442dude

Hello-

So a while back I wound up with a 1991 Trek 800 - Its in great shape and needs nothing and I like it as a second bike...Rides great and is my "Ride it on dirt trails and don't feel the need to wash it the minute I get home" bike. I know it was their bottom of the scale bike in 91 so I don't really want to put much $ in it but I'll admit I've got a soft spot for it. That said:

My back isn't what it used to be and I'd love to be able to raise the handlebars a couple of inches - they're already at the max. Swapping the stem with a taller one would be easy enough but then there's the cantilever brakes...they go right through the stem so I'm guessing I would have to fit a hanger in there somewhere so the front brakes would still work...and consider if I have to replace shifter and rear brake cables that would now be too short with the raised handlbar?

Does this sound do-able? I'd love to hear you thoughts about it. Thanks!

katsup

Yes, it is doable, but the will take time if you do the labor yourself (unless you know what you are doing). You could also add handlebars with some rise if yours are flat. Note that it can be difficult to install handlebars with a lot of rise on the old stem clamps.

Things you may need for a stem change:
- New Stem
- Brake Hanger
- Brake/Shift Cables and Housing for each
- Tools and way to cut the cables and housing
- Knowledge about setting up the brakes and dérailleurs.

Check first as you may have enough slack in your cables for the new stem.

madpogue 

How much taller a stem do you need? The shifter and rear brake cables shouldn't be an issue, unless you're going a LOT taller. For the front, look for a stem with a cable pass-through, but if you don't find one, a cable stop gizmo that goes on your headset stack is not expensive.

442dude

I'll be doing the work myself as setting up brakes and derailleurs isn't a problem for me. I'd like to add about 2 inches of stem to it... I've never seen a replacement stem with a cable pass through - didn't know they existed...that would make this a lot easier and I'll look for them. The existing bars have about 1 inch of rise in them already and I'll probably keep them so a couple extra inches on top of what I've got would be nice.

Appreciate the input...Thanks!

Murray Missile 

There are numerous cable stops that replace the washer under the top headset nut and they aren't that expensive. They come in 1" and 1-1/8", chrome or black and different vertical drops.

Here's just one example.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SUNLITE-STE...sid=m570.l1313

oddjob2

+1 ^

Add one of these.
https://www.bikewagon.com/sunlite-st...SABEgK6LvD_BwE

Lascauxcaveman 

I've got a couple riser stems that have the hole for the front brake line in them, shop around @442dude if you want one, they are out there. I might even have one in my spares drawer; want me to send you a pic, if I find it?

OTOH, if you get a separate hanger, you can get one with a built-in quick release and adjuster, which is pretty nice... like this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DIA-COMPE-f...sid=m570.l1313

cooperryder

You might check out this thread for examples.


https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1127647-vintage-mtb-upright-bar-urban-bike-conversions.html

I have done several to get my bars up higher.

Most often I use a tall quill stem adapter plus a thread less headset.

Others prefer a tall Nitto Dirt Drop stem or Technomic or similar.

Along with a good pair of street tires these type of conversions make for a fun comfortable bike for not too many dollars.
They have become among my favorites.

I recently completed a lugged Trek 950 Mt bike.
Rides great.

Enjoy.

442dude

Thanks to all for your thoughts - I've got some research...and work to do. I've got a soft spot for the bike and I'm looking forward to making it a little more versatile...