Improperly adjusted handlebars on a bicycle make steering more difficult and can lead to other problems. You may have a less comfortable ride and end up with a sore back. You may be able to set the handlebars on a bicycle yourself. That's not always the case. If the handlebars and/or handlebar stem are wrong for your body dimensions, you may need to purchase new ones. Adjust the bicycle seat before you start to set the handlebars. This will make measurements for adjusting the handlebars more accurate.
Step 1
Check the height of the bike's handlebars. For road bikes, the handlebars should be up to 2 inches lower than the seat. For mountain or trail bikes, you can get by with as little as 1 inch or as much as 4 inches. Hold a measuring level so it extends from the seat to the handlebars. Use a ruler to measure the vertical distance between the level and the handlebars.
Step 2
Loosen the stem bolt. The stem is the part the handlebars are attached to. For most bikes, this requires a 6-millimeter Allen wrench. Slide the stem up or down until it is in the correct position. Look for a mark on the stem that indicates the maximum height the stem can be set at. If you cannot set the stem properly without seeing this mark, you need to purchase a new stem. Raising the stem above this mark creates a risk the stem and handlebars may come off.
Step 3
Tighten the stem bolt once the stem is properly adjusted.
Tips and Warnings
- Measure the width of the handlebars. From one side to the other should be about the same distance as the width of your shoulders. Unfortunately, handlebar width on bicycles is not adjustable, so to correct this problem you will need a new set of handlebars. Measure the reach of the handlebars. The best way to do this is to place the bike on a trailer and sit on it in your normal riding position. Place your hands on the brake levers. For flat handlebar bikes, place your hands on the grips. Have someone look at you from the side. Your nose should be within an inch of a point directly above the center post of the handlebars. Since most bikes can't be adjusted for reach, you may have to purchase a new stem to correct improper reach.
Things You'll Need
- 6-millimeter Allen wrench
- Level
- Ruler
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