Quote Originally Posted by GLC1968 View Post
This is EXTREMELY helpful! I do need to switch out the bars still and I'll definitely need a longer stem. It's ok the way it is now for my commute (which is only 14 miles) because I'm more upright anyway...but for tourning or longer rides, I'll need to customize it a bit more. Thanks!!
Yes I always put longer stems on my terrys, but I still prefer having the shorter top tube and longer stem and bars since I think they handle better. I bought my stem from these guys: http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.asp?PART_NUM_SUB='1173-10'
The only bad thing about this system is that you need to unwrap your bars to insert them (not a pop top style). Salsa makes some nice newer pop top ones, but they don't have as much rise as the nitto stem. Does your classic have v-brakes or long reach side pulls (I believe if it is a 2001 or older its v-brakes). If they are side pulls you can use sti levers with no modifications, but if they are v-brakes, you either need to use roll-amajigs to modify the cable pull with stis, or use a special brake caliper and bar end shifters. Alternatively you can upgrade to special canti brakes that work with sti levers (Shimano BR-R550, http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/cantilevers/index.html) which is what I did.