Helderberg

Has anyone ever used a fork stem extender to raise the handlebars? I have installed an adjustable stem and have it raised the max, looks to be about 55-60 deg. I feel this is going to be enough for my back issues but other handlebars would be another option. Just saw the extenders on the internet and was wondering if anyone has had a good/bad experience with them.
Thanks in advance, Frank.

indyfabz

I am going to assume you mean a steerer tube extender.

fietsbob

We Do that occasionally , Aka, 'Stem raisers'
..You do have to replace all the cables to reach that new height..

There are those made for both quill stems and threadless set ups..




/...

Helderberg

Yes, that is what I meant, Sorry for my ignorance.
Frank.

TiHabanero

I used one for about 6 months after a back injury. It was just fine, however the height does alter the center of gravity and the bike does not handle like it did before the riser. All cables going to the handle bar will need replacing for sure. As long as you are not aggressively headed into corners, you will be fine. Slow speed handling is a bit odd, too, but not dangerous.

Helderberg

Thank you all.
Frank.

McBTC

No room-issue for me... the OEM cables still worked fine... I don't think it it's anything to worry about so long as you have an aluminum steerer tube and, if your rig has a tapered head tube, all the better.

jackb

I had them on several of my bikes and they have done just what they ere intended to do, raise the handlebars. No issues at all.

Helderberg

Thank you for your reply. Did you find and difference in the handling of the bike when turning at speed or when slow?
Frank.

jackb

Frank,

I did not notice any difference in handling.

skidder

I had one on a bicycle for a while, no problem with it. I had non-aero brake levers on the bike so no need to replace the cables. I eventually replaced the drop handlebars with some riser flat bars, which eliminated the need for the extender.

slorollin

No problem at all. Works well for me on my '13 Cafe' Noir. I did have to replace my cables and left a little slack should I want to readjust.

rumrunn6

yes, & all good experiences. got a pic of your bike?

rumrunn6

not always, he might get lucky

Doc_Wui

Put a stem extender on my new minivello. Only 2 inches. .Didn't affect cables, but I still want more height. Bars still 2-3" lower than on my folder.

On a Schwinn mountain bike with flat bars that I rescued from garbage can last winter, I recently put on both a stem extender and 4" riser bars, I like it. As I was replacing the combo shifter/brake levers anyway, the old cables probably would not have worked.

Helderberg

I have since changed the seat as this one did not work out.
Frank.

rumrunn6

not much slack in those cables. I was able to get bay by just loosening the front brake cable & re-tightening afterward but the other cables had enough slack. depends on how much you raise the bars & how slack you have to play with at the derailers & calipers. other than those extensions are really easy to attach. I've done it on two bikes. a bike shop can do it for you if you get started & feel uncomfortable finishing

here's one of them (which had many other changes)

stock photo (before)

after



here's my other (current)

stock photo (before)



after

Helderberg

I see you are running drop bars with the extension. Has that made it better for your back? Also, what brands have you used? I had surgery in 2001 and have not been on a bike since then. Went with the flat bar style for the more upright position. Would love to get back on a drop bar bike again like I rode back in the day. Thanks for you photos and responses all.
Frank.

MAK

I've had a riser on two bikes with no handling problems. Neither required new cables until I started using a bar bag on one bike. That bike needed new brake cables.

fietsbob

Bought a Used Bike with a factory 'cut too short' threadless steerer.. on a Trekking bike ..

Went with a BBB BHP 21. it allowed me to add a 2nd stem , as well to mount my Bar Bag Onto.

it is a quill, shim spacers, with a keyway tab,
and a clever bolt that not only pulls the wedge up, but is internally threaded for the headset preload cap bolt..

It, visually disappears when installed..

rumrunn6

the drop bar wasn't added for comfort, meaning the drop bar didn't help my back. swapping in the drops (for other reasons) made the bars lower, so to counter that, I had to use the extender. I had some left over spare parts but the only drop bars whose diameter allowed use of the same shifters were from an old Ross 10-speed bike. for you, raising the bars is an obvious option but there are other bikes, which right off the shelf, provide a more upright posture. for example I have a large Trek FX which does that for me. it's a nice change from my other hybrid & regular road bike

Helderberg

Thanks again all. Can you tell me what brand of extension you have used and liked?
Frank.

rumrunn6

looking at one of my photos, I think this is the one I used XLC Alloy Stem Raiser, 28.6 x 117mm, Black

Helderberg

Excellent, thank you.
Frank.