Stem Extender

msurads06

I have a 1980s Schwinn World Sport that I really need to raise the handle bars on. Right now it is about 1 inch higher than the minimum insertion point (yes I know that's not safe, its a VERY temporary change). I know the proper answer is that the bike is too small/ buy a new one, but that wont be an option for atleast 6 moths possibly a year. The seat post will rise just high enough for me but the handle bars are 2-3 inches below seat level which is WAY too low for me.
I am looking at the sunlite chromo quill stem extender which would give me another few inches in handlebar height. I realize I will likely have to replace some/all of the cables on the bike. I am just wondering if anyone has used these and what your experiences have been or if there is another brand. I am really trying to find a way to make this bike work for me atleast until the end of the summer.

I Have a hybrid that I am riding right now but I am hoping to ride a half century/metric century in August and I really don't want to attempt it on my hybrid. (though I know its doable). Any suggestions?

beemerphile1

Check Goodwill, Salvation Army and those types of stores for a bike you can cannibalize.

rvoodoo

I usually hit up amazon and look through reviews... hasn't let me down yet. The one you mention has 37 reviews, 4 out of 5 stars - I'd usually gamble on that. There's also some by Delta that have more ratings and have a 4.5. Hit up amazon and read the reviews to get detailed info on what folks are saying.

msurads06

Part of my concern is how it will alter my reach to the handle bars, I know an extender will help raise the bars. Right now in its current configuration I have a very hard time reaching the hoods so I tend to ride the tops/flats of my handle bars. this works ok because I have interrupter levers on the bike but I am trying to get away from using them since they can be dangerous and anew bike wont have them anyway. I cant currently get enough of a grip on the brakes with my hands on the hoods to use the brakes without the interrupter levers. So even though the bike is "too small" I cant reach the hoods.

I guess my question is will raising the handle bars to at least seat height make it easier to reach the brake hoods?

veloman21

Hunt around online and see if you can find a frame that is your size and transfer your components over. Or better still buy a similar bike on Enay and sell yours. I see a few on EBay for around $100 or less.

msurads06

Veloman, I have been keeping an eye on craigslist for a new bike, I am extremely leery of buying a bike on ebay that I will not have a chance to testdrive prior to purchasing, unfortunately everything is more than I can afford right now. I have made the deal with myself that if I ride in the HHH in august I can have a new (at least to me) bike (after the ride). but until then I have to make due with what I have even if that means riding the 50 on my hybrid and possibly adding handlebar extenders/ends for more hand positions. I have a fair amount of equipment to purchase/re-purchase (new bike bag, frame pump, patch kit, etc) before then so I cant really afford to buy a bike as well.

bsexton3

Keep checking craigslist. Several years ago, I was looking for a touring bike. Ended up getting exactly what I wanted with all the guy's gear thrown in. Got panniers, sleeping bag, mirrors, spare tubes, pump, etc. All for less than the cost of the gear.

lpherman01

Here you go. I have 2 of them for my older road bikes. They look pretty nice as well.
universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=7425&category=1728