Help with handlebar height/shape

I've got disproportionately long legs and a bad back so I feel more comfortable with the handlebar stem pretty high up. Trouble with this is that because of the angle, it comes towards me and makes me feel cramped up against the bars. I know that ultimately I just need a bigger frame, but the one I have is already pretty big and bigger is hard to find (mine is 64cm from crank to top of seat tube measured along seat tube).

Anyone have any advice on the best solution? Should I get a different angle on the handlebar stem (it looks a bit weird at the moment, doesn't fit with the racing bike feel)

Photo is attached,
thanks
twigdip

1 Attachment

A tall stem with a longer reach should help.

Maybe this

Could always try some different handlebars to gain the extra reach. Mustache or bull bars would work. Have a look here for ideas.....

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread16416.html
(one of my favourate threads, rep to GA2G)

I've got similar issues proportion-wise (long legs but short arms instead of bad back) which led me to get a custom frame made for most of my riding. As mentioned above, the stem might be OK with drops or other bars but you need a longer reach for flat bars, hence Cotic offering shorter top-tube versions of their Roadrat frame for use with drops. Try a Nitto technomic or similar stem with a decent rise/reach but you might want to experiment with some cheap old mtb quill stems (loads on ebay usually) before spending that money.

If you could borrow a ergo stem and an ahead converter for a few weeks you could dial in your perfect 'effective' length and rise.
;)
+

A tall stem with a longer reach should help.

Maybe this

The problem with Technomatic stems is that they are really designed for drop bars and are angled down, so you need to then raise them to give the height required.

I'd suggest going for something like a 135mm A-head stem and converter, then flip the stem. This will give extra reach and height.

Going to a stem longer than 135mm really suggests that the frame size is the main issue to be addressed, not the stem.

Technmic stems are not angled down. I have one and it is level.

http://www.hubjub.co.uk/nitto/nittotnomzm.htm
yep , they're flat i think.
thanks for all the feedback guys. i think the technomic might be the best bet. trouble is i basically need to experiment with height of stem and type of handlebar. i'll see if there's any useful stuff lying around the cycle workshop (oxford)

Kalloy
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Kalloy-Kalloy-Alloy-Road-Quill-Stem-to-fit-25.4-mm-Bar-Clamp-100-mm-+30-Deg--110-mm-Max-Height--Silver-5349.htm
[URL="http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Kalloy-Kalloy-Alloy-Road-Quill-Stem-to-fit-25.4-mm-Bar-Clamp-100-mm-+30-Deg--110-mm-Max-Height--Silver-5349.htm"][/URL]

http://www.hubjub.co.uk/nitto/nittotnomzm.htm
yep , they're flat i think.
thanks for all the feedback guys. i think the technomic might be the best bet. trouble is i basically need to experiment with height of stem and type of handlebar. i'll see if there's any useful stuff lying around the cycle workshop (oxford)

Well worth borrowing an ergo stem if you can. Then start riding with the appropriate allen key and adjust as you go (ie. after a climb or decent, which was less than comfy). I used to make mental notes about future adjustments, while out riding. But found it far easier take the required tools and make the adjustments there and then (I have a homer style memory). Bear in mind that a really long stem, might make the bike handle like steering a bus.