Hi everyone,
I just got a Cube Nulane Race 2026 (size 53) and I’m trying to adjust my position because I feel a bit too stretched on the bike.
From what I can see, I have 3 spacers under the stem (2 small + 1 larger one). Above the stem, I only see a thin ring and the top cap, but I’m not sure if that thin ring is actually a spacer or just part of the headset.
👉 Based on the photo, am I already at the maximum handlebar height?
Or is there still a spacer above the stem that I could move underneath?
I’m trying to get a more upright position and reduce some neck pain while riding.
(see attached photo)
Thanks a lot for your help!
by paulinel14
9 Comments
yes, that is the highest position. you could get an angled stem or even handlebars with some built-in rise, but you will never be comfortable trying to make yourself bolt-upright on a road bike. it sounds to me like there are other bike-fit or core strength related factors at play we should consider
your next move is most likely to flip the stem upside down so it has a positive rise.
cant say if you can go higher in the stack without knowing how much steertube is under there, but the most you’ll possibly be able to do is probably move that little spacer below the stem. steertube must be above the upper bolt of the stem clamp, no exceptions.
the process of flipping the stem will let you figure that out tho.
That small ring is a spacer but if you move it under the stem you might have the top stem bolts above the steerer tube which is less than ideal but usually but too much of a problem if you are careful about torque specs and not dealing with carbon fiber.
As to your neck pain, the handlebar height here is probably not the main factor but a product of overall bike fit.
You could always flip the stem
Riser bar time
Riser bar time
Riser bar time!
“More upright” isn’t really the opposite of “too stretched”. You probably should get a professional fitting. Stem can be flipped, but that appears close to a 90-degree stem. New stem with higher rise is a fairly easy alteration here. But I’d want a real bike fit done to guide that change.
Wouldn’t the spacer on top indicate that the fork has not been cut and the spacer can be moved to below the stem? If you try that, ideally the fork would end about 1/8” below the top of the stem. That and flipping the stem could suffice for some added height.