How to raise your mountain bike handlebars
When using the mountain bike, at times, you may require adjusting the size of the handlebars. You can do this to maximize comfort, boost visibility, performance, and comfort, and also prevent injuries. This article will guide you on adjusting your mountain bike handlebars successfully.
Even before you start raising the handlebars on your mountain bike, you need to consider the type of bike you use. This is because mountain bikes come with different types of handlebars. Most of mountain bikes use flat bars. These bars are the most versatile and are very stable. Apart from that, flat handlebars are lightweight and easy to use.
After determining the type of mountain bike, you will need to check if your bike uses a threaded or threadless headset stem. This will allow you to determine the best method to raise the handlebars.
How to adjust Threadless Headset Stem Handlebars
- Remove the long bolt on the stem cap using an Allen key.
- Loosen the small bolts on the threadless headset stem using the Allen key.
- Remove the handlebars carefully from the stem.
- Add spacers on the main tube.
- Replace the stem cap and the stem.
- Loosen the handlebars and ensure that they can move freely.
The stem is the ‘L’ shaped metal between the body of your mountain bike and the handlebars. Threadless headsets are very easy to identify because they have many bolts. They usually have two small bolts and one large bolt.
How to adjust threaded headset stem
- Ensure that the bolt at the top is loose
- Using a wrench, loosen the locknut
- Remove the stem from your bike
- Set your required handlebar position
- Reattach the stem and then set it properly
Threaded headset stems feature one continuous piece of metal that connects the body of the bike with the handlebars. They also have a single bolt that is located at the top.
There are no set standards that determine the correct size of the handlebars. However, different widths can help in various ways. Before you think of the best size, it is good to consider how you will be using the mountain bike. You should remember the following tips when determining the proper width of your handlebars.
- Consider the body size of the user
- Decide the intended purpose of the handlebars
- Consider other types of mountain bikes you have used and whether you would like to maintain the same size of handlebars
- You also need to think of the trails or the terrains where you will be riding
Conclusion
Irrespective of your preferred handlebar size, you should ensure the handlebars are comfortable. If you are not sure about the correct size of handlebars you should use, you can take your bike to a local bike shop for assistance. You can also talk to a bike expert for guidance.
Sources:
1. The Science Of Picking The Right Height – Post by Mountain Bike Action
