Higher bars

[Matt-g]

Hi,

the handlebars on my 2014 specialised Crosstrail hybrid seem a little on the low side, and I find my wrists ache a bit on extended rides.....what are my options for raising them up a bit higher.

And.....how high can I go?

Has anyone else done this on any of their bikes, and if so please can you share your experience of any additional comfort derived?

Thanks in advance

 

[zacklaws]

Sure your saddles not too high and your leaning that far forward, your wrists are taking all your weight, and if the saddle is the correct height, have you the right size bike.

Is your bars set now with all the spacers underneath, is so, that is its maximum height, or is there one or two above the bars, if so, then move the spacer/s above to below the bars to raise the height

Also, are your brake/gear levers correctly aligned with your arms and your fingers following that alignment so that your hand is not bent upwards, even slightly at the wrist, this will put a lot of strain on your wrist. This is a common mistake.

I've always found straight bars do become a pain on long rides anyway due to the lack of variety of positions you can hold them. But you can solve it by adding some Bar ends which gives you some alternative ways to hold the bars. This worked for me.

And to raise the height of the bars, can lead to a vicious circle, whereby, your backside then starts taking more of the weight and it starts suffering instead. Its a fine balance.

As for raising the handlebars, I have never had to do it, but beleive it involves new steerer tubes, more spacers etc

 

[vickster]

You can add an adjustable stem or one with more angle

Bar ends help too

 

[mcshroom]

Free options - Check your saddle is at the right height and that it isn't too far back. See if the stem would raise the bars higher if you flip it over. See if you can rotate the bars into a more comfortable position. Same with shifters.

Cheep(ish) options - Add bar ends (good idea anyway IMHO), new higher rise stem, higher rise bars.

Bit more - Stem extender and the bar options above

Most expensive - New fork with longer steerer tube.

 

[Phixion]

Either a new stem like the Ritchey 30 degree stem or/and new rizer handlebars.

 

[Psycolist]

This is my solution. This is my MTB but I have a road based hybrid with the same set up. Sorry about the weird angle.