Raised stem - what are my options?

[Hotchilidamo]

Hey, I need some advice please.

I have the specialized sirrus elite disc and as mentioned on a previous thread, I've been getting neck ache. I'd like to raise the handlebars by an inch to see if this makes a difference.

So the LBS is recommending something like this which will change the degree angle http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/road-components/road-stems/comp-multi-stem

I've also read elsewhere about something like this which literally raises the stem:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Handlebar-s...F8&qid=1397813055&sr=1-1&keywords=stem+raiser

Now I like the look of my stem, it fits the aesthetics of the bike well and I'm a little concerned that these options will ruin that look.

What is the best option here? What would you do if you needed to adjust the height of the bars a bit

 

[ColinJ]

Do what I have done and flip the stem? (It doesn't look as good that way up, and cable length may be an issue, but it works!)

 

[Saluki]

My stem is flipped too, it looks fine on my bike.

 

[Hotchilidamo]

I had seen this mentioned before but to be honest I'm not really sure what this will do, and also why the LBS wouldn't have suggested this also?

 

[ColinJ]

I had seen this mentioned before but to be honest I'm not really sure what this will do, and also why the LBS wouldn't have suggested this also?

Just look at the photo I posted above and imagine the bike with a horizontal stem. The flip does exactly what you were asking for - raises the bars by an inch or so (and pulls them back a smidge).

As for why they didn't suggest it ... perhaps because they won't make any money out of it?

 

[Hotchilidamo]

Ok thanks. Sounds like a plan. Is this easy enough for a novice to do?

 

[NormanD]

Here you go

 

[Hotchilidamo]

brilliant, thanks. Just been looking for something like this

 

[NormanD]

All you basically do is take the stem off and flip it 180% and put it back on .. It will, like ColinJ said, raise your bars about an inch

 

[zizou]

It might not be the bar height that is the problem.

Have you got bar ends? If not might be worth trying some - a flat bar on its own means you are in the same position most of the time and the hand position is less relaxed than bar ends (which is the equivalent of riding on the hoods if you have drop bars) so you end up tensing arm muscles up which has knock effects elsewhere.

 

[HovR]

brilliant, thanks. Just been looking for something like this

Something to note that the video didn't explain very well (in fact, he did it slightly wrong):

When putting the stem back on and tightening up all the bolts, tighten the top cap first until it is snug (there is no need to over tighten, this bolt just takes up the slack between the forks, stem and headset, so tighten this up until nothing rattles about but you can still steer freely). Only after that should you tighten up the bolts that actually secure the stem and stop it from swinging around, otherwise there will be play in between the forks and the frame giving uneven bearing wear and sometimes strange brake judder.

 

[Hotchilidamo]

Just to clarify, this is a picture of my bike (well not mine, but one like it) http://www.bigfriends.ch/image_rendered/uploaded_pics/274/2000x875_fill.jpg

Am I being stupid here, because flipping the stem 180 degrees is surely going to lower the bars and not raise them

 

[Sharky]

I've never seen either of the two stems you mentioned, but both look good options for raising the bar once you have tried flipping the stem.

The multi stem is a bit hard to visualise. It must have an angled shim inside or something. Could make it a bit fiddly and prone to future creaks.

The second - stem riser looks more solid, using the same mechanics as a normal stem.

Can I ask how long you have been using this bike? The body might just be taking its time adjusting and after a few more hours in the saddle, could ease off.

Do you ride with glasses? This might be making you raise your head more.
Might consider weight distribution. Moving the saddle back could put less weight on the arms and give a more stretched out position and less hunched up stance.

Good luck,

Keith

 

[Diggs]

Just to clarify, this is a picture of my bike (well not mine, but one like it) http://www.bigfriends.ch/image_rendered/uploaded_pics/274/2000x875_fill.jpg

Am I being stupid here, because flipping the stem 180 degrees is surely going to lower the bars and not raise them

Yes, yours in already in the raised position option (assuming it's the same as the picture),
The default on road bikes tends to be down, as shown in this somewhat extreme example shown here as spotted by waterrat on instagram.
http://instagram.com/p/l5FMWbxluG/
So you would need a stem with a greater angle than yours if you went down that particular option

 

[NormanD]

If your stem is the same as the one you've shown in the picture then flipping it would only lower your bars, your next best option would be to buy a new stem like the Specialized one you showed in your first post (I use the shorter 65mm version of this on my bike) or the stem riser