As I noted in the previous post to this blog, over the past 5 years I’ve slowly made modifications to my Trek Checkpoint bicycle to provide a better cycling experience.

Two such modifications have been to replace the stem and the handlebars.

Stem

For those not familiar with bike parts, the stem of a bicycle is that part that connects the handlebars to the bicycle frame. The two variables in stem design are the angle of the stem and the length. The stem angle determines how far above the head tube/headset assembly to position the handlebars and the length determines how far in front of the head tube/headset assembly to project the handlebars.

The stock stem on my Checkpoint was a Bontrager Elite Stem that was 100mm in length and angled at 7°.

After riding my bicycle for a few months, I determined that I didn’t like the “aggressive” riding posture that the stock stem required and that I preferred a more upright posture. For that reason, I replaced the stock 100mm stem with a shorter, 80mm Bontrager Elite Stem.

This configuration worked for me for several years, but I determined that an even more upright and comfortable posture could be achieved with a Bontrager Adjustable Stem that would allow me much greater flexibility in fine-tuning my riding position.

All of these are Bontrager stems that allow use of the Bontrager Blendr Integration System. This is a feature allows for easy installation of my bike computer and my GoPro camera (more on that in a later blog post) on the stem.

Here is the adjustable stem as installed on my bicycle.

The adjustable stem allowed me to raise the handlebars to a greater height to achieve a more upright riding posture, however this required replacing the brake and shift cables, because they were now too short.

One should always maintain a good relationship with your local bike shop!

Handlebars

Prior to replacing the stem, I decided to replace the stock Bontrager Elite Isozone VR-CF road handlebars with handlebars specifically developed for gravel riding and which would provide more varied and comfortable hand positions while riding.

Kitchen Sink handlebars from Redshift Sports were engineered for gravel riding to provide greater comfort and control. They feature a several widths, all with flared drops and a greater rise in the height of the handlebars, as well as an option for a loop in front for additional hand positions and greater flexibility for mounting accessories.

I have been quite happy with the 50cm width bars with the front loop option that I chose. The 50cm width is about as wide as I would care to go; wider handlebars would require greater care when navigating narrow passages and would cause some complications when packing the bike for travel as checked baggage on airlines.

Here is a photo of the handlebars as I was mounting them.

I also purchased the Cruise Control Top and Drop Grips and the “Really Long Bar Tape” accessories.

Here is a photo of the handlebars after I finished installing them and the Redshift handlebar accessories as well as my other riding accessories.

I wasn’t happy with the out front bike computer mount, though, and have since replaced it with a different mount

Summary

By replacing the stem and handlebars I have improved the comfort of the bike which, in turn, has allowed me to ride further and longer without stopping for breaks; a great benefit when participating in some of the tours and organized bike events in which I have subsequently participated.

Below is the final configuration that I continue to ride today.