Headset & bar modification

GoldenMotor.com

Jemma Hawtrey

New Member
Dec 29, 2007
288
2
0
Essex, UK
Hi,

I've made a major change to the bike today. Basically I have reversed the headset on the bike and redone all the controls to suit.

The only problem I have run into with this setup is knees and handlebars when pedalling slowly (from stop), they tend to collide... :rolleyes: and manuvering the bike is harder because the end of the bars hit my legs - this should be solved by moving the seat back further (which means a new seatpost :( )

I've also moved the storage bag I had on the bars to the RHS of the bike using the GEBE mount to put it on the bike. I *might* be able to fit another bag on the other side.

My fuel tank is leaking slightly from the top bolt mounting on the RHS of the fuel tank but I cant see a leak anywhere - is there anything I can use to stop it?

Comfortable cruise is now 31mph and the bike will wind out another 4-5mph above that WOT.

Pictures are attached

Jemma xx
 

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Jemma Hawtrey

New Member
Dec 29, 2007
288
2
0
Essex, UK
Why did you do this?
Because it saves me back and shoulder ache.. I have tendonitis and a spinal injury so I get pain after about 10-15 minutes riding in my shoulders and upper back.

The headset isnt long enough by a couple of cms - when I pedal I can only do it in a straight line.. but then I am using the bike 100% engine at the moment so its not so much of a problem. I get enough exercise walking and such :)

Regards how high the thing is - its around the highest extension mark and I have been careful to look at it to make sure it isnt twisting or anything.

It has affected handling - it seems to have made the steering more responsive.. I just wish I could get a longer headset.

Jemma xx
 

datz510

Member
May 9, 2008
290
0
16
Mesa, AZ
Jemma,

I'm in the same boat with the severe back problems, so on my current build used some mid-rise handlebars with a high angle stem. I'd second a higher handlebar approach. Stems are pretty cheap as well and you should be able to find one that will put the handlebar base a little further from your legs but give you a much more upright seating position.

I had to build mine so that I had a completely upright seating position due to my back:


Here are a couple of ideas:
one of these:
KALLOY TRI/MTN QUILL STEM - 1" at JensonUSA.com
With one of these higher rise cruiser bars.. this set has a 126 mm rise.
DIMENSION SUPER WIDE CRUISER HANDLEBAR at JensonUSA.com

What is the rise on your current handlebars?
 
Last edited:

datz510

Member
May 9, 2008
290
0
16
Mesa, AZ

Jemma Hawtrey

New Member
Dec 29, 2007
288
2
0
Essex, UK
Jemma,

I'm in the same boat with the severe back problems, so on my current build used some mid-rise handlebars with a high angle stem. I'd second a higher handlebar approach. Stems are pretty cheap as well and you should be able to find one that will put the handlebar base a little further from your legs but give you a much more upright seating position.

I had to build mine so that I had a completely upright seating position due to my back:


Here are a couple of ideas:
one of these:
KALLOY TRI/MTN QUILL STEM - 1" at JensonUSA.com
With one of these higher rise cruiser bars.. this set has a 126 mm rise.
DIMENSION SUPER WIDE CRUISER HANDLEBAR at JensonUSA.com

What is the rise on your current handlebars?
So far as I can tell they are flat bars - no rise at all. The effect I was going for was the '00's style motorcycle look. Then having put it all back together I find out that its soooo much more comfortable to ride..

Had a guy come chat to me today - im riding a GEBE and hes riding a Moto Guzzi twin of some description.

I might try inverting the bar and see if that improves the clearance thing.

Jemma xx
 

obd1kenobi

New Member
Dec 28, 2009
77
0
0
chicago
I really want to do the same thing. I have a North Woods Ridge Dale Cruiser, and the stock stem shaft diameter measures 25.mm. This dimension quill stem adapter looks good, but wouldn't it be a little too sloppy inside the fork tube? I tried using an old dyno bmx stem(21.1mm) and that's just way too small. The reason why I want to change out my stem is because this odd looking pinch bolt is only torqued to 4 ft lbs, and it says NOT to torque it any more. It is covered by a cap, and even has a little yellow warning sticker on it. The damn thing has a lot of flex in it, and I want to eliminate that before I motorize my bike. Any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
 

corgi1

New Member
Aug 13, 2009
2,272
3
0
KCMO
I've seen adjustable angle(up to straight and forward )at a bike shop over the last 3-4 years.
 

Cabinfever1977

New Member
Mar 23, 2009
2,288
1
0
Upstate,NY
I might turn mine around too. Right now im using wide cruiser handle bars but i get the bike stuck when bringing it threw my doorways inside my apartment. I have some straight bars i want to use but they would be too far forward for me to reach since i like to ride leaning back and not hunched over forward, so i may turn the stem around to bring the handle bars closer to me.