How to raise bike handlebars

How to raise bike handlebars in 2021 – A comprehensive Tutorial!

The number of factors can determine how likely you are to enjoy your mountain biking adventure, most of which are related to your bike. When you are biking up the slope, the factor that is going to matter the most is probably the level at which your bike’s handlebars are.

This directly relates to the overall comfort experience, and influences it a great deal as well! Now, we know that not everyone reading this discussion is a pro mountaineer, which is why we have decided to turn this discussion into a mini-lecture. Yeap, that is right, consider this as Raising Bike Handlebars: 101. One thing that we can promise you is that you are NOT going to bunk this lecture, we have made it that simple and easy for you!

Exact reasons for raising the bike handlebars

But before we teach you the how bit, let us first discuss the why bit. We mean to say, why exactly would you want to raise your mountain bike’s handlebars? What are the factors that might make you do the deed? Well, we thought it best to discuss them separately, for better understanding. Check them out and see if any of these is the same reason why you are on this page!

Lower back issues

If you are a pro cyclist/biker, you must have journeyed a fair bit on your beloved bike already. Hence, chances are quite high that leaning forward all the time to reach your bike’s lower than normal handlebars will put more pressure on your lower spine, resulting in permanent damage in most cases. To avoid a critical injury of permanent nature, you must adjust the levels of your bike’s handlebars immediately.

Neck pain

Don’t’ want to crick that pretty little neck of yours, do you? The reasons for pain in the neck can be numerous, mount biking is just one of them. But again, to avoid permanent damage to your neck, you will need to immediately address the handlebar’s position.

Elevated tension

This is a matter of common observation and common sense. When you are putting a massive load on your hands by gripping the handlebar while leaning forward all the time, you are not letting your hands-free of load at any moment while biking. Simple advice, don’t do that, it will make your hands numb!

How to raise bike handlebars

Well, in the previous section, you read about all the legitimate reasons because of which you will have to adjust your mountain bike’s handlebars. In this section, we are going to discuss how you can raise your bike’s handlebars. All we want in return is your utmost attention!

1- Identify the headset type

That is the first thing that you need to do! If you need the proper definition for the thing, well, a headset is that set of bearings which makes the connection between the tube and fork of your mountain bike possible. Now, there are two major types of headsets, your bike has one of these.

Either it is a threaded headset or it is a threadless headset. Easy to identify either type, even if you are a novice to mountain bikes. The threaded headsets feature a characteristic stem that attaches to the handlebars. It is this stem that moves whenever you are adjusting a headset on this type of bike. On the other hand, a threadless headset features a big nut bolt-on upper side and a couple of bolts on the other side.

2-What tools will you need?

The reason behind describing all that science which we have just thrown at you without a warning (for which we are sorry) is that both bike types have different protocols for raising the handlebars. We will talk about the necessary steps in a minute, first, please note down the tools that you are going to need. For raising the handlebars of a bike that features a threadless headset, you are going to need a hex key and spacers. For threaded headsets, you will not need a spacer, but a wrench. That is all, nothing more, nothing less.

3- Steps for threaded headsets-130

Got all the tools? Let us get to the point then. You will need to follow the following steps:

1- Measure the visible section of the handlebar stem using a measuring tape. (We sincerely hope you have it at home in the garage!)

2- In the next step, you will need to locate the expander bolt’s head. Use the hex key to unscrew this bolt.

3- It is a wrenching time now. Locate the lock nut and loosen it using your wrench.

4- Now straddle the front tire and attempt turning the handlebars. This is a step that is going to take a lot of effort on your part. So make sure that you are turning as vigorously as you can. The goal in this step is to pluck out the handlebar stem.

5- It would be a good idea to clean out any grease or dirt that you might see post step four. This is valid for only those bikes on which you have journeyed a fair bit.

6- In the final step, you have to position the handlebars to the level that you want them to be at. Make sure there are no alignment issues once you have elevated the handlebar to the desired level.

4- Steps for threadless headsets

Gather your tools and start working:

1- Locate the big bolt we have mentioned earlier. Loosen it using the hex key. Displace the cap.

2- Now, unscrew the stem bolts to only that extent which allows you to set handlebars free of the frame.

3- Carefully pull out the handlebars, add stem spacers for achieving the desired elevation.

4- Put the stem over spacers in the next step, insert the cap and straddle the front tire.

5- Adjust the handlebars in this step. Take care of alignment issues with great attention.

Ta-da! How to raise bike handlebars is answered!

Conclusion

Well, folks, that would be all for now. We hope that through this discussion, you learned something new about mountain bikes and their handlebars. Riding with safety is more important than anything else, and cycling is no exemption to this rule! Just adjust your bike’s handlebars the way we have taught you and you will be fine!

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