Raising and extending a steering stem

[Aston]

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

 

[presta]

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.

 

[Aston]

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]

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!

I used a quill stem converter on my giant build so i could fit modern bar and stem combo, 1st photo is with the converter and the second the original set up

 

[raleighnut]

Change handlebars ?

 

[All uphill]

Buy the quill stem I have for sale on this site?

(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.

 

[Punkawallah]

Hi. There should be a hex ‘nut’ on top of the stem. If you loosen (not remove) this you should be able to raise the stem, then re-tighten the nut. Be aware, there might be a marking past which the stem should not be lifted. If not, make sure you have 2-3 inches of stem in the frame.
Those bars look ‘swept back’. You could try undoing the bolt on the stem holding the bars, and rotating them so they ‘sweep forwards’, then tighten the bolt and see if they feel better for you. If so, you will need to rotate the brakes etc to suit.
Good luck!

 

[biggs682]

Welcome @Aston and that looks like a nice bike.
How much higher and longer do you want?
The converter you link will allow you to use a modern type stem.

 

[Chief Broom]

Lots of adjustable quill stems on ebay in varying heights, not the prettiest addition but can be fine tuned to get the perfect position.
This type-

 

[Gunk]

Change handlebars ?

Easiest and safest option

 

[fossyant]

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/stems/1...ustable-1-inch-quill-stem-254mm-clamp-silver/

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Lots of adjustable quill stems on ebay in varying heights, not the prettiest addition but can be fine tuned to get the perfect position.
This type-
View attachment 791881

I tried adjustable stem, and whilst useful to try different positions, I found you always get some movement, and absolutely hated it! So my advice would be to buy a stem which gives the reach and height you need, possibly via an ahead converter, though I'd try to find a quill one first, just for simplicity.

But also what others have said about bars - get the bars you want before worrying about the stem.

 

[raleighnut]

Easiest and safest option

Yep a set of 'riser' bars and jobs a good un.