Hi everyone,
I’m looking to raise the handlebars on my road bike (GIANT Defy Advanced 1, 2021) to make my riding position more comfortable. I’ve heard about using spacers(?), but I’m not sure if that’s the only option or if there’s anything else I should consider.
Do I need specific tools or parts to adjust this? Are there any limits to how much I can raise them? And are there other methods besides spacers?
I’d appreciate any advice or tips! Thanks in advance!
Thanks!
Sebastian
Pictures attached.
by ess_te
14 Comments
It’s already as high as it can go by using spacers. You can flip the stem over to get more rise, just watch out for binding cables/hoses because of the routing. But this looks like it’ll be fine.
Tool-wise you need a few hex tools, and a torque wrench could be a good idea if you don’t have a sense of how tight the bolts should be.
Using this tool can be helpful to compare the stem as it is now to after changes. This will let you understand how the bar will move before you actually change things: [http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php](http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php)
Currently the spacers are set to the highest position, the bars could be lowered and spacers put on top but obviously that’s not what you want.
You do get fork adapters, that would clamp to the fork post and your stem would then attach to this.
But I think the simplest solution would be to get a rising stem, I wouldn’t get the adjustable ones get a solid one like this
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjTvOvuxbuKAxXokVAGHV3dCDgYABAHGgJkZw&ae=2&aspm=1&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAiAjp-7BhBZEiwAmh9rBRHE6_Dfo12QNBSRRHysg3QZ4rSlKXOoX0gpJN4S6zL3cZSJZYnQ3xoCxZ0QAvD_BwE&sig=AOD64_09iPRYD6-Z4chGRc9nDykzgCvRTg&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&ved=2ahUKEwiovuHuxbuKAxUkQEEAHYlfAdAQwg8oAHoECAUQIw&adurl=
Flip the stem, youll need an allen key. Look it up on youtube, carbon can be fragile so dont overtighten.
You might need a torque wrench
No more room for spacers, but you can flip the stem for some rise. Remove handlebars, remove stem top cap, loosen stem bolt and slide off and flip. Reassemble in reverse order. Torque wrench is advised, also YouTube how to adjust threadless headset. Good luck!
Red shift makes drop bars that have a little bit of rice. You can either get that or a rising stem or both then your bike might handle funny. You could also give it a few weeks and see if you can get used to the position if you’re not used to riding road bikes
The spacers are under your stem so it is already at maximum height.
Easiest is to switch your stem upside down. It’s possible for most stems. It will point upwards instead of down. Make sure you don’t overtighten the bolts especially the one on top. Best to look up a youtube video (parktool channel for example) how to adjust the stem.
Another option is to replace the stem with a different stem that points more upwards.
Last option is to buy a stem extender and extra spacers. It will look weird though and you will look like an old guy with back problems and people will judge you for it (not saying that you will or should care but its the facts)
You’re already at max spacers but can flip the stem. If you need more, you can get a 17 degree stem that will raise it up even higher. Looks like yours is around 7.
you can’t add any more spacers below the stem. if anything, you should probably remove on below the stem, and put it on top, moving the stem down one. i like to have a spacer on top; usually the stem has a better grip on the steerer that way. but sometimes things are designed for that flat/aero look.
you *can* flip the stem, though.
i would have your local bike shop do this if you’re not confident taking apart stuff. you need to undo the four bolts holding your handlebars and take those off, loosen the two bolts holding the stem the steerer, and completely remove the top cap. then turn the stem over. it should point up now.
to reassemble you will need a **torque wrench**. with years of experience you might be able to do it by feel, but every competent mechanic i know uses the proper tool. if your bars or fork are carbon especially.
top cap first. tighten to preload your headset so the fork doesn’t wobble in it. line up your stem with the tire so everything is straight. then tighten the stem bolts to their torque spec (usually but not always 5nm). then attach the bars, checking they are centered and level. should be markings that will help with centering, but you will likely have to eyeball level. i like to judge level based on where the hoods meet the bars. tigthen the four bolts, a little at a time, in a cross pattern, up to torque spec (also usually 5nm) checking for equal spacing all around.
if this seems too much, please get a bike shop to do it.
edit: your stem bolts appear to say 5.5nm. it’s not clear from the picture but i’m assuming the decimal is there. 55 would be absurd.
Like others have said you can flip the stem, but you can also get one with more rise as well. And maybe shorter if needed… they’re cheap.
You can flip the stem and mount some riser handlebars, but are you sure that the discomfort comes from the bars being too low?
I would try a shorter stem (about 15-20mm shorter) and move your saddle back by the same amount (maybe slightly less), that will move your center of mass rearwards and remove some weight from your hands.
Flip stem and you might want to check if the handlebar is too wide. If it is a less wide one will reduce reach and be more comfortable.
You are at the top of your steerer tube (fork). Adding spacers is not an option. Your existing stem can be “flipped” so that it angles up instead of down. Any other option would involve a different stem built with a greater angle. Yours is currently about – + 6 degrees. If you go much higher, you need to consider the effect on the cables/ hoses.
That looks like a fairly long stem, so a shorter one might also help. It may seem expensive, but a session with a qualified bike fitter might be totally worth it!
Shorter stem might get you the comfort you are looking for as well