stem/headset extension
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
stem/headset extension
been dealing with tired palms as I age. Although when I 1st got my CAAD9-6 in '09, I found it comfy, it no longer is.
Checked my seat height with a goni to get 30º bend in my leg at extension.
I'm thinking of adding a stem/headset riser to pick up perhaps 2" on the bar height, which I think will make me comfy again and not tire the base of my palms so much.
I realize this will put my bars back a bit as well, but I have an OEM stem that's 10cm longer than what I'm riding now, to move the bars forward if need be.
I see stem/headset risers of around 4". Do I just ring to where I want the bars and then ring whatever is left above that? Or am I not understanding how the extension installs/works?
Checked my seat height with a goni to get 30º bend in my leg at extension.
I'm thinking of adding a stem/headset riser to pick up perhaps 2" on the bar height, which I think will make me comfy again and not tire the base of my palms so much.
I realize this will put my bars back a bit as well, but I have an OEM stem that's 10cm longer than what I'm riding now, to move the bars forward if need be.
I see stem/headset risers of around 4". Do I just ring to where I want the bars and then ring whatever is left above that? Or am I not understanding how the extension installs/works?
#2
Expired Member
Have you considered something like the Surly Truck Stop bar? You might get enough height to avoid the kludge of an extension.
![](https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/1688x936/screenshot_2023_09_22_at_14_23_48_drop_bar_riser_bars_road_handlebars_with_rise_surly_truck_stop_bar_bf3baa5eb011c5c3e9826ac3e58c231e40666cb5.png)
Likes For shelbyfv:
#4
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 18,944
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Liked 12,802 Times
in
6,575 Posts
Be cautious about making really big changes, and don't assume they'll do what you expect. I had to LOWER the bars on my Canyon when I got it, because my hands were going numb within a mile or so - I was putting MORE weight on them.
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
#6
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 15,679
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Liked 5,143 Times
in
3,541 Posts
As I've gotten older and do less, I've found that the muscles in my upper body, arms and hands are wasting away. So my bones, joints and nerves aren't getting the protection they should. When I exercise those areas to get my muscles back in shape, a lot of the new aches and pains I sometimes get on the bike go away. HINT: you can't exercise those muscles by riding a bike.
IMO, If you have to use more than just riser bars and whatever spacers you can put under the stem, you probably should get another bike that isn't made for a aggressive race fit as your CAAD. Try a Specialized Roubaix. Even a Trek Domane will give you a higher handlebar position relative to what you have now.
IMO, If you have to use more than just riser bars and whatever spacers you can put under the stem, you probably should get another bike that isn't made for a aggressive race fit as your CAAD. Try a Specialized Roubaix. Even a Trek Domane will give you a higher handlebar position relative to what you have now.
#7
South Carolina Ed
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 3,897
Bikes: Holdsworth custom, Macario Pro, Ciocc San Cristobal, Viner Nemo, Cyfac Le Mythique, Giant TCR, Tommasso Mondial, Cyfac Etoile
Liked 300 Times
in
143 Posts
I mounted one of these on my son's bike. The extension will clamp to fork steerer tube.
"ring = spacer"
"Do I just ring to where I want the bars and then ring whatever is left above that?" = yes
"ring = spacer"
"Do I just ring to where I want the bars and then ring whatever is left above that?" = yes
#9
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,175
Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
Liked 1,529 Times
in
852 Posts
Over the numerous years I have had to make adjustments due to spine and shoulder issues, and badly arthritic thumbs. My bikes now all have riser type stems and handlebars with shallow drop and short reach, or Porteur type handlebars. The most extreme is my Lemond Tourmalet; 35 degree stem with 120mm length, and Pro LT gravel bars with 65 reach,103mm drop, and 10 degrees of flare. It is not a look that I was fond of, but, I have gotten used to it. Most importantly, I can ride the bike in comfort again. It is one of my all time favorite rides.
This picture shows it with a Ritchie Beacon bar, but the same stem, maxed out height wise.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ca22564d28.jpg
This picture shows it with a Ritchie Beacon bar, but the same stem, maxed out height wise.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ca22564d28.jpg
#11
Ride more, eat less
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Philla PA, Hoboken NJ, Brooklyn NY
Posts: 2,122
Bikes: Too many but never enough.
Liked 790 Times
in
485 Posts
I've used all three items below to obtain riding position that allow more comfortable for long hours in the saddle for different bikes.
They may add some weight to your bike, but made my rides much more enjoyable.
Steertube extension:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166315409704
![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/v2EAAOSwcohk9uux/s-l1600.jpg)
Adjustable stem:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276059796204
![](https://bikewagonmedia.com/media/img/bti/GX3553.JPG)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/374943214342
They may add some weight to your bike, but made my rides much more enjoyable.
Steertube extension:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166315409704
![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/v2EAAOSwcohk9uux/s-l1600.jpg)
Adjustable stem:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276059796204
https://www.ebay.com/itm/374943214342
![](https://imgus-vip.tongtool.com/v/eceeijfkcgeghbelcmfklflgehfflflmmmedxDuV.jpg)
#13
Ride more, eat less
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Philla PA, Hoboken NJ, Brooklyn NY
Posts: 2,122
Bikes: Too many but never enough.
Liked 790 Times
in
485 Posts
As long as your carbon steertube fork have a decent compression/expander bolt, and you tighten the stem securing bolt to torque specifications, what is there to worry about?
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I was more thinking about the pivot point in the adjustable stem. The added weight is meaningless to me, I'm not that kind of rider.
Not concerned about the riser extension, that makes total sense.
Not concerned about the riser extension, that makes total sense.
#15
Ride more, eat less
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Philla PA, Hoboken NJ, Brooklyn NY
Posts: 2,122
Bikes: Too many but never enough.
Liked 790 Times
in
485 Posts
The joints on those adjustable stems are indexed, with angled teeth, plenty of support to secure the joints from moving once tighten to proper torque setting.
Likes For cat0020:
#17
Ride more, eat less
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Philla PA, Hoboken NJ, Brooklyn NY
Posts: 2,122
Bikes: Too many but never enough.
Liked 790 Times
in
485 Posts
For more adjustability, I'd go with this:
Adjustable stem:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276059796204
![](https://bikewagonmedia.com/media/img/bti/GX3553.JPG)
If you're only looking to get more height/rise from your current reach of the handlebars.. go with the solid riser:
Steertube extension:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166315409704
Adjustable stem:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276059796204
If you're only looking to get more height/rise from your current reach of the handlebars.. go with the solid riser:
Steertube extension:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166315409704
![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/v2EAAOSwcohk9uux/s-l1600.jpg)