Subway 1 - altering riding posture?

[beanzontoast]

I have a Subway 1 and currently am off the bike due to ulnar nerve issues (being treated and getting better, but I don't want to aggravate this again). So...

I would like to make my riding posture more upright to better put my weight into the seat and to help reduce the amount I lean forward onto the bars. I have already moved the seat a bit lower and further forward on the rails. The handlebars can be rotated to make the grips slightly higher and closer to me I've found. I have angled the brakes/gear shifts downwards at about 45 degrees to make using them more natural. But the stem appears non-adjustable. Presumably I should seek to change this?

If so, can anyone recommend a stem that would help lessen the distance I reach, please?

 

[simon.r]

If it's an ahead stem you'll need to change it for a shorter and/or higher rise.

These on ebay are a decent budget stem IMO. You'll need to know your steerer and handlebar diameter.

 

[cyberknight]

If it's an ahead stem you'll need to change it for a shorter and/or higher rise.

These on ebay are a decent budget stem IMO. You'll need to know your steerer and handlebar diameter.

+1
My old subway had an adjustable stem that you could undo the allen bolt and alter the angle .

 

[beanzontoast]

Cheers for this both. When I bought the Subway, I knew the bar height wasn't adjustable (I think on the Subway 2 at the time it was, but not the Subway 1) but had never had to consider nerve pressure before now. I will measure up the bar diameter and see if a shorter stem with a steeper rise will help. Would hate to get rid of the bike simply because I need a different riding position.

 

[beanzontoast]

Anyone think this stem raiser is a possibility as an alternative solution? Reading the reviews there seem to be a few Subway owners who've bought this.

 

[simon.r]

Anyone think this stem raiser is a possibility as an alternative solution? Reading the reviews there seem to be a few Subway owners who've bought this.

Yes, that would work.

 

[beanzontoast]

Yes, that would work.

Am thinking I might give that a go then. If it takes some of the pressure off the hands it will be a real help.

 

[beanzontoast]

Update - I went for it and can confirm a much more upright position. I was quite surprised by just how much more upright it was actually in combination with the seat adjustment. I'm hoping this will result in the desired easier ride. I've given myself a whole month off cycling to rest up the nerve and it does seem very much better. Fingers crossed the stem extender does the job.

 

[Andy_R]

Are you using the orginal grips? If so, consider changing them to something like the ergon gp series of grips. I did on my subway as I was getting numb hands all the time, and it made a world of difference.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Keep in mind that an adjustable stem will become loose if you use it for long enough. I had one for many months (many moons ago), and the adjustable joint eventually loosened, and so I had to replace it with a non-adjustable stem with the same angle. Adjustable stems are generally only meant to be temporary, until you find the configuration that suits you best .

 

[Globalti]

Check the angle of your saddle - if it's canted too far forwards it will be throwing your weight onto the bars. It should be at least flat and preferably a couple of degrees up at the nose so as to cup your pelvic bones.

 

[beatlejuice]

I've issues with my ulnar nerve too so I have modified by Carrera Subway 8. I increased the height of the bars by about 12cms by fitting a spacer. Then Put a pair trekking bars on so I've got something hold on to when as ascending hills. I will need to lengthen the brake cables, they're a bit tight.