How to Raise Bike Handlebars

Raising the handlebars on your mountain bike can be a wonderful place to start if you want to increase comfort and control. You can achieve a more upright riding position and lessen the stress on your neck and back by altering the height of your handlebars.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of raising the handlebars on your mountain bike, from determining the present height to modifying the angle and fitting checks. This easy technique will help you get the most out of your bike and enjoy your rides to the fullest, whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner.

What You Need

Here are the tools you need to adjust the height of your bike’s handlebars:

  • Allen key. Used to loosen and tighten the bolts holding the handlebars to the stem.
  • Wrench. Using a wrench to remove the stem from the steerer tube, depending on your bike type.
  • Bike stand. You can use a bike stand to hold the bike steadily when adjusting the handlebars.
  • Measurement tape: To check that you have elevated your handlebars to the correct height and to ascertain their current height, you will need a measuring tape.
  • Grease: Lubricating the bolts and threads with a small amount will help you tighten them more easily and keep them from seizing up over time.

Step-by-Step Method on How to Raise Bike Handlebars on Mountain Bike

Before you start raising the bike handlebars, you need to determine what kind of mountain bike you have. This is due to the fact that not all bikes will have the same handlebars. Therefore, you may need to make some additional adjustments while lifting them.

After determining the sort of handlebar, your MTB bike has, check to see if it has a threaded or a threadless headset stem.

How to Raise the Handlebars on Threadless Mountain Bike

Here are the steps for raising the handlebars on threadless mountain bike:

Step #1 Remove Stem Cap’s Long Bolt

Get the Allen key, then use it to remove the stem cap’s long bolt. The L-shaped metal element that holds the handlebars connected to the rest of the mountain bike is known as the stem, for those who are unaware. Keep the long bolt and the Allen key in a safe place, as you will need them later.

Step #2 Remove the Smaller Bolt

Remove the smaller bolts on a threadless headset stem using the Allen keys again. Then store the smaller bolts safely to avoid any issues.

Step #3 Remove the Handlebars from the Stem

With great care and attention, totally remove the handlebars from the stem. Never attempt to remove them quickly because doing so will cause the handlebars to lose their form. You won’t be able to place them back into the stem easily if you do this.

Step #4 Add Spacers to Raise Handlebars

Your bike’s main tube should have spacers added. If you want to lower the height of the handlebars, you may also take the spacers out of the main tube.

Step #5 Replace the Stem and Stem Cap

Carefully replace the stem and stem cap. Avoid putting too much pressure on the stem’s alignment because you can make adjustments later.

Step #6 Adjust the Handlebars

Adjust the handlebars freely to see if you correctly installed the stem and stem cap. And if they function flawlessly, the stem has been replaced to perfection.

Nonetheless, you should relax the handlebars until there is no resistance to movement if they do not move easily.

How to Raise the Handlebars on Threaded Mountain Bike

Adjusting the handlebars on a threadless headset stem doesn’t involve any more work. You’ll need a bike wrench to adjust the stem’s tightness and looseness.

Step 1: Release the Top Bolt

Start by releasing the top bolt on the threaded headset stem with the wrench.

Step 2: Loosen the Locknut

In a similar manner, use the wrench to loosen the locknut on the stem.

Step 3: Remove the Stem

Freely remove the mountain bike’s stem.

Step 4: Keep in Mind the Proper Handlebar Adjustment

Remember the proper handlebar adjustment because you’ll need to align it with total concentration.

Step 5: Reattach and Tighten

Reattach the stem and tighten it with the wrench as necessary after adjusting the handlebar height.

How to Find the Handlebars Adjustment Perfectly?

Finding the ideal handlebar adjustment for your mountain bike is easier than you would think.

First of all, the word “perfect” should be changed to “alignment.”

In that regard, it is a general rule that the handlebars on a mountain bike should be the same height as the rest.

In other words, the stem of the bicycle, whether it has threads or not, should be in line with the front wheel.

Standing between the bike frame and the handlebars while adjusting the bike’s center of gravity ensures the handlebars are straight.

In order to enjoy a comfortable bike experience, the centerpiece must, in essence, be in line with the front wheel.

You should be aware that, aside from these general guidelines, there is no set formula for the ideal handlebar adjustment.

We advise you to keep adjusting the handlebars until you find a relaxed position that makes riding your mountain bike simple and convenient.

Whether you are using an MTB helmet or other gear, if you don’t change the handlebar height, it could cause injuries and put you at risk.

Final Thoughts

Raising the handlebars can significantly improve your comfort and control when riding a mountain bike. You can modify the height and angle of your handlebars to produce a more upright riding position that puts less strain on your back and neck by following the instructions in this article and using the appropriate equipment. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that changing your bike’s components might have an impact on how it handles.

As a result, it’s a good idea to test drive your bike after elevating the handlebars to ensure the new position is comfortable and doesn’t harm its performance. You can reach the ideal handlebar height and take full advantage of your rides with the correct equipment, some knowledge, and some trial and error.

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