prefer the lower position.
    My London Road
  • ForumNewbie
    ForumNewbie Posts: 1,664
    If you do flip the stem and it's still not high enough, you could buy an adjustable stem which can be raised to different angles. I've got one which is almost vertical - which has the effect of bringing the bars nearer to me as well as raising the height, as it was too much of a stretch for me with a normal stem.

Categories