Stem to raise handlebars

[Adam.]

For context I know very little about bikes, just bought myself and the missus a second hand bike to get about and improve fitness.

Both bikes are BTWIN Riverside 500 hybrid bikes, for context both cost £80-100 so not looking to invest big money.

She is finding the lean forward stance uncomfortable on her back and would like to raise the handlebars.

What stem (or spacers) could I buy to raise the height? I have tried the Decathlon site but it isn’t clear what part would work, same with Google

Help would be welcomed

[Super Sonic]

You need a high rise stem, riser handlebars, or both.
If you fit a high rise stem, you need to get the correct clamp size, as there are at least three different sizes of steerer tube, alsobeware the forks may fall out when removing the old stem. You will probably also need to preload the headset. If you change the handlebars, you will need to remove the grips and controls from the old handlebar and fit them to the new one. You may need new grips. If you're not sure about any of this, it's probably worth going to your local bike shop.

[Super Sonic]

High rise stem

[Super Sonic]

Riser bars

[Adam.]

Thanks SS

Don’t want to change the handlebars as that sounds like an expensive hassle. Don’t mind swapping a stem over if that is a basic spannering job.

The specific question is what riser will fit, will that one you posted work?

I will take a picture of the current stem

[Adam.]

[Super Sonic]

Adam. said:

Thanks SS

Don’t want to change the handlebars as that sounds like an expensive hassle. Don’t mind swapping a stem over if that is a basic spannering job.

The specific question is what riser will fit, will that one you posted work?

I will take a picture of the current stem

Not sure. Won't be able to measure the stem from a photo. It needs to have the clamp to fit your steerer tube, which will probably be 1" or 1⅛ diameter. You may have to remove a top cap from your steerer tube to remove the stem. The top cap will have an Allen key bolt. When you put the new stem on, you will need to preload your headset bearings. This is done either by screwing down the stem top cap (with the stem free to slide down and apply pressure on the headset bearings) or there may be a taper collar on the headset which squeezes down against the headset by pushing against the stem. There are other kinds as well. The headset should turn smoothly without feeling loose or stiff.
You also need to make sure the stem has a removable handlebar clamp to remove e the need to take the handlebar grip and controls off one end. Tbh if you have no experience of working on bicycles it might be better to take it to your local bike shop or even Halfords.

[Super Sonic]

From your picture I can't tell what size steerer you have, and the headset is neither of the types I mentioned.

[OutInTheShed]

You're not going to be able to raise those bars much.
A longer, up-angle stem will raise them a bit, but also move the bars forwards.
The bars being forwards may be part of the problem, not the solution.
A short stem could move them back.

Possibly, there is scope to move the saddle forwards.

Possibly your partner is just not used to bikes and will get used to it.

Possibly the frame size is wrong.

Possibly just lowering the saddle would work, if we're not looking for peak performance?

Different bars may not be expensive.

Any changes to the bars could cause issues with brake and gear cables.

Maybe go to a bike shop or Halfords or Go Outdoors and sit on some alternative bikes?

[bobbo89]

Adam. said:

Thanks SS

Don’t want to change the handlebars as that sounds like an expensive hassle. Don’t mind swapping a stem over if that is a basic spannering job.

Bars are just as easy a job as a stem IMO and for what you're wanting some high rise bars seem the best option.

You might think a stem is dead easy but you'll have to pre-load the headset, align it and then re-align the bars. Bars are just grips and brakes/shifters off, old bar off, new bar on, align and re-fit brakes/shifters and grips.

[some bloke]

I have used a stem extender in the past - a few minites work to add it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WINOMO-Handlebar-Bicycle-...

[Adam.]

bobbo89 said:

Bars are just as easy a job as a stem IMO and for what you're wanting some high rise bars seem the best option.

You might think a stem is dead easy but you'll have to pre-load the headset, align it and then re-align the bars. Bars are just grips and brakes/shifters off, old bar off, new bar on, align and re-fit brakes/shifters and grips.

Noted thanks, illustrating my lack of knowledge

[Adam.]

some bloke said:

I have used a stem extender in the past - a few minites work to add it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WINOMO-Handlebar-Bicycle-...

Thanks, that would be perfect it fits her bike, will check

[df76]

I've used this (or very similar) before. Worked well. https://www.tredz.co.uk/.System-EX-Adjustable-Stem...

[Adam.]

some bloke said:

I have used a stem extender in the past - a few minites work to add it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WINOMO-Handlebar-Bicycle-...

Worked a treat thanks, so much so I ordered another for me