Riser bars or stem?

[rambler85]

I have short arms and a long torso. Therefore my bars are sometimes hard to reach. It is impossible to sit straight up and touch the grips. I want them to come closer. It looks like my options are either an angled stem, which doesn't seem like it would do that much, or riser bars. Any suggestions?

[Joe_W]

What kind of bike do you have? Is it the right bike for your way of riding?

[DaveM]

You'll have a lot more options if you change bars. There are not only bars that rise up some, but also ones that wrap back to different degrees. But yes, it does depend on the kind of bike and kind of riding.

[rambler85]

I ride a mountain bike. I ride it to commute. I'm not sure I want a road bike. I don't think it suits how I ride. Its a Kona fire mountain race light, not sure what frame or crank size.

[JonB]

Have you considered a shorter stem? this will move the bars closer to you much better than an angled stem, and it will make the steering more responsive and precise as a bonus.

[rambler85]

I was thinking that as well. I work at a very common bike culture hub. I get to see a lot of peoples bikes. I don't however get a lot of time to talk to people about it. But, I get to check out what mods. various people have made. The best one today was a two person recumbent bike.

[Joe_W]

Yes, shorten the cockpit. You will realize that the handling will change dramatically, so if you think it becomes unrideable get a frame that fits you and your way of riding.

[rambler85]

I was looking down at it while riding today (ya, real smart I know) and a shorter stem does seem like a good solution. As it is, the stem on there sticks out like 3.5/4 inches. I also like the idea of tighter handling. Its already good, but improvement is always cool.

[JonB]

100mm is fairly long for an mtb stem. try a 40/50mm stem (2" ish maybe). Most cheap stems will be fine as long as they're fairly solid.