Higher handlebars - beginner!

[Augustine]

I have a mountain bike but I use it primarily for commuting and fun runs mainly on roads and tracks rather than hard-core off-road.

the problem is the riding position can get uncomfortable - too much leaning forward and aching arms.

if i wanted to raise the height of the bars to get a more comfortable position, would i be best
a) just to get some bar ends
replace the straight handlebar for a riser
c) both? neither? something else?

i'm not sure how easy it is to fit a new handlebar and i'm not sure how safe bar ends are if it means your hands are away from your brakes while your cycling. any thoughts very welcome.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

The particular will be dependent on whether you have a threaded or threadless stem, but in general you can also achieve a higher handlebar position by using a stem raiser or by using a different (perhaps an adjustable) stem.

But just in case you did not know if the existing stem is threaded there might be some room for raising it higher. If it is a threadless one using the stem upside down might also raise the handlebar.

 

[NormanD]

If you can place a picture of the handlebar / stem setup you have now, it would give us a better idea on how to advise you or a link to the bike you have now

Norm

 

[palinurus]

Do you need higher bars or bars which aren't so far away? if you are stretching too far forward might be a "too long" sort of problem rather than a "too low" sort of one.

As for going higher- depending on your current setup (photo would help) there will probably be several options.

 

[nigelb]

In a similar situation, I put a hibred set on. This meant I didn't have to stretch forward as much, more relaxed or upright riding position, shoulders less tensed up etc.

Depends on what you're after I guess, but this really did make a huge difference for me commuting every day.

Of course another big change was to put Marathon Plus tyres on - expensive but worth every penny! No punctures (to date) and much less rolling resistance than knobbley tyres.

Then I got a more comfy saddle.

(then some toerag stole the sodding thing, but I've basically replaced it with the same again)

Nige

ps I guess I should be pleased in a way, I'd taken a "junk" mountain bike and turned it into something worth stealing ...

 

[Augustine]

nigelb - i like the idea of a hibred set. i'll have a look around. i've switched to slicks and a nice comfy seat for my own comfy seat.

thanks for all the responses. i'll get a pic and post asap. thanks

 

[Eddiethelaowai]

I have the same problem with my commuter/hybrid - it's got flat bars but came with short stubby bar-ends as standard - they help a lot and actually it's still easy to reach the brakes from the bar ends - only time i need to move my hands is to reach the shifters or the horn.

Likewise, my girlfriend's MTB has the same problem - however hers had an adjustable stem and the angle of the bars can easily be changed with an allen key.

 

[Augustine]

thanks for all the posts. here's the set up at present...

 

[Augustine]

Wondered about switching bars to something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Acor-Silver-H...ikeparts_SR&hash=item19b87ac6b3#ht_1242wt_754

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

You have a traditional threaded stem, so there might be room for raising it somewhat (as shown here).

If you are changing the handlebar or stem or both, do check the stem's clamp size is compatible with the handlebar diameter.

 

[rh100]

You have a traditional threaded stem, so there might be room for raising it somewhat (as shown here).

If you are changing the handlebar or stem or both, do check the stem's clamp size is compatible with the handlebar diameter.

And pay special attention to the part where he mentions the minimum insertion mark.

I've been doing similar with a touring bike I've been doing up, some suggestions have been replacing the stem for one with a closer reach or a higher rise angle, there is a huge number of different combinations out there, loads of different sizes of tube and clamp etc.

I've ordered an adjustable one, if I find a position I am happy with I may replace it again with a normal one to match the size.

 

[g00se]

On-One Marys may be an option - they go for £20 new on ebay:

http://www.firstflightbikes.com/_borders/P1010211.JPG

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/controls/Handlebar/on-one/mary-handlebar/PRD_414662_123crx.aspx

 

[spiro]

I want to do something similar for my HT mountain bike to give a variety of hand positions. Years ago on an old bike I had a set of bar ends that were about 4" long then curved nearly 90 degrees and had another 4" all in one curved piece. This allowed you to have your hands on the bars (palms flat), on vertical section of bar end (palms vertical) or on the almost horizontal section at the top of the bar ends. They were also great at protecting your hands from branches.

I have used google but not found anything like these, anyone got any ideas?

 

[e-rider]

Wondered about switching bars to something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Acor-Silver-H...ikeparts_SR&hash=item19b87ac6b3#ht_1242wt_754

they will not fit the stem you have

seen some bad advice on this thread

the stem you have will go up and down - lift it up as far as it will allow (or that you want) taking note of the minimum insertion line on the stem. The cables might pull tight if they have been cut short and will need replacing if this happens.

 

[Augustine]

OK, so from what i can work out, because i've got a threaded set up, i can't just buy a longer stem because those are for threadless set ups. so, all i can do is try and lift my stem up as far as i can and maybe get some compatible handlebars...

do i lift the threaded stem up by just loosening the bolt pointing down into the stem with an alan key? or is it the bolts placed where the stem meets the frame?