Handlebars come in a wide variety of shapes and styles to suit the needs of any rider, whether trekking, touring, racing or just pleasure riding. As you gain proficiency in riding, the handlebars that came with your bicycle may no longer be adequate, and you may decide to change them out for a different style. Changing handlebars is a relatively easy procedure that will take less than one hour. Most steering stems on modern bicycles use either a simple pinch clamp or a more convenient plate clamp to hold the handlebars and can be easily loosened to remove the handlebars.
Step 1
Ensure that the diameter of the new handlebars is compatible with that of the clamp on the steering stem of your bicycle.
Step 2
Remove any end plugs and grips from your handlebars. Loosen the clamps on the brake and shifter levers with the Allen wrench and remove them, as well. Take off any tape that may be on the handlebars.
Step 3
Loosen the bolt that holds the pinch clamp on the steering stem closed, or remove the front plate of the stem.
Step 4
Thread the handlebars through the pinch clamp or simply remove the handlebars from the back plate. Make sure the handlebars are facing in the correct direction before installation, especially if using a pinch clamp.
Step 5
Replace handlebars in a pinch clamp by threading the new set through the clamp to the center of the bars, or place the center in the depression in the back plate.
Step 6
Reattach the front plate, if necessary, and tighten the clamp, adjusting the angle of the handlebars accordingly.
Step 7
Reposition the brake and shifter levers on the new handlebars, and tighten their clamps. Reinstall the grips, end plugs and tape, if necessary.
Step 8
Make any final adjustments to the angle and height of the handlebars, and ensure that the brakes and shifters are working properly.
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrench set
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