Raising and extending a steering stem

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Aston

Member
A proper beginners dim question... there's so much to know about bicycles!

I've foolishly managed to buy a used bike on which the handlebars feel a bit low and close to me. It's a Thorn Club Tour, a bike which has been on my radar, was local and cheapish, so I bought it. Is it possible to fit a steering stem which is higher and a bit further reach. It's a quill stem, with flat bars, there's not much height to the stem and the current centre to centre length is 85mm.

I like the bike, it's so light and I'd like to use it for local rides and camping. The bottom bracket to top of seat tube is 555mm and from 'nose of saddle to stem centre is 41cm and the top tube appears to be 54cm.

Thanks in advance

Edit - photo added :smile:

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presta

Legendary Member
There are still stems around, but the choice isn't what it used to be now that quills are out of fashion. One option is an adjustable stem, but whether you can get what you want will depend on exactly what you do want, and what bar diameter you have. I switched to a quill converter and threadless stem to help widen the choice available.
 
OP
OP
Aston

Aston

Member
There are still stems around, but the choice isn't what it used to be now that quills are out of fashion. One option is an adjustable stem, but whether you can get what you want will depend on exactly what you do want, and what bar diameter you have. I switched to a quill converter and threadless stem to help widen the choice available.

Thank you - I've spotted an adapter which SJS Cycles do, which I think may help... https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/stems/g...1-inch-quill-to-1-18-inch-threadless-adaptor/

Though I'd also need to buy an ahead step and could do with changing the bars, which are showing rust!
 

cyberknight

As long as I breathe, I attack.

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All uphill

Still rolling along
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Somerset
Buy the quill stem I have for sale on this site?
PXL_20251029_105742747.jpg


(It will give you height, but not increase the reach, so probably not a great suggestion)

Or find a local bike recycling project; they will probably have loads of used quill stems for £5 or £10.

Edit to add that you have got hold of a very nice bike there.
 
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