handlebar height

mambosabi
mambosabi Posts: 6
edited April 2009 in Tour & expedition
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.

Comments

  • andymiller
    andymiller Posts: 2,856
    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.
    Italy Cycling Guide
  • hisoka
    hisoka Posts: 541
    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.
    "This area left purposefully blank"
    Sign hung on my head everyday till noon.

    FCN: 11 (apparently)
  • mambosabi
    mambosabi Posts: 6
    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
    tim_f Posts: 12
    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
    PHcp Posts: 2,748
    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.

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