I switched to GQ labs riser bar with 17degree rake......helped a lot with my back and wrist problems .I now need to move my saddle back a fraction as I keep shifting back as I ride this is possibly a result of the rake..
Maybe a longer stem would do the trick..
The very first mod I did to my Bold was to fit the carbon Raceface Next bar, Ritchie stem and swapped OEM saddle to Nukeproof Horizon. Except the saddle it is identical cockpit setup to my analog bike. Saddle is moved maybe 10mm back.
Next were the Revgrips - always used ESI Extra Chunkies, but these Revgrips are bloody good. Expensive, but will buy again. Hurting of the wrists is gone.
The proper cockpit setup is of utmost importance to me due to serious damage done to my upper body in a moto accident three years ago at the age of 55.
My right shoulder was shot to pieces but what is worse, it whacked my neck spine out of normal position to what a MRI scan revealed is called reverse lordosis. The net result 3 years later are 2 degenerated discs. Three or four weeks ago one of them impinged permanently the major nerve controlling the left arm. The spine operation is inevitable, sooner better than later.
I'm out of dirt, can't control my bike safely, so started commuting and just coasting on some easy firetrails around.
Don't want to hijack this thread with my ailments, but the moral of the story is: setup your bike so you feel comfortable on it. If 50mm riser bar helps, so be it. Short stems are popular nowadays, but if longer stems will get you in better position, go for it. It will pay off in long term.
Cheers.
such is life!
