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Lowering Handlebar Height

by SnowdoniaClimber
Mon, Mar 28, 2016 14:04
5

So I have what I think is the perfect position set up on my training bike on a 52cm frame. However on my race bike, which is a 54cm frame I cannot get the same measurements. I am a student so a new 52cm race bike is pretty much not an option. But I am looking for some ideas to increase the saddle to bar drop.

 

The measurements on my training bike (the ideal) are:

Saddle to Bar Drop: 14cm

Saddle to Bar Reach: 52.5cm

 

The measurements on my race bike (what I want to change) are:

Saddle to Bar Drop: 11cm

Saddle to Bar Reach: 54cm

 

I currently have a 17 degree, 100mm stem on the race bike. 

The current headset bearing cover on the race bike has a stack of 17mm. 

 

So the question really, is what ways can I increase the drop from 11cm to 14cm. I am fine with the reach being a little longer but could do with the drop being larger. 

 

I have seen the 'Slam That Stem' bearing covers which have very little stack. So this looks like a good option. Also a stem with an angle greater than 17 degrees, but am unsure as to what effect this has on saddle to bar drop, it probably depends on the length of the stem. 

 

Any tips are appreciated, cheers. 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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5 comments

Avatar
Nixster | 8 years ago
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http://www.wiggle.co.uk/3t-rotundo-pro-aluminium-handlebar/

Have you looked at something like this? Would give you more drop to the well, drops, than a compact bar. 

After that and slamming the stem I think you're stuck. All due respect to Big Dave but that BBB stem is mo' fugly whichever way up it is yes

Avatar
Goyt | 8 years ago
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Dave is close with his answer, a 90mm BBB -35deg stem will give you a position 28mm lower than the -17deg stem but it will also shorten the reach by 14mm. 

A 70mm -35deg stem would only lower the position by 22mm but significantly reduce the reach by 33mm.

http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php

It is also worth measuring the reach of the handlebars and position of the hoods as this can easily be a couple of cm difference between two diffferent bikes. 

Avatar
dave atkinson | 8 years ago
0 likes

if you want to make the bike shorter while simultaneously lowering the front, you're probably out of luck. you'd need a 70mm stem for the reach, which (assuming your stem is negative rise) would mean a higher front end for the same stem angle. 

something like this, set as negative rise:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhs-25-highrise-oversize-stem/

would give you more drop but it's not going make the bike significantly shorter

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VeloUSA | 8 years ago
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"Slam the stem"

- That is only using a 5mm conical spacer between the head tube and stem.

"Also a stem with an angle greater than 17 degrees, but am unsure as to what effect this has on saddle to bar drop, it probably depends on the length of the stem."

- A 17 degree inverted stem will increase your drop significantly. If your stem is already inverted you're on an inappropriate frame geomtery for your riding style.

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SnowdoniaClimber replied to VeloUSA | 8 years ago
0 likes

VeloUSA wrote:

"Slam the stem"

- That is only using a 5mm conical spacer between the head tube and stem.

"Also a stem with an angle greater than 17 degrees, but am unsure as to what effect this has on saddle to bar drop, it probably depends on the length of the stem."

- A 17 degree inverted stem will increase your drop significantly. If your stem is already inverted you're on an inappropriate frame geomtery for your riding style.

 

I know that is what slamming a stem is, that is the name of the brand I've seen. My current 17 degree stem is already inverted aswell. Thanks anyway.

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