Adjusting the Handlebar Angle
To adjust the angle of your handlebar, first, loosen the 4 forward facing stem clamp bolts. Then, rotate the handlebar forward or back toward the rider to your desired position. Please note this does not raise the handlebar, but merely positions it at an upward or downward angle. Re-tighten the 4 bolts which will lock your new position in place. Also, be sure to adjust the angle of your brake levers and other controls accordingly as their position may change.
Adjusting Spacers
There are 2-3 10mm spaces located between the stem and the headset. More specifically, underneath the stem and right above the headset where you inserted the handlebars during assembly. These headset spacers will give you the ability to adjust how high or low the handlebar sits; Moving spacers from above the stem to below it will raise your handlebars while moving spacers from below the stem to above it will lower your handlebars. Follow the steps below to lower or raise the handlebars. You can also learn how to raise ebike handlebars in our article.
- Loosen the pinch bolts, slightly, on the back of the stem. Slightly loosening the pinch bolts in this step will make removing the top cap easier.
- Remove the top cap from the steerer tube, and then remove any spacers located between it and the stem.
- Continue loosening the pinch bolts on the back of the stem. Loosen each one until there is no more resistance. Once you can slide the stem off, do so.
- Adjust the spacers by adding, moving, or removing, them to make your desired adjustments.
- Slide the stem back onto the steerer tube, then slide on any spacers you have left over. If you removed any spacers, do not throw them away. You will still need to reinsert them on top of the stem.
- Replace the top cap and tighten it until you get some resistance. This preloads the headset.
- Align the stem with the front tire and begin to tighten the pinch bolts. Alternate tightening the two bolts so that the stem is tightened evenly onto the steerer tube. Throughout this process continue to check that the stem is aligned with the front tire and make any necessary adjustments.
- Check the headset.
- Hold the front brake and put one hand on the headset while rocking the handlebars back and forth. You’re trying to feel if the steerer tube is moving inside the frame of the bike.
- If it is, loosen the pinch bolts as you did in Step 1 and tighten the top cap ¼ turn. Retighten the pinch bolts, remembering to align them with the front tire like in Step 7.
- Repeat Step 8 until there is no movement in the bearing and the handlebars turn smoothly.
Increasing or Decreasing the Handlebar Height
If you're looking to lower or raise the height of your handlebar with an after-market component, a visit to a local bike shop is required. A bike shop will need to inspect both the cables and housing to determine if there is enough room for a replacement stem, adjustable stem, stem riser, or a different handlebar. Changing one or more of these parts can allow you to adjust the angle of your riding position to find your comfortable fit!