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Raising handlebar height safely on a Specialized Diverge

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Raising handlebar height safely on a Specialized Diverge

Old 05-12-21, 03:29 PM
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DC_Cycle
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Raising handlebar height safely on a Specialized Diverge

Hi All:

I have a 2021 Specialized Diverge Elite E5 bike (this is a basic model without future shock spring suspension in the stem). I'd like to safely raise the stem a height 1 to 1.5 inches to achieve what should be the perfect fit for long rides. Can this be accomplished simply by purchasing this length of spacers and inserting them under the stem?

That seems pretty simple (it's no problem for me to take the stem out and reinsert it at the correct torque) but my concern is that there is some unknown risk that I am not aware of, e.g., the stem may not be long enough to still connect well to the steerer among other things, as I am a novice at bike-specific work. Any advice on the most straightforward and cost-effective way to safely raise the stem 1 to 1.5 inches would be appreciated.
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Old 05-12-21, 04:49 PM
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If you don't have spacers on top of the stem, then you'll have to buy more stuff that to me is less than desirable and a little hokey.

Personally, if this is a new bike, you bought the wrong bike. Can you return it? Though that is a nice bike if you can ride it for the fit position intended.

You need to get a bike that has the stack height that will give you the bar height you wish without having to use extenders and weirdly angled stems.

This actually is probably more a question for the Bicycle Mechanics sub-forum if this is all about how to fit parts to the bike.

This is more for fitting you to the bike.
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Old 05-13-21, 08:30 AM
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Thanks, I'll post this in the more appropriate sub-forum. I think the bike is the correct fit (no back or shoulder pain whatsoever, even on long rides, and legs are at the right position). I'm am having some neck pain which I think is about acclimation. My plan is to start the stem high and gradually lower it if/as the neck pain reduces.
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Old 05-13-21, 09:34 AM
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My neck pain is helmets that restrict my forward vision because they come too low on my brow or have a visor.

I made a mistake with my last helmet purchase and it comes a little too low on my brow. So when I spend a lot of time in the drops, I get that strain from having to crane my neck in order to see far enough ahead.

I'm about to go helmet shopping again and will make sure I get in my riding position in the drops to see how much I have to lift my head to see in front of me with each helmet.

A previous helmet I had years ago had a removable visor on it. Removing the visor solved all my neck pain. Too bad I smashed that helmet and put 11 major cracks in it. Also put 3 minor cracks in my skull. <grin>
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Old 05-18-21, 03:42 PM
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I'm having the same problem with my Specialized Roubaix. I could be wrong, but I don't think raising the handlebars 1 inch is going to solve your problem. You need to get your saddle in the right position. Put your back tire against a wall and measure to your bottom bracket. Then measure to the edge of the front of your seat to the back wall. The difference would be your setback measurement. My bike has the CGR Seatpost which has a 25mm setback. I think I need a seatpost without a setback. When I did measure my setback, I was way too far back from my normal setback.(110mm)

If you really need to raise your stem, you can experiment by flipping your stem. You can put on the high stem cap and two spacers. You can also put on hover handlebars that will give you even more height.
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