The handlebar is the part of the bike that you grip and steer. The height of the handlebars determines how easy it is to steer. If you have low handlebars, it will be more difficult to turn your bike and make quick maneuvers.
Handlebars are typically adjustable so they can be raised or lowered to suit different riders.
This article will give you an overview of how to adjust the handlebars on your road bike. It will also show you how to raise them so that you can get a more comfortable ride.
Can You Adjust Handlebar Height On A Road Bike?
Yes, you can adjust the handlebar height on a road bike. The handlebars on road bikes are adjustable and can be raised or lowered to suit your preference.
This is a common question among new riders and it is important to know how to adjust the handlebars before riding. The higher the handlebar, the more aerodynamic your position will be but it also puts more strain on your neck and back.
Lowering the handlebars will make you less aerodynamic but it will relieve some of the pressure on your neck and back.
What Tools Will You Need?
- Allen keys (hex wrench set) or a multi-tool
- Pre-set Torq key or a torque wrench
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Torx keys like T25 or T20 for use with some stems
How To Raise Handlebars on Road Bike?
There are many ways to adjust the height of your bike’s handlebars. You can either remove spacers from under the stem or use an adjustable stem that has multiple settings.
Here Are 9 Steps To Raise Handlebars on Road Bike:
- Step 1: Loosen the clamp bolts on the handlebars
- Step 2: Remove the top cap
- Step 3: Slide the stem off of the steerer tube
- Step 4: Select handlebar height
- Step 5: Reattach the steering tube to the handlebars
- Step 6: Check clearance between the steerer tube and spacing
- Step 7: Place the top cover and bolt
- Step 8: Handlebar to wheel alignment
- Step 9: Tighten bolts evenly
Step 1: Loosen the clamp bolts on the handlebars
Loosen up the stem bolts as well as any other bolts that attach the stem to the bike frame or fork.
This includes loosening those at the top and bottom of both sides of your stem as well as loosening those at each end of your stem (the ones that are facing away from each other).
Step 2: Remove the top cap
Remove the top cap from the stem. This is done by loosening it with an Allen wrench or a wrench and then unscrewing it.
The cap will come off and reveal a bolt that needs to be loosened with an Allen wrench or wrench as well. The bolt must be completely removed before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Slide the stem off of the steerer tube
Loosen the clamp bolts on the steerer tube. Then, slide the stem off of it by pushing downhill while pulling up. If necessary use a hex wrench and unscrew the stem from the steerer tube.
Step 4: Select handlebar height
Determine with a tape where your handlebar height currently is, and how much you would like to lower or raise it.
Step 5: Reattach the steering tube to the handlebars
Secure the clamp bolts on the steerer tube. Then, slide your stem back onto the steerer tube by pushing uphill while pulling downwards. Ensure that it is positioned correctly before tightening up the clamp bolts.
Step 6: Check clearance between the steerer tube and spacing
Ensure that the steerer tube is not touching or creating any unwanted pressure on the spacers (3 to 5mm), and then tighten up your stem bolts.
Step 7: Place the top cover and bolt
Place the top cover on the stem and tighten it into place. Make sure that it is securely tightened before tightening up the clamp bolt and reattaching the handlebars.
Attach your handlebars to your bike frame by tightening down all of the bolts that you loosened earlier on, except for those on your steering tube.
Step 8: Handlebar to wheel alignment
Align the handlebars with the front wheel by adjusting the left and right tilt. Make sure it is centered on the wheel and tighten the stem bolts.
Step 9: Tighten bolts evenly
Tighten the handlebar bolts evenly by tightening them up one-by-one until all bolts are tight. Ensure that the handlebars are snug against the clamp bolts without creating too much pressure.
Should Your Seat Be Higher Than Your Handlebars On A Road Bike?
Some people believe that the seat should be higher than the handlebars on a road bike. This is because it allows you to use your leg muscles more when pedaling and make better use of your leg muscles when you are climbing hills.
Others believe that the seat should be lower than the handlebars. This is because it puts less strain on your back and makes it easier to get off the bike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the handlebars are not too difficult to lift on a road bike, as you can do this activity in 15 minutes. All you need is a wrench, a hex wrench, and some patience.
In this article, we have discussed the ways to raise road bike handlebars. We have also shared some tips and tricks that will help you do it. We hope you found this article helpful in solving your problem.
