A loose handlebar stem on a bicycle can be dangerous and damaging to both you and your bike. A loose stem results in shaky handlebars, which will reduce your control over the bicycle. A loose stem can also deform the center tube over time. Fortunately a loose stem, whether threaded or threadless, can be tightened with only a few hex wrenches.
Threaded Stem Adjustment
Step 1
Loosen the bolt in the center of the handlebar stem using a 6 mm hex wrench, also known as an Allen wrench. Skip this step if the bolt is already loose.
Step 2
Align the stem so it points straight over the front wheel. This step is important since it will determine if your handlebars are straight while riding.
Step 3
Tighten the bolt in the stem with the wrench, being careful not to jar the alignment you just made. Use your feet or blocks to keep the wheel in place while you tighten the bolt.
Step 4
Swivel the handlebar from side to side to check the tightness. The handlebar should turn freely but not be so loose that you won't have control over the bike. Check the alignment of the stem and front wheel. If it's off, loosen the bolt and repeat Steps 2 through 4.
Threadless Stem Adjustment
Step 1
Locate the stem pinch bolts on either side of the handlebar stem and loosen them with a 4-mm to 6-mm hex wrench, depending on the stem type.
Step 2
Loosen the bolt inside the center of the stem with a 5-mm hex wrench.
Step 3
Align the stem with the top of the wheel and hold the wheel in place with your feet or blocks as you tighten the center stem bolt.
Step 4
Tighten the pinch bolts.
Step 5
Check the tightness of the handlebar by swiveling it back and forth. It should turn freely. If it is too tight, loosen the pinch bolts and then the center bolt. Retighten the pinch bolts completely and test the handlebars' turn again.
Things You'll Need
- Hex wrenches, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm
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