How can I raise my handlebars?

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  • I bought a frame which I suspect is too small for me (Dolan PC 50cm) while I'm 5'7, I've been having some handlebar palsy problems which means probably my weight is too forward.

    I tried the following adjustments: raising the drop handlebars by flipping the stem so it is angled upwards, push my saddle back as far as it goes. I was thinking maybe a seatpost with a big setback (like the Nitto S84) but then I don't know what would be the effect on my knees... Unfortunately due to the coming lockdown my bike fitting session will be postponed so I would like to find a solution until then.

    Is there a way to raise the handlebars further? It comes with 3 spacers but I guess if the head tube is too short there is not much you can do there? I was really enjoying drop bars but maybe they are not for me? Are there other types of stems that I could try? Currently using Deda Zero 100 and compact drops.

  • Your stem has an 8 degree drop/rise - you could source a 17 degree angle stem to increase the bar height.

    Do you have a picture of the current set-up; presumably the three spacers are below the stem?

  • A high rise stem may be enough or a very ugly option a stem rasier

  • PC is quite low at the front and you're probably a bit between a 50 and a 52. Might be a couple of other things you can try though. You can get more aggressively upward tilting stems from mtb setups like above. Some other things you might want to try are tilt the bars up a bit as it might correct the angle on your wrists and maybe double wrap the bars to fatten them up a bit and reduce the shock loading in your hands. Also do the usuals like make sure your elbows are bent and make sure you're not leaning on your wrists i.e. you're not riding with your wrists completely bent back and your hands turned out.

  • I already angled the bars up a bit. I think a raised stem looks ugly. I wonder if a 52 frame would be better because the head tube is 120mm instead of 105mm. I was convinced that frame size wouldn't matter that much when I got the 50. https://www.dolan-bikes.com/dolan-pre-cursa-aluminium-frameset/

  • Ok so your options are: new stem with larger angle, ugly stem raiser, flat bars (if you're currently riding in the drops), or new fork with longer steerer.

  • Could also try a shorter stem - the feeling of weight being too far forward can be due to too much reach too.

  • I'm riding on the tops most of the time, so I guess flat bars won't make any difference?
    I didn't know I could get a new fork with a longer steerer. Unfortunately Dolan doesn't show the specs for the fork https://www.dolan-bikes.com/dolan-carbon-road-deep-drop-winter-fork-matt-black/. How can I find a fork that is compatible with the PC frame but with a longer steerer? I suppose that will require additional spacers.

  • Try a stem raiser like in @freezing77 ‘s post before committing to a new fork!

  • Those riser drop bars look interesting. Thanks! I was looking at the difference between a PC 50 frame and 52. It is mainly the stack that increases a bit. The reach is almost the same. So it means that probably I could achieve the same adjustment by raising the handlebars either by getting a new fork with a longer steerer or these riser drops.
    But only a bike fitting could tell me if I have a problem with reach as well.
    Does anyone know if a bike fitting calculator could do the job?

  • Photos of you bike?

  • I posted a photo a few posts above. I may take a few more shots tomorrow

  • Get a bigger frame and use riser bar if you dont want to use drops and swept back

  • One factor I underestimated was the stiffness of a triple butted aluminium track frame such as the Dolan PC. The amount of vibrations it transmits is really noticeable comparing to a chromoly 4130 frame.

  • You can mess around with high rise stems and stuff, but it will spoil the look of the bike.

    From what you've said best option might be to sell it and get a different bike with better geometry for you.

    Better to have your fit before buying new bike to work out what you need, rather than after to try to salvage the situation. But if fit not an option now, sell it and get a second hand one...?

  • I ended up getting the specialized hover bar and 80mm stem instead of the 90mm. This gave me some extra stack and less reach. Not the prettiest but it is a bit more comfortable.
    This is a nice tool to compare different stems and how they affect stack and reach: http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php

    When I am riding and look down I can partially see the front hub, with the other stem (90mm) it would be covered. Rule of thumb says on a properly fitted bike you should not be able to see the front hub?


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  • Have you thought about trying brake levers with hoods? It might give you a better hand position than just holding on to the tops.

  • I am learning to do leg over skids for fun :) Brake levers with hoods would get in the way I think. Also I almost always ride on the tops, except to give my palms some rest I change positions briefly.

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How can I raise my handlebars?

Posted by Avatar for user116436 @user116436

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