Handlebar Position
04-09-23, 11:16 AM
#1
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Handlebar Position
I'm trying to decide on whether I should adjust my handlebar position up slightly or get a shorter stem. I'm 6'4" and I ride a 61 Specialized Roubaix. My bike fitter suggested a130 stem. I have Specialized Aerofly bars that are flat bars. Should the flat part be level? If the bars are flat, I feel too stretched out. Should I tilt my bars up or get a shorter stem?
04-09-23, 11:43 AM
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I think you should try changing various things until you find out what you prefer. It might take some time to get use to it too. So don't just go back to your old ways if the new way isn't actually causing you more pain or grief.
It's not clear if the 130 mm stem is what you have currently or just still a suggestion of your fitter. If you haven't tried the 130 mm stem then you should try it. You can always put the old back one.
It's not clear if the 130 mm stem is what you have currently or just still a suggestion of your fitter. If you haven't tried the 130 mm stem then you should try it. You can always put the old back one.
04-09-23, 01:54 PM
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Stem most likely OK so just go up about a centimeter...
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04-23-23, 06:23 PM
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I'm trying to decide on whether I should adjust my handlebar position up slightly or get a shorter stem. I'm 6'4" and I ride a 61 Specialized Roubaix. My bike fitter suggested a130 stem. I have Specialized Aerofly bars that are flat bars. Should the flat part be level? If the bars are flat, I feel too stretched out. Should I tilt my bars up or get a shorter stem?
04-23-23, 06:58 PM
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I'll suggest what I do for all handlebars - ride them with no tape except enough electrical to get the cable housings to behave. Bring all the wrenches for the stem, bars and brake levers, Rotate bars and slide levers until you can do a full ride without wanting to change anything. Now address reach and handlebar height.
When you get close on the handlebar rotation and brake levers, you can tape the bars with cloth tape wrapped from the bottom. When you change the reach, you almost certainly will want to tweak the rotation and levers. Cloth tape wrapped from the bottom is easy to unwrap to the levers, move the levers and re-wrap.
I find taking shortcuts is setting myself up for: doing work twice or more, settling for less comfort-wise or probably throwing out barely used expensive bar wrap. (I notice with these bars that if the top of the bend isn't horizontal, neither is the wing. Think positive thoughts. If you like the bar turned down, it's a spoiler for better tire traction on corners. Up - less rolling resistance.
)
When you get close on the handlebar rotation and brake levers, you can tape the bars with cloth tape wrapped from the bottom. When you change the reach, you almost certainly will want to tweak the rotation and levers. Cloth tape wrapped from the bottom is easy to unwrap to the levers, move the levers and re-wrap.
I find taking shortcuts is setting myself up for: doing work twice or more, settling for less comfort-wise or probably throwing out barely used expensive bar wrap. (I notice with these bars that if the top of the bend isn't horizontal, neither is the wing. Think positive thoughts. If you like the bar turned down, it's a spoiler for better tire traction on corners. Up - less rolling resistance.
)
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