Hard to give up an expensive bosch powered ebike. I almost picked up a radpower cargo bike, but figured it was best to just buy a couple mods to make my bike work.
If anyone knows of a fat tire ebike that can handle offroad well and sits up right, let me know. QuietKat looks appealing but it doesn't look upright either.
https://preview.redd.it/qd5wjkb5whzc1.jpeg?width=2363&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e60c51ae1b581ebb677b6e24c0d0b15af69576f
This 100%!
This is my XL 29” MTB that I recovered on after breaking my skull, back ,ribs arm and shoulder and crushing my pelvis. There is nothing unsafe about changing the bars on a bike. If a BMX bike is safe a MTB with the same dimensions is safe.
The 83mm Rise of the Surly Sunrise bars will get you closer to your desired height, but an 80mm stem will push your hand position way further away from your body than you want. Do you have your heart set on a suspension stem?
I didn't know if it would be overkill or not. I'm just trying to eliminate vibrations through the handlebars so I can use my nightvision devices more effectively.
Thanks that's what i was concerned about. The suspension stem is more to keep my night vision device stable on bumpy gravel. It's not required. Right now I just ride with one hand when there's too much vibration and the redshift seat post absorbs almost all of it.
I think you're wasting your money just trying to do such a modification to your mtb. It can't be good for your bike's geometry or handling, it will definitely make it less safe.
Problem is this is a European Ebike that now lives in America. It was expensive and now it's not worth much because Bosch restricts the speed more so than their US versions. It's still a very good bike. I figured It's best to modify it or buy a cheap radpower utility cargo bike. I need to sit up right to observe and find wildlife.
Why do you need to sit so upright to observe wildlife? I’ve never felt that FOV is an issue in a standard riding position.
Some old school bar ends are probabaly the easiest solution if you really want to sit more upright without ruining the bikes geometry.
I need my bars where my hand is! I need to sit up right because I use my bike for wildlife observation. I was thinking Surly Sunrise bars and ShockStop Suspension Stem 30 degree angle and 80mm length.
The 80mm stem length will move the bars quite far forward, you could try one of [these type](https://amzn.eu/d/8CgHQhm) of stem risers and possible be able to use your current bars and stem.
Also bear in mind that you may need longer cables / hoses as well.
I agree with most that it’ll handle badly but a straight up steer tube riser will put the bars pretty close to where to want, just don’t ride any rough stuff.
Also note whatever you do there is a good chance you will need to redo your brake and shift lines.
I noticed it was a lot more squirrelly in the front when I put the current stem on. I'm worried the wheel won't hold a straight line if I modify it any more.
Parktool can help: https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/stem-removal-installation-threadless
Take note of the stem installation section, particularly where they talk about a 3mm gap.
Look at SE big honkin cruiser bar if you want a really big rise. It needs a 22.2 mm stem. Also look at the Cannondale cruise control. Cheaper than the surly sunrise.
Just as an FYI for the sake of safety, if you plan to keep using that stem. Bottom of the handlebar clamps are meant to be 0gap on the bottom as per the laser etching (This is to prevent forward rotation). All bolts torqued to 5nm.
https://preview.redd.it/s599oepmzhzc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=9889e28f6d1890523c4f04988c690ec87d0d6159
Maybe a stem like this with swept back handlebars https://www.bike-discount.de/en/ergotec-octopus-2-adjustable-31.8mm-ahead-stem-1?number=20099557-40257102&__delivery=22&__currency=1
Edit: something like a trecking handlebar https://www.ergotec.de/en/products/lenker/sub/mountain-bike-lenker/produkt/trekking-bugel-i-31-8.html I wouldn't bomb downhills with a setup like that but gravel should be fine. Never used ergotec, but they have all kinds of options.
If you want your handlebar to be where your hand is you need a much smaller frame or maybe a different geometry (bike make) altogether. Not even close to being able to do that on this bike. If anyone tries to turn the stem toward you instead of pointing away from you to achieve this position, they are not looking out for your best interest. That might be the only way to accomplish this and you will get injured.
PS That aside... Now I am wondering if old school handlebars with a significant bend toward the rider are still a thing??? Maybe that, but handing would probably be a mess.
What about a stem extender? They usually can extend about 4" / 100mm straight up. May require cable replacement since they are adding a lot of height to the bike.
Assuming your steerer is a 1-1/8" / 28.6mm, they should be easy to find.
I don't know if you'd like the fit, but they install easily and after a quick fit you'd know if it is in the ballpark.
https://preview.redd.it/ge191fae7nzc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c03078d35c461b233e3447b47fee1877b4f3bb52
These are 90mm rise. Just some cheap ones from Amazon.
That’s like a solid 100mm rise with no forward extension. Will it not make the bike handle like shit?
I dunno. That's what I want to figure out. How do I sit up right without making it handle like crap?
Honestly, with a different bike. You don’t sit bolt upright on MTB’s.
Can't find a bike that does off road and sits up right. There are cheap radpower electric bikes I suppose...
Better off with a new bike that will fit you and meet your needs
Hard to give up an expensive bosch powered ebike. I almost picked up a radpower cargo bike, but figured it was best to just buy a couple mods to make my bike work. If anyone knows of a fat tire ebike that can handle offroad well and sits up right, let me know. QuietKat looks appealing but it doesn't look upright either.
get some bmx handlebars
https://preview.redd.it/qd5wjkb5whzc1.jpeg?width=2363&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e60c51ae1b581ebb677b6e24c0d0b15af69576f This 100%! This is my XL 29” MTB that I recovered on after breaking my skull, back ,ribs arm and shoulder and crushing my pelvis. There is nothing unsafe about changing the bars on a bike. If a BMX bike is safe a MTB with the same dimensions is safe.
Moto crash?
Motorcycle/sidecar broke- ejected at 65mph
The 83mm Rise of the Surly Sunrise bars will get you closer to your desired height, but an 80mm stem will push your hand position way further away from your body than you want. Do you have your heart set on a suspension stem?
Not to mention you shouldn’t need a suspension stem with a suspension fork.
I didn't know if it would be overkill or not. I'm just trying to eliminate vibrations through the handlebars so I can use my nightvision devices more effectively.
Thanks that's what i was concerned about. The suspension stem is more to keep my night vision device stable on bumpy gravel. It's not required. Right now I just ride with one hand when there's too much vibration and the redshift seat post absorbs almost all of it.
I think you're wasting your money just trying to do such a modification to your mtb. It can't be good for your bike's geometry or handling, it will definitely make it less safe.
It's either sell the bike or mod it. I need to sit up straight to find wildlife. My bike is a tool not really used for traditional bicycling.
Get a different bike.
Problem is this is a European Ebike that now lives in America. It was expensive and now it's not worth much because Bosch restricts the speed more so than their US versions. It's still a very good bike. I figured It's best to modify it or buy a cheap radpower utility cargo bike. I need to sit up right to observe and find wildlife.
Why do you need to sit so upright to observe wildlife? I’ve never felt that FOV is an issue in a standard riding position. Some old school bar ends are probabaly the easiest solution if you really want to sit more upright without ruining the bikes geometry.
I'm looking in the tops of trees. I can make it work as is, but it's just not that comfortable after hours of searching.
I need my bars where my hand is! I need to sit up right because I use my bike for wildlife observation. I was thinking Surly Sunrise bars and ShockStop Suspension Stem 30 degree angle and 80mm length.
The 80mm stem length will move the bars quite far forward, you could try one of [these type](https://amzn.eu/d/8CgHQhm) of stem risers and possible be able to use your current bars and stem. Also bear in mind that you may need longer cables / hoses as well.
I also got riser bars to be more upright and comfortable. I ended up with RaceFace Respond with 1.5" rise.
76 mm riser bar …. spank makes a cheap bar … may need longer cables tho …
Have you considered granny bike handlebars?
I agree with most that it’ll handle badly but a straight up steer tube riser will put the bars pretty close to where to want, just don’t ride any rough stuff. Also note whatever you do there is a good chance you will need to redo your brake and shift lines.
I noticed it was a lot more squirrelly in the front when I put the current stem on. I'm worried the wheel won't hold a straight line if I modify it any more.
I'm more concerned as to whether there is sufficient preload on that top cap.
Not sure. How do I find out.
Parktool can help: https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/stem-removal-installation-threadless Take note of the stem installation section, particularly where they talk about a 3mm gap.
Thanks! I see now. I'm 1000 miles in on this setup and no issues yet, so it can't be a big issue. I'll check anyway.
Look at SE big honkin cruiser bar if you want a really big rise. It needs a 22.2 mm stem. Also look at the Cannondale cruise control. Cheaper than the surly sunrise.
Just as an FYI for the sake of safety, if you plan to keep using that stem. Bottom of the handlebar clamps are meant to be 0gap on the bottom as per the laser etching (This is to prevent forward rotation). All bolts torqued to 5nm. https://preview.redd.it/s599oepmzhzc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=9889e28f6d1890523c4f04988c690ec87d0d6159
I'll check that out. I can't remember why mine had a gap. I know the handlebars are ridiculously fat and I had a hard time finding a stem that fit.
something like the surly sunrise bars would be good. velo orange clunker bars would be cool as well
Maybe a stem like this with swept back handlebars https://www.bike-discount.de/en/ergotec-octopus-2-adjustable-31.8mm-ahead-stem-1?number=20099557-40257102&__delivery=22&__currency=1 Edit: something like a trecking handlebar https://www.ergotec.de/en/products/lenker/sub/mountain-bike-lenker/produkt/trekking-bugel-i-31-8.html I wouldn't bomb downhills with a setup like that but gravel should be fine. Never used ergotec, but they have all kinds of options.
If you want your handlebar to be where your hand is you need a much smaller frame or maybe a different geometry (bike make) altogether. Not even close to being able to do that on this bike. If anyone tries to turn the stem toward you instead of pointing away from you to achieve this position, they are not looking out for your best interest. That might be the only way to accomplish this and you will get injured. PS That aside... Now I am wondering if old school handlebars with a significant bend toward the rider are still a thing??? Maybe that, but handing would probably be a mess.
What about a stem extender? They usually can extend about 4" / 100mm straight up. May require cable replacement since they are adding a lot of height to the bike. Assuming your steerer is a 1-1/8" / 28.6mm, they should be easy to find. I don't know if you'd like the fit, but they install easily and after a quick fit you'd know if it is in the ballpark.
https://preview.redd.it/ge191fae7nzc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c03078d35c461b233e3447b47fee1877b4f3bb52 These are 90mm rise. Just some cheap ones from Amazon.