So for a few years I’ve had a Ridgeback Quest 29″ MTB and it’s never been quite right – incremental improvements have, um, improved it, but the biggest issue for me was always going to be that the steerer had been cut for an average British shortarse rather than someone for whom the adjective lumbering is a lifestyle.

In short: the bars lived 2 inches below the level of the saddle, and with my back that is not tenable especially when I have to stretch far forward to reach them.

So I bought and today installed a Satori Heads-Up 4 stem extender from SJS, and the difference is huge; the bars are closer (because the rake and extra height angle them towards me) and are now perhaps a tad higher than the seat, but not by far.

So I’m just back – and bruised – from a 7 mile ride of mixed road, bridleway and heathland; and yes I fell off a cycle for the first time in 6 years when I hit a root and temporarily lost my nerve. And I got covered in mud. And rode repeatedly through flood. And my boots got filled.

And it feels excellent. Bike’s still not perfect, but it’s better than 75% now.

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