Originally Posted by
koala logs
It's a great looking bike with decent parts. If I had such bike I'll be keeping it for a lifetime or until the frame collapses. I think the only way you'll outgrow it is the gears start to feel easier, you can simply slap bigger chainring in there. If you want even lower stack, there's +- 17 degree or even +-35 degree stems.
I agree with you. Ultimately, future options would probably involve some sort of gravel race /cyclocross bike to keep things entertaining, while this one sticks around as a more comfort oriented option on the longer hauls. I acknowledge that I wouldn't ever need anything more than this bike, even though I'm sure I can make good use of those fancier options with carbon fibre. I am never left with the feeling that I am wanting for more, although I know one day we will get there.
This frame really is not designed for a handlebar positioning any lower than -7° stem slammed all the way against the headset cup.
In the future, my options will be
A:
https://josephkuosac.com/product/ste...opbar-o31-8mm/ in 47cm, size M
Or
B:
https://www.controltechbikes.com/products/item/352.html
I was actually inspired by your comment to use a -17° stem, not to get lower, but to compensate for the rise that these bars offer.
Regardless which route I choose, i will have to go back to a 100mm stem.
I have yet to find an option which can serve as the perfect option without any compromise. I would like a 120mm drop (to forgo the use of any spacers underneath the stem, 47cm width with 0° of flare, or 46cm width at the hoods with 4-6° of flare. And 70mm handlebar reach.