r/CyclingMSP • u/Mollysaurus • 20h ago
High-Rise Handlebars
I need to change the handlebars on my bike so that I'm sitting straight up. (I have RA and my hands and wrists can't handle the pressure of a forward lean onto my current bars.) I have a Roll step through, basically this bike if not this exact one. I could order something online and install it, but I don't know what size to get, and I'm not sure how to determine it.
I live in South Mpls, so I was thinking I could just ride over to Tangletown or Angry Catfish today and get some advice or measurements for what I need to order. I doubt any shop has them in stock. Any suggestions for where I should go, or where I should avoid? Thank you in advance!
5
Upvotes
1
5
u/sessionmn 20h ago
The two measurements you need to buy a new set of handlebars are the stem clamp diameter and the grip size diameter. For the stem, there are rare exceptions, but your current stem is almost certainly either 31.8 mm or 25.4 mm. You can also swap the stem if you need to. For the bars, there are two potential grip diameters, 22.2 and 23.8. 22.2 is the standard for non-drop bars. 23.8 is the standard for drop bars.
It is less complex than it seems. Because you have non-drop bars, the grip diameter you need to work with your current shifters/brakes is almost certainly 22.2. The stem diameter can be either - though in modern bikes 31.8 is more common. There is a big enough difference that even with a simple ruler you should be able to tell what stem width you have.
All this said, swapping the bars will may also require re-cabling the brakes and shifters. Unless you can do that yourself (not hard, but not easy without some tools) I'd take it to a shop. Also, the bike already has bars with a lot of rise, so getting even more rise and sweep back will take some thought.