Handlebars are among the most important parts of a BMX bike. After using the bike for sometime, you may need to upgrade the handlebars or adjust the height according to the size of your body. Most people prefer positioning the handlebars in such a ways that they are at the same level with the width of your shoulders. Whether you want to lower them or increase the height, you need to have the right tools that will make your work easier. In this article, we have explained some of the steps you should follow when setting the height of the BMX handlebars.
- Adjust the stem
After you have purchased your BMX bike, the first thing you should check is whether the handlebars are easy to adjust. In case you outgrow the bike, you can always adjust the handlebars instead of purchasing a new one. The easiest way to adjust the handlebars is through the stem. This is the part that connects the handlebar with the bike. However, you need to check the type of stem used to ensure that it corresponds with the shape of the handlebar.
- Loosen the screw on the stem
Position the bike wheels strongly on the ground and then loosen the bolts that are located at the back of the stem. You will need an Allen key to loosen the screws. After this, you can remove the top cap which is located on top of the stem. Now slide the stem from the steering tube.
- Know the height you should angle your handlebars
Before you set up your preferred height, you need you think of the height of the user. You also need to have an idea of how much you would like to raise or lower the handlebars. This will allow you to add or remove spacers to suit your requirements. You should ensure that the handlebars are positioned in such a way that the user does not strain to reach them.
- Put the stem back on the steerer
Put the stem to its original position and then replace the spacers which you had already removed. Leave 3-5mm gap to provide enough pace where the headset top cap will clamp. After this, you can now replace the bolts and the top cap and then tighten until there is some resistance.
- Align the stem
You can now align the stem with your front wheel in such a way that the handlebar is at a right angle with the wheel. Once you have aligned the stem and the wheel, you can now torque the stem clamp uniformly using a torque wrench. Check whether you have adjusted correctly by testing the bike. If you feel that the stem is still wobbly, you should tighten it before you hit the road.
- Flip the stem
In case you do not have enough spacers to give you the required height, you should flip the stem when adjusting the height.
Conclusion
Adjusting the BMX handlebars is not an easy process but you can still do it even without involving an expert. If you have been experiencing some discomfort on your wrists when riding, it is time to change the height of your handlebars. Follow the above procedure and if this fails to work, you can work on looking at whether the size of your bars are right for you.
Sources:
1.How to Raise the Handle Bars on Your Bike – Post by Instructables
