[mtbphill]

hey all,
I really need to get my stem height higher.
I have a 97 specialized rockhopper A1comp. I'm pretty sure this is a threadless headset, I've unscrewed the hex bolt in the center and it doesn't want to budge.

what would you all recommend I do here? A new stem? Any suggestions?, the higher the better....

TIA

 

[sanjuro]

Threadless is the modern style headset.

Threaded is the old style.

If you have a threaded headset, which I suspect, and it won't budge, take a soft mallet, and tap the stem bolt after you loosen it. There is a wedge nut holding the stem in place.

After that, then you need to tap the stem itself.

 

[zebrahum]

I'm assuming you're looking to sit more upright on your bike. There's three things that will help.

1. Stem length: the shorter the stem, the closer the bar is to you.
2. Stem angle: if the stem angle is pointing way up then the bars will be higher, and you'll sit straighter up.
3. Handlebar height: again, the higher the rise height, the more upright you'll be.

Playing with a combination of these things will help you get your bike where you want it. Think of what you're trying to get out of your bike, and remember that each of these changes will affect the way your bike handles, probably negatively. Though really high handlebars can make your bike easy to wheelie sometimes.

 

[mtbphill]

thanks for the responses,
Yes, I have a threadless headset and yes I really need to sit more upright. I find myself riding on the tips of my fingers just to get more upright.
Is there nothing I can do with a threadless headset, other than buying a new stem?

 

[JRogers]

The only options are either new stem or adding spacers. But you can only do the latter if you have some extra steerer tube. If there are no spacers on top of you stem right now (which is probably the case) then you will most likely need a new stem to get a decent difference in bar height.

 

[mtbphill]

thanks man

 

[zebrahum]

You can't just add spacers. You can move spacers around, but you can't add more spacers. If you raise the stem too far, you won't get enough thread on your headset bolt and your stem would probably be too far above its safe use zone (i.e. broken stem). Plus adding spacers will only get you maybe 5mm of directly upward adjustment, really not useful if you're riding on your finger tips.

Sounds like your bike is too big, you should have your size checked next time you're in the market for a bike. Buy a stem, cheapest and easiest way to do what you want. Remember if you go too high on the stem, you might end up needing to recable your bike because they can tend to be too short for large changes.

 

[mtbphill]

hey, thanks.
ya, a new bike isn't really an option...i've been riding this one since '97. i don't think it's too big, i think my saddle is just up to high in comparison to my handlebar height (i'm 6'5"). I'm just going to buy a new stem and hopefully the cables can handle it.