Raise Mountain Bike Stem by a Couple Inches?
06-08-20, 10:47 PM
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Raise Mountain Bike Stem by a Couple Inches?
Hello, I was hoping someone could help steer me in the right direction to increase the height of my mountain bike stem. I'd like to raise it by a couple inches. Grateful for any suggestions on what parts and tools I'll need. The bike is a 2012 Full Suspension Trek Fuel. Tried to post a picture but it wouldn't let me. Thank you
06-08-20, 11:45 PM
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You have what’s called a threadless stem/fork/headset.
Tools, should be enough with 4mm/5mm Allen.
However, these setups usually don’t allow for an adjustment of ”a couple inches”. You will need to go shopping for a ”riser stem”, then swap it in.
If you look for a video on ”threadless headset adjustment” You’ll likely learn what you need.
There are ”steerer tube extenders” too. If you have an aluminium steerer, you’ll need the wraparound type. If you have a carbon fiber steerer it is generally not recommended to extend those.
Tools, should be enough with 4mm/5mm Allen.
However, these setups usually don’t allow for an adjustment of ”a couple inches”. You will need to go shopping for a ”riser stem”, then swap it in.
If you look for a video on ”threadless headset adjustment” You’ll likely learn what you need.
There are ”steerer tube extenders” too. If you have an aluminium steerer, you’ll need the wraparound type. If you have a carbon fiber steerer it is generally not recommended to extend those.
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06-09-20, 06:27 AM
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You could also look at bars with more rise.
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06-09-20, 07:35 AM
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Depending on the current set up high rise bars and/or a stem with a steeper rise angle are the most solid choices as the steerer would retain it's direct contact to the stem. A steerer extender/adaptor will always have more potential flex compared to the OEM system. Also note that many of these steerer extensions have a warning of no off road use, because the extra leverage and their clamping isn't as solid as the OEM direct to stem is.
Depending on the current cable lengths the higher controls might end up too short for safe use. So we always include the possible cable/casing replacement as part of the cost estimate when talking about this mod with our customers. Sometimes the OEM cables work, sometimes only the ft brake cable needs lengthening, sometimes all do. Andy
Depending on the current cable lengths the higher controls might end up too short for safe use. So we always include the possible cable/casing replacement as part of the cost estimate when talking about this mod with our customers. Sometimes the OEM cables work, sometimes only the ft brake cable needs lengthening, sometimes all do. Andy
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06-14-20, 11:32 PM
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up going with a simple $20 adjustable stem from Amazon and so far it works great. We'll see if it holds up but seems pretty well built. Thanks again
06-15-20, 07:05 AM
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We see a lot of adjustable stems that have developed play in the hinge, allowing the bars to rock like a seesaw. The usual cause (besides having that hinge) is the lack of keeping the hinge and, if present, the wedge bolts tight. So I suggest checking them periodically, especially if there's hills to climb. Andy
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