Correct crooked handlebars right away, because if your handlebar stem is loose enough to rotate slightly, it can eventually become so loose that you lose all steering control. Straightening the handlebars on a bike with a threaded or threadless headset is a short task; you just need to know what kind of headset you have. Threadless headsets have a handlebar stem that attaches to a steerer tube with a set of pinch bolts. Threaded headsets use a one-piece stem that inserts into the head tube and also holds the handlebars.
Threaded Headsets
Step 1
Use the appropriate Allen wrench or the adjustable wrench to loosen the top bolt on the stem, right where the stem angles up to the handlebars.
Step 2
Twist the handlebars from side to side until the stem loosens. Tap the stem bolt lightly with a mallet or hammer a few times if the stem doesn't move at first. Stand over the frame of the bike as you would when stopped at a light and align the handlebar stem, so it is in line with the front wheel.
Step 3
Tighten the stem bolt until you can no longer turn it, but don't use great force.
Threadless Headsets
Step 1
Stand over the frame facing forward or over the front wheel, facing the handlebars and holding the wheel between your knees.
Step 2
Align the stem over the front wheel. If the stem is only slightly loose or off-center, first you may need to use an Allen wrench, usually a 5 or 6 mm size, to loosen the pinch bolts that clamp the stem on the steering column.
Step 3
Tighten the pinch bolts on the stem with the Allen wrench.
Tips and Warnings
- If your handlebars are loose in the stem itself, center them and tighten any bolts on the stem near the handlebars.
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrenches, 4 to 8 mm sizes
- Adjustable wrench
- Mallet or hammer
Member Comments