Bike Handlebars - is it normal that you cannot increase height?

[united4ever]

So I have the Shizuoka Hoy 1 hybrid:

https://www.evanscycles.com/en-nl/hoy-shizuoka-001-2015-hybrid-bike-EV184482

Seat raises but not handlebars - the result is that I am hunched over the handlebars and getting a bit of upper back ache. Is that normal - would have thought if you raise the seat height then the handlebars should raise proportionately as well.

 

[S-Express]

The bars can be raised by either flipping the stem (assuming you haven't already), or by switching more spacers below the stem (assuming you haven't already), or by fitting a higher rise stem and/or a higher rise bar.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

On many stems you have spacers to give you some adjustment in height, you just move them above or below the stem extension. On that model there certainly looks to be a set of 4 spacers (3 below and one above) so if it came like it’s pictured you have a little bit of spare at the top. It may have even come assembled with all spacers above so you might have a lot of leeway. Flipping the stem can also be an option for height adjustment. Have a look at this article:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/how-to-adjust-handlebar-height-38622/

Edit: Typing slowly can make you appear to be a parrot!

 

[shouldbeinbed]

As above, there are options to assist *squawk, pieces of eight*

 

[united4ever]

Thanks...on further research just seen this in the Q&A on evans website:

The easiest way to raise the bar height slightly is to move the 5 or 10mm spacers from above the stem to below the stem which will increase the bar position, ensuring all bolts are done back up to required Nm torque.The bars themselves are relatively flat so you would not be able to gain any further height rise from these. if moving the spacers is not enough then I would suggest either a handle bar with a slight profile rise or a stem riser such as the below recommended product.
1 year, 2 months ago
EvansProductExpert

So given there is only one spacer above the stem then if i move this below the bottom this would give me 5-10 mms...then I could flip the stem to get a bit more - will try these two things and see how that feels.

 

[united4ever]

is this a stem riser?

https://www.evanscycles.com/en-nl/m-part-adjustable-3-bolt-threadless-stem-EV173672

 

[Globalti]

No, it's an adjustable stem. Try flipping your existing stem and moving the spacers before splashing out on that heavy expensive thing because once you've adjusted it you will probably never do it again.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

A stem riser is the vertical “post” that comes up out of the steerer tube, you can buy a longer one (an extension) to put more spacers on.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.M-Part-Stem...h4eT9agkexhdkjNpJMezpFYfd37EXE9AYoaAres8P8HAQ

I agree with Globalti, exhaust all your other options first then see whether you're there or not. The next step could be an extended riser, but an adjustable stem likely isn't needed.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

is this a stem riser?

https://www.evanscycles.com/en-nl/m-part-adjustable-3-bolt-threadless-stem-EV173672

It will allow you greater leeway to raise the bars if your spacer and flipping your existing stem aren't enough.

The one thing to also consider is that using this sort of device brings the bar nearer to you and helps make you a tad more sit up and beg from the reduced reach as well as raised bar. If that shorter cockpit is not a bother for you and the riser/flip existing stem is nearly there, then consider shifting your saddle as far forward as it will go for much the same effect, before splashing out on an adjustable one.

 

[vickster]

is this a stem riser?

https://www.evanscycles.com/en-nl/m-part-adjustable-3-bolt-threadless-stem-EV173672

It's an adjustable stem. They come in different handlebar diameters so check against your bike spec

Is the bike the right size for you?

 

[ayceejay]

Vicky stole my thunder. Evans should have offered you a bike fit because it does seem likely that the bike may be too small

 

[screenman]

Could you do a few stretches each day, how long have you been riding the bike? How old are you, fitness level etc.

 

[united4ever]

ok, I shall wait for daylight tomorrow and explore it all then. It's a large bike and I am in my forties and 5 foot 11. Been riding it for 18 months on my 8 mile commute. Raised the seat only slightly a few months ago. Think with the cold weather I am now hunching my shoulders a bit more than in the summer as I cower from the cold, wind and rain.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

ok, I shall wait for daylight tomorrow and explore it all then. It's a large bike and I am in my forties and 5 foot 11. Been riding it for 18 months on my 8 mile commute. Raised the seat only slightly a few months ago. Think with the cold weather I am now hunching my shoulders a bit more than in the summer as I cower from the cold, wind and rain.

I suggest you Youtube how to adjust a threadless headset. Once you've loosened everything that you need to do the flipping and spacer moving, you will have to know how to tighten it all up again. There is a trick or two involved.

 

[Tim Hall]

@united4ever Back in the day, handlebar heights were easily adjustable, as bikes were fitted with quill stems. Loosen quill bolt, wriggle, tap, possibly swear, pull and up came the bars. Nowadays bikes have threadless headsets, which are great in many ways but lack the adjustability of quill stems. (Quill stems are still available. All my bikes have them).