Drop bars are a traditional form of handlebars, use primarily on road and racing bikes. Also referred to as ramhorn handlebars, drop bars arch away from the cross bar of the handle bars, then back under toward the rider, offering several grip positions. Drop bars also come in different bends, including the traditional Maes bend, the broader Randonneur bend or the straighter anatomic bend. On modern bicycles, most steering stems use a pinch clamp or a plate clamp to hold the drop bars in place. Changing drop bars is a relatively simple procedure that takes less than an hour to finish.
Step 1
Purchase a new set of drop bars that are the same diameter as the old set.
Step 2
Remove the plugs and any grip tape from the ends of the old drop bars. Loosen the brake and shifter clamps with the Allen wrench. Slide the brakes and shifter off the drop bars.
Step 3
Unscrew the bolt on the steering stem that tightens the pinch clamp or unscew the bolts that hold the handlebar retaining plate of the steering stem and remove the plate.
Step 4
Slide the old drop bars out of the pinch clamp or remove the handle bars from the bottom plate of the steering stem.
Step 5
Insert the new drop bars through the pinch clamp or position them on the bottom plate. Center and adjust the angle of the drop bars on the steering stem. Tighten the bolt on the pinch clamp or bolt the retaining plate in place.
Step 6
Replace the shifters and brakes on the new drop bars. Tighten the clamps on both. Install new grip tape and insert the handlebar plugs in the end of the drop bars.
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrench set
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