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Hi all,
Hope you’re all safe and well.
I took the roadie out for the first time the other day, and it became obvious that my pre existing upper spine issue has worsened. It became painful to lift my head in order to see.
I compensate for this on the MTBs with geo/bar height etc.
Just wondered if the inverted bars thing is viable on modern road bikes. The last time I did this was in the 70s
I know I could fit standard riser bars, but don’t want to have to change brakes/shifters etc
I would invert them, if it works for you then do it.
I did a bit of riding on the road the other day on my mountain bike and as I was not having to keep up with anyone, get a KOM or worry about aero - I suddlenly realised just how much more comfy a mountain bike is compared to a road bike.
-17 stem upside down or an adjustable stem?
Following an exchange of comments on a stoogecycles instagram post I am now aware of a thing called a ‘Limp Dick Stem’. Honest it is a real thing and I think it is what you need. Apparently politer people than Mr Stooge call it a ‘Signe Stem’ or ‘Gooseneck Stem’
BTW if you get a limp dick do the decent thing and hide the monstrosity behind a bar bag, also a top tip from Mr Stooge😀
Cheers .. I’ve already fitted an upward pointing (technical name) stem, but it’s just not enough.
Go for it.
If it makes you more comfortable then it's fine. Also you will be cool, like the big boys who used to do it when I was a kid.
Can I also suggest pegging football cards to your seat stays - you'll sound just like a motorbike as you accelerate away.
I ride the fatty on the road a bit.
Definitely more comfortable.
Cheers guys, I think I’ll just take myself to the mancave and give it a go.
Easily: we used lolly sticks
Are there any known pitfalls to look out for re the gears etc. Will I have to swap brakes to the other side???
There are road riser bars. Specialized make some, so do FSA. Coupled with a decent 17-19deg stem rise and perhaps a slightly shorter stem, that would place you substantially more upright.
There were some in the latest edition of the CTC mag too, I think.
All these suggestions are too small, what I was talking about can give you a massive change to the bar height, equivalent to your upside down bars (but obviously not as cheap and you are going to need new gear and brake cables.)
https://velo-orange.com/products/cigne-stem
I was thinking some of those riser drop bars.
Mixed with a Velo Cigne stem would give you a decent rise.
Means spending money IMHO would look less daft.
Use a steerer riser?
https://www.evanscycles.com/fwe-stem-riser-1-1-8-EV180192
the stem on our tandem is mounted at the top of the uncut steerer to give me LOADS of height.
Are you definitely wanting to keep with drops? Would a hybrid make more sense?
They tend to be cheaper than road bikes on the used market so you could sell yours and buy a nice one.
OP do you mean inverting the bars then re fitting the stis the right way up? Full set of cables needed if so.
Or do you mean just spinning them round in the stem?
As above a limp dick stem or array of high rise stem and extenders might be better
Now that might just be the thing 👍
Lots of great ideas to play with thanks.
In fairness I hate the bloody thing and all it stands for, but atm needs must.
I’ll have a little play I think
Not sure modern bars will flip particularly well unless they have a really classic shape