Can I raise these handlebars?
 

Hello all. I just bought this used Cannondale and I'd like to raise the handlebars around 1 or 2 inches to sit slightly more upright while riding. I'm a novice with bike mechanics but looking to learn. Looking at the pictures here can I raise the stem by adding spacers to the steerer tube (and where do I get the correct spacers?) or is this as high as the steerer tube will go (as I suspect because there's no more of it over the stem) meaning I need to buy a new tube/neck?

edit/ I'm not allowed to post images since I'm new, so I'm describing the image which seems ridiculous but I need answers! The stem attaches to the top of the steerer tube at the very top of the tube. There's no additional tube jutting up above where the stem connects. Does that mean that if I want to raise the handlebars I need a longer tube? Or could I buy an angled stem? Thanks.

If you care to see the image, I put it here: bit.ly (slash) 315xW1X

No you can’t. You could try to find a stem with a steeper angle and raise it a bit that way.

Thanks. Any tips on making sure I buy the right stem? Could I also just buy a longer tube?

To change the steerer tube you'd have to outlay for a whole fork


An angled up stem would be your cheapest solution, but IMO you lose something "the Look", maybe if it has the same profile as the top tube, that's if it slopes, similar angle... and if it's short it would look OK & a shorter stem would give you more of an upright sitting position too.

What year model is your Cannondale?

If this is a hybrid or a mountain bike you could simply obtain a bent up flatbar

ah.. it's a road bike https://uc7b757ab9b6770468f1f40320a5...ue&size_mode=5

Looks like the stem was turned upside down for better height, not enough, Hey?

Most of the ones like this will fit your bike. Fits a 1-1/8" steerer tube (standard size) and 26mm handlebar with shims (pictured) or 31.8mm handlebar without the shims.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1200_.jpg

Search for "high rise stem".

They come in various lengths and angles, do the math to figure the length and angle to achieve the handlebar position you want.

Or you could try one of these. I just installed one on a friend's bike and he was very happy with the additional height.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mountain-Bi...72.m2749.l2649

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qiAAA...x9/s-l1600.jpg

Another possibility is keeping your current stem and using these bars, but they are pricey - $100

You gain about 2".

https://www.somafab.com/archives/pro...or-2-handlebar

https://www.somafab.com/wp-content/u...eb-370x300.jpg

With folks' concerns about the fragility of carbon (I don't use it, myself) someone may want to ring in abut the wisdom of putting an extender on a carbon steerer. Longer lever arm and all of that.

You can use this tool to compare different stems. It will show you how different length, and angles change the height and reach. Stem Comparison Tool | yojimg.net

dsbrandt raises the ? of lever arm and how high one should risk mounting the bar above the top tube. IMO of the three options: high rise stem($10-100), new fork with
longer steering tube ($100-300) or JoeTBMs stemriser at $11, the stemriser makes most sense. I see little difference between a longer carbon steering tube and a stemriser
with respect to mechanical advantage stress on the fork. One could argue similarly about stems in the 14cm range putting stress on the steering tube as well. If you drill
down into the fork manufacturers lit some do mention limits on how tall the installed steering tube should be above the head tube. Sort of analogous to the max extension
put on seat posts, where admittedly the stress is a LOT higher.

You will have to rejigger your front brake cable/housing and possibly the RD/FD cables and housing as well when you do raise the bar however you do it.

@kingtinker's Album:
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/507130
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/15451419
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...92e1055cd8.jpg

Can you post a full side view of the whole bike as adjusted for you to ride?

You already have quite a few spacers under those bars, and the stem flipped up. Make sure that the steer tube is within about 1/4" or so of the top of the stem, perhaps even closer. You don't want the stem barely hanging on there.

A number of MTB stems will give you a bit more rise, although perhaps heavier than the road stems.

However, my first question is what your overall bike fit is like.

I'd strongly recommend replacing the stem rather than using a steerer extender-it's mechanically simpler, lighter, more sturdy, and looks way better.The stem calculator phughes linked to is very useful, but you should also have some idea of how actually the bike should fit. Keep in mind that generally speaking bringing reach back will also be more upright. The steerer on that bike is as long as it can be within spec, and for the majority of riders for whom that bike is appropriate both in fit and in intention, that should be plenty high, but human bodies vary etc so do what's right for your body. If you've ridden road bikes plenty do what you know is right for you, but if not consider trying out a lower position than you're accustomed to--a lot of people have a knee jerk reaction to a forward fit because they have a fear of putting weight over their front wheel more than anything else. Consider posting some photos/videos of you on the bike to the fit forum, or actually go see a fit specialist.

Use angled stem
 

I recently had to raise my bars 1 1/2" after spinal fusion per my surgeons direction. The cheapest and easiest was a stem with a greater angle than 6 degrees. I used a 17 on one bike and a 25 on another. Did not have to replace fork and luckily had enough slack in cables that they could accommodate new height. Did have to adjust existing stem spacers.

This website has a comparison tool that allows you to compare different stem length/rise combinations to your current set-up and each other. It shows the reach/rise of each set-up. Very useful.
Stem Comparison Tool | yojimg.net

I also have one of these adjustable stems on a bike - allowed me to dial-in the set-up that I wanted - or change positions during the season as I gain flexibility.
https://us.ritcheylogic.com/media/ca...djust_2016.jpg