Handlebar vs. knee positioning/setup

[gymbnz74]

As i've gotten closer to completing my conversion i've come up with more questions than answers. I have searched the forum and I think my ability to choose the right keyword is weak...i apologize if these questions have already been answered.

Knee vs. Handlebars:
I'm struggling with this issue. With the seat 8" from the seat tube and the crank adjusted correctly my knees hit right on the bars with the stem facing forward. I have the stem at the top of its setting. I think I need 1 to 2" of additional room as it is, not sure if new bars would have enough upward bend to solve this. Is it better to have knees ahead or behind the handlebars? I think I can solve this a few ways, just wanting to do it in the way that doesn't screw up handling.
1. Turn stem towards me, concerned about that "tiller" steer issue.
2. move seat forward so knees are in front of bars
3. get new stem a. less forward offset
b. adjustable stem.
Any ideas?

Thanks
Jim

 

[Gromit]

gymbnz74 wrote: As i've gotten closer to completing my conversion i've come up with more questions than answers. I have searched the forum and I think my ability to choose the right keyword is weak...i apologize if these questions have already been answered.

Knee vs. Handlebars:
I'm struggling with this issue. With the seat 8" from the seat tube and the crank adjusted correctly my knees hit right on the bars with the stem facing forward. I have the stem at the top of its setting. I think I need 1 to 2" of additional room as it is, not sure if new bars would have enough upward bend to solve this. Is it better to have knees ahead or behind the handlebars? I think I can solve this a few ways, just wanting to do it in the way that doesn't screw up handling.
1. Turn stem towards me, concerned about that "tiller" steer issue.
2. move seat forward so knees are in front of bars
3. get new stem a. less forward offset
b. adjustable stem.
Any ideas?

Thanks
Jim

2 and 3a are the right answers.
2. Your knees should be in front of the bars so you'll need to move the seat forward.
3a. Use a shorter, rigid, non-adjustable stem for less forward offset.
You may also find this article on the differences between the Cruzbike Sofrider V1 and V2 helpful.

 

[gymbnz74]

Gromit,
Thanks for that advice that makes sense to me, I'll get some pictures up as soon as I get it all together.

Cheers

Jim

 

[gymbnz74]

Do you have any recommendations on how long of an extension on the stem? I would think almost none, I just didn't see one that fits that bill on Nashbar, maybe the LBS will have one.

thanks

 

[defjack]

Get a short hi rise stem and cruiser bars for a great bike.I have no knee clearance problems even with the stem lowered and turned upside down. No matter how you do it you don't want your knees directly under the bars. Jack