Headset spacers driving me nuts!

[Belinda]

Hi - I just got my first REAL bike (women's road bike) and want to raise the handlebars about 2cm. However all three spacers were already under the stem (total 2.5cm), and the shop (where I was first told they could just put another spacer on if I needed the bars raised) then told me (over the phone) that I was out of adjustment. Ugh. Does that mean my bike stem can't be raised any higher using spacers? Anyone got any idea whether just buy another spacer and inserting it under the stem is an option or are the spacers you buy the bike with the maximum depth that's safe on the tube? I bought a raiser but it FAR too high and designed so it doesn't drop down the full length of the existing tube. I'm infuriated that I have a bike I don't seem to be able to adjust to fit me!

 

[User6179]

Your maxed out but may be able to flip the stem provided it is not already been flipped.

 

[Sharky]

You have a few options. Flip the stem or buy a stem with a greater angle.
Use a stem riser http://www.evanscycles.com/products/delta/stem-raiser-ec005113
Or get a stem with a pivot. These allow variations to be tried, but they can creak a bit. The look ergo stem used to be the most adjustable, but were expensive and I don't know if you can still get them.

Good luck,
Keith

 

[ufkacbln]

The overriding factor is the length of the fork tube above the top of the frame, once that is filled then you cannot add any more

In this case because the stem is flush, you cannot add any more. This is the usual case when you buy a bike

The option you may have (as above) depends upon how high you are already

An extender fits over the stem in place of your present spacers:

You can then stack further spacers and on this.

Beware though that thee minimum stack will determined by the collar, and that you will end up with spacers above as well as below the handlebar stem

 

[screenman]

Could you not cut the extra off, like we do with forks?

 

[Brommyboy]

Try inverting the stem first! It may give you sufficient rise.

 

[ufkacbln]

Could you not cut the extra off, like we do with forks?

Not at first.......

You are better putting up with the space

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Maybe just ride the bike for a while - you might find you get used to it? You might even find it is better.

Maybe you could shorten the stem to sit you up a bit straighter?

Presume the bike shop gave you at least a basic fit? If not go back to them and ask what to do.

 

[screenman]

Try a week or two of stretches, that may help.

 

[Belinda]

Hi - thank you so much for ALL your replies. I think the solution will prove to be a combination of most of them. I took off the raiser as it was like riding a penny-farthing, and went back to the original height and rode out for 25 miles. Certainly better than the last time I did that, so I am sure a lot of the solution lies in getting used to the position. However, when I got home I did also flip the stem, and I think that should give me the extra height I need. Very grateful for the advice