A properly adjusted handlebar will provide the cyclist with a comfortable ride. Only under this condition will the cyclist be able to show his full potential. Growing children also need to adjust their bike handlebars every year. Luckily, all you need is a hex wrench, some spacers, and 5-10 minutes to get the steering wheel adjusted correctly.
Method 1: Adjusting the steering wheel on a threadless steering column
1. Know that a threadless steering column can also be adjusted. To keep unnecessary weight off your bike, most stems don't have enough space. If you need to change the handlebar height significantly, you need to buy a new stem. If you have a serious problem, such as being unable to reach the handlebars or the handlebars being too close, look for a longer or shorter stem.
- On top of the threadless steering column there is a large bolt and 2 smaller bolts that will help secure the stem.
2. Adjust stem height to a comfortable level, not to the correct position. The body is an excellent judge in the matter of regulation. The back should not be slouched or tilted back. Your arms should bend slightly at the elbows. In any case, ride in a position that is comfortable. Have a friend hold the bike (front wheel between your legs) while you sit down to check the handlebars.
- Cyclists have their handlebars low so they can lean over.
- For normal driving, the steering wheel is level with the seat or higher.
3. Loosen the stem pinch bolts using a hex wrench. These bolts hold the handlebars to the bike and need to be removed to position the handlebars higher or lower. 
4. Loosen the bolts on each side of the stem. Use a hex wrench for this. The bolts are on the part of the stem closest to the seat. Loosen them enough to remove the stem from the tube. 
5. Pull the stem out of the frame. Slowly remove the handlebars, being as careful as possible, being careful not to strain or bend the wires connected to the frame by the handlebar. They sag slightly, but to play it safe, it’s better to roll the bike to a table or chair and put the handlebars on it so that it is closer to the bike. 
6. Add or remove additional spacers to achieve desired height. All that needs to be adjusted is the height of the handlebars. The rings are quite small. With their help you can easily select the desired height. The tapered part at the bottom of the stem that connects to the frame cannot be removed. You can purchase additional spacer rings at any time to increase the height. 
7. Place the steering wheel with the stem on the spacer wheels. Don't worry about not being able to reattach everything perfectly. If the extra rings have been removed, place them on top of the stem to avoid losing them. The stem bolt will secure them. 
8.Insert the stem bolt by hand. No need to screw it in. This top bolt is not responsible for the steering wheel swinging from side to side. You need to secure it well before reinserting the steering wheel.
- If you're working on fragile parts, like a carbon fiber frame, it's worth using a torque wrench to make sure you don't break anything.
- Make sure the steering wheel moves freely. If not, you need to gradually loosen the bolt until the steering wheel can be turned freely.
9. Align the stem with the front wheel. Stand on the bike as if you are about to sit on it. Point the front wheel straight ahead. Close one eye and adjust the steering wheel and the middle with the wheel. This must be done to control turns.
- If there is a problem that the steering wheel does not stay in place, tighten the nuts to move it with more force, but the steering wheel will move independently of the wheel.
- Tighten the bolts once the steering wheel is level.
10. Check how level the steering column is. Remember that the steering column is a combination of several parts at once (handlebar, stem, front wheel, fork) that turns the bike itself. The top bolt is attached to the steering column and it affects the turns. To check it, stand with the bike between your legs and apply the brake. Roll the wheel back and forth, feel if there is any wobbling strange movement under your hands. If present, loosen the side bolts and tighten the top bolt, then tighten the side bolts to double check.
- If you do not have a strong sense of properly tightening the nuts, loosen the bolt a little. You can also use a torque wrench - a wrench with an adjustable and measurable dynamometer (torque).
Method 2: Adjusting the threaded steering column
1. Make sure your bike has a threaded steering column. A threaded headset has a continuous piece of metal (the stem) extending from the frame, angled forward. It connects to the steering wheel. Where the stem disconnects from the frame there is a nut and bolt at the top of the stem. These stems are easy to adjust. Single speed bikes, fixed gear bikes and older bikes have them.
- Some bikes don't have a nut, just a bolt at the top of the stem.
2. Loosen the bolt at the top of the stem. This bolt, pointing straight down, creates pressure, i.e., holds the stem in place. Use a hex wrench to loosen it. You don't need to pull it out completely. 
3. Loosen the locknut with a wrench. Loosen the hex nut. It is located where the stem meets the frame. 
4. Disconnect the steering wheel from the frame. You may need to wiggle and twist it to get it out. If this new bike, mark the place where the steering wheel was located. This will make it easier to return it to the same place. 
5. Wipe and lubricate the stem. Clean the stem with soapy water and dry with a rag. To prevent the stem from getting stuck in the frame later, apply anti-seize lubricant 2 cm below the stem. 
6. Decide on your riding type to choose a new handlebar type. The appropriate handlebar depends on the type of bike. Also, choose the right height for you so that you can ride a bike comfortably in the future.
- Road bike: Cyclist riders have their handlebars low so they can lean over. This is done to better control speed and weight transfer.
- mountain bike: On such bicycles, the handlebars should be lower than the seat. This will give good balance and move the center of gravity lower.
- Cruiser: On standard bikes, the handlebars should be slightly higher than the seat to provide greater comfort and relieve stress.
7. Place the stem at a suitable height and tighten the top bolt. This can be done by hand. It is better not to use any tools, because then you will not be able to loosen the bolt or nut again.
Method 3. Adjusting the angle of the bicycle handlebars
1. Check if your bike has an adjustable stem. An adjustable stem has one bolt running perpendicular to the bike where the stem connects to the frame. Loosen the bolt, adjust the offset angle, then tighten it back. Before you leave, check if you are comfortable. In principle, this may be sufficient. 
2. Loosen the four screws at the end of the stem. The stem runs perpendicular to the handlebar and connects the frame and handlebars. There are four screws on the front of the handlebar, usually secured to a small square in the middle of the handlebar. Loosen them and the steering wheel can be rotated back and forth. 
3. Find out at what height you should install the steering wheel. Imagine that the steering wheel is a piano. You should be comfortable “playing” it. The arms are slightly bent. The brakes should be at a convenient distance so that it is comfortable to reach them. The back is inclined 45 degrees from the waist. Have someone hold the bike while you sit down and check the handlebar position.
Often, the factory settings for the steering wheel height are universal, and are not specifically selected for a specific person. Cyclists often experiment with saddle height, tire pressure, handlebar angle and suspension settings, but few know the benefits of adjusting handlebar height. Handlebar height is sometimes referred to as the position of the saddle relative to the handlebars, that is, the interval by which the seat is higher or lower than the handlebars.
For professional riders this interval is usually significant, with the handlebars located below the saddle, but for amateur cyclists it is not. Simply put, a lower handlebar height lowers the center of gravity. By placing more weight on the front wheel, you increase traction. Additionally, the low handlebar height keeps the rider more centered between the wheels, improving the bike's handling, especially when going uphill. This effect is more noticeable off-road, mainly with 29-inch wheels.
A handlebar position that is too low can make it difficult to control the bike, so a limit has been set. Luckily, experimenting with steering wheel positions is easy and mostly free. This manual is suitable for owners of modern bikes with an adjustable stem and a corresponding steering column. If your bike stem is bolted to the steering column, it is most likely adjustable.
- It will take time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty level: easily
- Price: for free
Required Tools
- Universal set of bicycle tools or hexagons.
- Adjustable torque wrench or torx wrench, especially when working with carbon or lightweight materials.
- Stems from Zipp, Ritchey and Syncros require the use of Torx wrenches instead of hex wrenches, so T20 or T25 Torx wrenches may be needed.
Adjusting the steering column spacer rings
The first and simplest way to adjust the steering wheel height is to rearrange the steering column rings.
Steering column rings fit onto your bike's fork stem and help you adjust the height of your handlebars and stem. As a rule, standard size spacer rings from 20 to 30 mm. They can be freely rearranged along the entire length of the stem. The stem bolts are tightened according to the general pattern (unscrewed counterclockwise, screwed clockwise).
1. First, securely lock the bicycle wheels, after which you should loosen the clamps on the back of the handlebar stem. Now is the time to lightly lubricate the bolt securing the steering column cover so that it gives in easier.
2. Unscrew the top bolt securing the cover,(it fits into the steering column armature star nut) and set the cover aside.
3. Disconnect the steering column and stem from each other.
4. Now it's time to decide how high you would like the handlebars to be raised or lowered.. Depending on the decision made, you should add or, conversely, remove the required number of rings from the bottom of the steering column, located under the steering stem.
5. Then insert the steering column back into the stem mount, and move the freed rings that were previously located under the stem to top part fork stem above the stem.
Make sure that the distance between the upper edge of the ring and the fork rod is at least 3-5 millimeters, otherwise it will not be possible to securely pre-fix the steering column without play.
6. Next, replace the steering column cover and tighten the bolt., but not too much to avoid the formation of backlashes. This way you will pre-fix the structure.
7. Next, align the stem so that it is aligned with the front wheel and at right angles to the handlebars. This step requires patience, but will allow you to adjust the position of the handlebars relative to the top tube of the bike frame.
8. Now that the stem is in the correct position relative to the front wheel, you should gradually and alternately tighten the stem bolts using an adjustable torque wrench, usually a torque of 5 - 8 Nm.
9. It's time to check your stem settings. To do this, use a simple trick. Apply the front brake with one hand and place the other on the steering column, then slightly turn the steering wheel back and forth. Can you feel the fork steerer moving inside the steering column? If yes, you need to loosen the steering column fasteners and tighten the bolt on its cover, then tighten the fasteners again.
Repeat these steps until all signs of free play in the steering column disappear and the steering wheel turns freely. If you tighten the bolts too much, you may have difficulty turning the steering wheel. If all else fails and your steering column is difficult to adjust, it may be time to replace it.
10. Test the new handlebar height
Unfold the stem
If rearranging the rings does not fully satisfy your needs, we recommend resorting to another trick. You can turn the stem in the opposite direction. On mountain bikes, this part is turned predominantly upward, that is, by turning the stem, you change the height of the handlebars. The procedure is the same as before, but in this case the steering wheel is removed from the steering column.
11.Place the bike on a flat surface and securely support the wheels. Remember at what angle the steering wheel and brake lever were located.
Remove the bolts connecting the handlebar to the stem. Remove the front stem cover and set it aside in a safe place.
12. Carefully set the steering wheel to the side, then follow the procedure for replacing the spacers outlined in steps 1-4.
13. After disconnecting the stem from the bike body, turn it the other way and insert it back into the fork stem.
14. Reinstall the steering wheel, maintaining the same angle of the brake lever and the steering wheel itself.. Lock the front stem cap with the manufacturer's recommended torque (usually 4 - 8 Nm). Make sure all bolts are tightened evenly and the spacing between stem fasteners is the same throughout. If the gaps are uneven, the functionality of the steering wheel will be impaired.
Now follow the procedure for tightening the steering column and stem outlined in steps 3-7.
So, it's time to test the new handlebar height in action. Adjusting the height of the steering wheel for a specific person takes some time. But the result is worth the effort. If the setup is successful, you will unlock the full potential of your bike.
Bicycle steering column maintenance - video
With the onset of warm days, many cyclists appear in city parks and courtyards, most of whom are children. Well, among the vehicles they ride, the most popular is the Stels bicycle, which has soft pads on the handlebars and the chain is reliably protected. The design can be adjusted to suit the child’s height by extending the seat and raising the handlebars on the stels bike.
Bicycles for children of the Stels brand meet market requirements and are a high-quality product. Their advantages lie in simplicity, convenience and ease. To make the bike and baby grow together, just raise the stels bike saddle and handlebars.
Transport for a small passenger has only the necessary functions. The manufacturer produces them in several colors so that you can choose a two-wheeled vehicle for a boy or a girl. For each age, a bicycle is selected with the appropriate wheel diameter.
The company produces vehicles for children and adults, classic and folding models, the advantage of which, in comparison with bikes of the Soviet era, is that you don’t need to use much force to fold: just move the eccentric to the side and slightly lift it.
The domestic company’s line includes a variety of models, which differ from the products of other manufacturers in their rich equipment and reasonable prices: all bicycles are equipped with luggage racks, metal fenders, footrests and side wheels, and a horn.
Pedal foot braking is ideal for small cyclists, but the bike also has a brake located on the handlebar, which allows you to get used to manual braking.
Raising the handlebars on a children's bike is as easy as adjusting the angle so that the young rider can ride comfortably.
A correctly adjusted steering wheel is an important condition that affects riding comfort and maneuverability. If driving a two-wheeled vehicle is easy, you can be confident in the safety of your child.
When adjusting the handlebar, we must not forget that there is a close relationship between its height and the saddle and that a handlebar set too low negatively affects the handling of the bicycle, since the center of gravity of the bike shifts down, and the load on the front wheel increases and also increases craving.
Correct position of the baby
Experts are for children to ride bicycles. This will only benefit the baby's health. But, since at this age the figure is formed, it is important that the child’s body position while skating is correct.
To fulfill this requirement, you need to select a bicycle strictly in accordance with the child’s height. A bicycle that is too small or bought “for growth” can do harm to the child instead of benefit.
As your baby grows, it is advisable to choose models with an adjustable seat and steering wheel. The child should not touch the steering gear with his knees. But too much tilt of the body is also unacceptable.
These children's models are comfortable and safe for the child.
The bike uses a threaded head tube type, i.e. the latter is inserted inside the steering column and secured with a central locking nut.
This lock nut should be loosened if you need to lower or raise the handlebars of a children's bike. They use a key for this. Once this action is completed, the head tube is set to the desired height and the lock nut is tightened.
To adjust the tilt, you need to unscrew the tightening bolts and, by rotating the steering wheel back/forward, set the desired angle.
Important: When raising or lowering the steering wheel, watch the cables so that they do not get tangled; by changing the tilt of the steering wheel, check whether the fit is comfortable. If this is not the case, try adjusting the seat.
With such a friend, every child's childhood will be happy and full of adventures. It will help from an early age to maintain a sense of balance, overcome obstacles, and communicate with peers.
Video: How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle
Bicycle adjustment is of great importance, since not only the efficiency and comfort of riding, but also often the health and general well-being of the cyclist depend on the correct settings of the handlebars, saddle and brakes.
The bicycle is now very popular look transport and is available to almost everyone. But often, after purchasing a bicycle, it is impossible to use it immediately, since the vehicle is not customized to the individual characteristics of the passenger.
Adjustment of bicycle parameters occurs according to the following plan:
- Saddle adjustment
- Steering wheel settings
- Brake adjustment
- Shifters. Brake levers
- Suspension fork
So, let's start setting up the bike step by step.
Saddle adjustment
First of all, you need to adjust the height, angle and distance of the saddle under physiological characteristics passenger.
Many different methods have been developed to determine the correct saddle height. The most common and accessible to the average person is the “heel method”. To determine the height of the saddle using this method, you must perform the following manipulations:
- Place your foot in the shoe with the heel on the pedal. The pedal must be in the down position and parallel to the floor
- Set the seat height so that sitting position the leg standing on the pedal was almost completely straightened at the knee, but at the same time the pelvis assumed a horizontal position without distortion
That is, if the leg does not reach the pedal, then the saddle needs to be lowered, and vice versa, if the knee is strongly bent, it should be raised. The bicycle seat height adjustment is adjusted after loosening the seat bolt.
It is imperative to remember that on the seat post of any bicycle there is a mark for the maximum possible saddle offset, above which you should not raise the seat, as this can lead to damage to the bicycle and possible injuries to the passenger.
Seat tilt. Typically, the seat is installed either parallel to the ground, or slightly raising the front or back of it up, depending on the individual characteristics of the cyclist. It should be taken into account that if the front end of the saddle is lifted up strongly, the passenger will roll back while moving, therefore, in order to maintain balance, he will have to use his arms and abs.
As a result of such a trip, pain in the muscles of the arms and abdomen may occur. And vice versa, if you raise back saddle, the passenger will begin to roll forward onto the bicycle frame, which will also increase the load on the hands and add the possibility of getting discomfort in the crotch.
Adjusting the distance of the saddle from the steering wheel is carried out as follows:
- The seatpost needs to be loosened
- Move the bicycle saddle forward or backward so that knee joint appeared exactly above the pedal axis. The pedal should be in a position parallel to the ground
- Secure the seatpost
Correct adjustment of the saddle in height, angle and distance is very important, since an incorrect and unsuitable position for the rider has a significant impact on both the speed and well-being of the cyclist.
So, when adjusting the saddle, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the passenger’s anatomy. But you should also take into account your riding style, for example, when driving at high speed, a lower saddle position will be justified than when riding on a quiet highway.
Steering wheel adjustment
The steering wheel is adjusted according to three parameters: height adjustment, alignment relative to the hub, alignment relative to the wheel.
Before adjusting the handlebar height, you need to decide in what conditions the cyclist is going to ride.
For example, road trips should be as comfortable as possible in terms of control over the road situation, so the steering wheel height is set so that the cyclist’s back is at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the vertical, for walking and fitness - 45-60, and for the elderly and children - 60-90 degrees.
Generally, the handlebar position differs for different types of bicycles. Yes, for road bike The steering wheel is installed above the seat, for a hybrid and mountain - at the same level with the saddle, and for a high-speed one - below the saddle.
We adjust the height of the saddle after loosening the stem bolt with a hex key. Then set the steering wheel to the desired height and tighten the bolt.
Not all bicycle models allow you to customize the handlebars wide range. This freedom is available mainly to the ordinary road bike. If we talk about racing or mountain bikes, then most likely it will be possible to adjust the height within just a few millimeters, which is due to the design of the bike.
The steering wheel is adjusted centrally relative to the hub in such a way that the cyclist's hand, arm and shoulder form a straight line while sitting on the bike. If the hand is at an angle to the forearm, then at least you will be tired from such a trip.
Adjustment of the steering wheel in the center relative to the wheel. Carrying out this adjustment yourself is not difficult even for inexperienced users. To do this, you need to stand in front of the bicycle, hold the front wheel between your knees and, after loosening the mount, center the handlebars.
Adjusting the brakes
Bicycle brakes are divided into rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes, and hydraulic disc brakes.
Easiest to adjust rim brakes. First, we check the position of the pads - they should lie with their entire surface on the wheel rim, and under no circumstances touch the tires. The distance from the rim to the pad should not be less than 1 mm and more than 3 mm. The brake pads are adjusted using a hexagon
Adjusting the location of shifters and brake levers
To determine correct position brake levers, you can mentally stretch the thread along the steering wheel handle. The brake handles are installed at an angle of 45 degrees relative to this line, and in such a way that you can reach them with your middle and index fingers.
Shifter - speed control unit on the steering wheel. It must be placed close to the brake levers.
It is advisable to adjust the gear shift unit itself once a year by an experienced specialist. This is due to the fact that during operation the chain tends to stretch.
Adjusting the suspension fork
The fork setting depends on the weight of the cyclist. You should not make the fork too soft, as a strong rebound increases the likelihood of bike breakdowns.
Check before departure
Every time you are going to ride a bicycle, it is necessary to check the serviceability of the vehicle.
Checking the brakes
- Spin the wheel after releasing the brake handle. The wheel should spin smoothly and not touch the brake pads
- Inspect the brake pads. They should be at a distance of 1 to 3 mm from the wheel rim, and close to it with the entire plane. Under no circumstances should the brake pads touch the tires.
- Press and release the brake levers several times. They should not be too soft or too tight, rest against the steering wheel or sink
- If the brakes are hydraulic, also inspect the cables and jackets.
Checking the condition of tires
Inspect the tires for wear. Severe tire wear quite often causes a puncture in the tube. Worn tires must be replaced on time.
The recommended pressure is indicated on the sidewall of the tires. It is highly recommended not to exceed it. You need to know that high pressure is necessary for driving on hard and dry surfaces. For driving on snow, sand, clay and slippery roads, low pressure is preferable.
Checking bolts and lack of play
It is imperative to check that the steering wheel is securely fastened and that the steering column does not dangle, that is, there is no play.
We also check the reliability of fastening the wheels in the forks and the seat in the seat clamp.
Make sure all mounting bolts are securely tightened.
Check the gear selector setting
Other
We carefully lubricate all components and mechanisms.
Checking the pedal settings.
If you have to drive in the dark, you need to make sure that the lighting system is working properly.
The bike is ready. Have a nice walk!
Setting the right steering column height can help relieve back, wrist, and arm pain while riding. You can adjust the height of the steering wheel yourself by having an adjustable (wrench) and hex key on hand.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - let's decide on the design
The process of adjusting the handlebars depends on the bicycle model, which has a threaded or threadless design. The first column set consists of the bearings, head tube and other components that hold the fork and handlebars in place, allowing them to rotate smoothly. The threadless design of the steering wheel is fixed only with clamping bolts.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - what you need
- Set of socket wrenches.
- Adjustable spanner, adjustable up to 40 mm.
- Lightweight bicycle oil.
- Steel hammer.
- Spacer rings (size according to rod diameter).
- Rag.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - threaded steering column
Threaded column represents a wedge-retainer that extends out of the frame, tilting forward, and is then secured with a nut to the handlebars. The column is held in place by one central bolt at the top. This type of handlebar is installed on older brands of bicycles that have one speed and a fixed gear.
- Grip the front wheel of your bike with your feet. Loosen the stem bolt with a wrench (usually 6mm or 8mm) or an adjustable wrench.
- Turn the steering wheel from side to side, pulling up. If it doesn't move, loosen the nut around the base of the pipe with an adjustable wrench and apply oil. Wait five minutes and then lightly tap it with a hammer and try again.
- Pull the retaining rod completely out of the pipe. Wipe it with a rag and apply a thin layer of lubricant.
- Insert the clamp, setting it to the desired height. Do not raise the wedge above the maximum level, which is indicated by the horizontal line on the pipe.
- Tighten the bolt while holding the steering wheel, aligning it with the front wheel.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - threadless steering column
- Use a socket wrench (typically 5mm) to loosen and remove the bolt on the top of the head tube that fits into the bike frame. This bolt holds the handlebars to the bike, so you need to remove it to adjust the height.
- Loosen the tie bolts at the top of the steering tube. Slowly remove the steering wheel, being careful not to bend the wires attached to the brakes and shifters. To ensure their safety, it is best to place the bike on a table or chair.
- Add or remove additional rings on the head tube to achieve your desired height.
- Install the steering wheel along with the pinch bolts onto the top of the steering tube. Tighten the bolt while aligning the handlebars with the front wheel.
- Check the bike's maneuverability. Make sure the steering wheel turns freely. If not, loosen the head bolt a little.
When adjusting the steering column, keep in mind that a low steering wheel height reduces the center of gravity. By posting more weight over the front wheel, you increase traction. Additionally, the lower height keeps the body centralized between the two wheels, allowing for better control of the bike during climbs. However, there is a limit; lowering the handlebars too low can make the bike difficult to control. Luckily, experimenting with handlebar height is easy and can often be done on your own.
Setting the right steering column height can help relieve back, wrist, and arm pain while riding. You can adjust the height of the steering wheel yourself by having an adjustable (wrench) and hex key on hand.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - let's decide on the design
The process of adjusting the handlebars depends on the bicycle model, which has a threaded or threadless design. The first column set consists of the bearings, head tube and other components that hold the fork and handlebars in place, allowing them to rotate smoothly. The threadless design of the steering wheel is fixed only with clamping bolts.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - what you need
- Set of socket wrenches.
- Adjustable spanner, adjustable up to 40 mm.
- Lightweight bicycle oil.
- Steel hammer.
- Spacer rings (size according to rod diameter).
- Rag.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - threaded steering column
The threaded column is a wedge-retainer that extends out of the frame, tilting forward, and is then secured with a nut to the handlebar. The column is held in place by one central bolt at the top. This type of handlebar is installed on older brands of bicycles that have one speed and a fixed gear.
- Grip the front wheel of your bike with your feet. Loosen the stem bolt with a wrench (usually 6mm or 8mm) or an adjustable wrench.
- Turn the steering wheel from side to side, pulling up. If it doesn't move, loosen the nut around the base of the pipe with an adjustable wrench and apply oil. Wait five minutes and then lightly tap it with a hammer and try again.
- Pull the retaining rod completely out of the pipe. Wipe it with a rag and apply a thin layer of lubricant.
- Insert the clamp, setting it to the desired height. Do not raise the wedge above the maximum level, which is indicated by the horizontal line on the pipe.
- Tighten the bolt while holding the handlebars and aligning them with the front wheel.
How to raise the handlebars on a bicycle - threadless steering column
- Use a socket wrench (typically 5mm) to loosen and remove the bolt on the top of the head tube that fits into the bike frame. This bolt holds the handlebars to the bike, so you need to remove it to adjust the height.
- Loosen the tie bolts at the top of the steering tube. Slowly remove the steering wheel, being careful not to bend the wires attached to the brakes and shifters. To ensure their safety, it is best to place the bike on a table or chair.
- Add or remove additional rings on the head tube to achieve your desired height.
- Install the steering wheel along with the pinch bolts onto the top of the steering tube. Tighten the bolt while aligning the handlebars with the front wheel.
- Check the bike's maneuverability. Make sure the steering wheel turns freely. If not, loosen the head bolt a little.
When adjusting the steering column, keep in mind that a low steering wheel height reduces the center of gravity. By placing more weight over the front wheel, you increase traction. Additionally, the lower height keeps the body centralized between the two wheels, allowing for better control of the bike during climbs. However, there is a limit; lowering the handlebars too low can make the bike difficult to control. Luckily, experimenting with handlebar height is easy and can often be done on your own.
Despite the modern variety of moving equipment for children the best remedy For active recreation there's still a bike . Surely you are already familiar with the rules for choosing it regarding the child’s growth and you know that such a thing cannot be purchased “for growth.”
However, after the purchase there follows such an important procedure as setting, to which they are even subject. Careful adjustments are essential to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
How to adjust a bicycle seat
First you need a flat surface, a bike and a child. You need to stand the baby and place an “iron horse” between his legs. Ideally, there should be a distance of 5-12 cm between the crotch and the frame. In case emergency situation such a reserve will allow the child to quickly jump off the bike.
Next, the child must sit down and pedal. It is important that the child’s heel is free to reach the pedal in the lower position. If the saddle is set too low and does not allow the child to fully straighten the leg, it will not be possible to avoid overexertion and leg fatigue.
If, when adjusting a children's bicycle, the saddle is fixed too high, this will lead to difficulties when starting and stopping. If a child cannot reach the pedals, his back muscles will be overloaded.
Observing the baby will help determine the correctness of the adjustment, in particular, you should pay attention to the position of his back and steering wheel control. It is not good for the child to stretch his arms forward in order to reach the handles, or to strongly tilt the body. Such control cannot be called comfortable. In addition, a child who is preoccupied with this problem loses control of the road to some extent. In this situation, the saddle needs to be lowered to a lower position.
Thinking how to adjust children's bike, it is not recommended to focus on the rules for setting up models for adults, since in the children's version a higher setting of the saddle is welcome, which will provide the baby good review roads.
The first step in adjusting the saddle height is to unscrew the bolt (cam) in the seat frame assembly - this frees the saddle and the pin attached to it. After removing the seatpost from the frame, the height is adjusted to select the optimal saddle position. On final stage the pin is secured by tightening a bolt or eccentric.
How to raise the handlebars on a children's bike
The child should not experience any discomfort while driving. Therefore, the position of his back is important, which, like the free movement of his knees, is ensured by the correct setting of the steering wheel - its height and angle of inclination.
To change the handlebar height, you will need a hex wrench to loosen the stem bolt. Then the height is fixed at the required level and secured with a bolt - experts advise first tapping the steering wheel a little so that it sags, and then raising it to the desired height. A sure sign that the handlebars need to be raised higher is a child's bent back while cycling.
However, it is possible to configure the bike as correctly as possible only if the selected model provides for the height of the steering and seat post, which you should make sure of before purchasing it. The tilt of the steering wheel is also important - if it is incorrect, then when driving the baby will hit it with his knees.
Buying a children's bike
Here you will find:
- convenient navigation on the site, which makes it easy to explore the assortment based on the child’s age category, brand and price;
- guaranteed product quality;
- affordable prices!
In fact, the height and direction of the head tube play a serious role in the comfort of riding and saving the athlete’s energy. Thus, high handlebars are usually chosen for recreational riding, and low models are for sporting purposes - like on speed bikes, and trial bikes.
Adjustment directions
In what directions is the steering wheel adjustable? First of all, this is the height of the steering wheel. It determines what angle the cyclist’s body and his arms will be at while riding. In turn, the voltage depends on the angle of inclination various groups muscles, the rate of their fatigue and, accordingly, general condition the athlete's body.
As already mentioned, handlebars are often raised when riding “for recreation”, and lowered to reduce wind resistance in speed rides. In addition, the low idle role is maximally reliable in case sports disciplines BMX, Trial, Downhill and the like. Actually, the handlebar height parameter is selected individually, depending on the riding style.
The “zero” position for adjustment selects the level of the bicycle saddle. A handlebar located above the saddle is considered high, and a handlebar located below it is considered low. Of course, all such measurements are very arbitrary, and several iterations and changes are required to ensure that the height configuration is ideal.
Height change
- A stem with a sharp angle will help raise the handlebars.
- On BMX bike Many steering wheel options themselves are quite high, i.e. The head tube increases the height of the grip point.
However, most often they turn to a simple setting that is provided on almost all bicycle models. Before you start, you should pay attention to what type is on your bike. The entire work process depends on this.
Threaded column
The type of threaded mount is found on specialized professional bicycles, as it has less weight compared to a threadless mount, but most often it can be seen on bicycles in the lower price segment and old Soviet models.
In this case, the steering tube is placed inside the column and tightened with nuts, connecting to the steering mechanism. Everything is simple and reliable, although it can be a little dirty - the lower part of the pipe usually collects lubricant from the mechanism.
So, steps to change the height of the steering wheel:
- Loosen the fastening nut (it “covers” the steering tube at the very bottom, above the frame).
- If necessary, do the same with the steering tube lock nut.
- Raise the pipe to the desired height. To raise the bar higher than usual, you may need an extension cord.
- First tighten the fastening nut and then the lock nut.
The job is done, fixing the steering wheel turned out to be not so difficult!
Threadless column
The threadless column is the de facto standard for modern mountain bikes(). The mechanism here is somewhat more complex and heavier, and the steering wheel is attached to the pipe using an additional element - a stem. With threaded mechanisms, all three of these components are a single whole, which is the reason for their lower weight and greater reliability. The height in this case is set not by the position of the pipe, but by adding special spacer rings to the pipe freed from removal.
Actually, the change is made as follows:
- Use a hexagon to unscrew the armature bolt (“cover” on the top of the pipe).
- We unscrew the tightening bolts of the stem that secure it to the steering tube.
- We carefully try to remove the steering wheel along with the stem.
- We add spacer rings to the pipe (or remove them to reduce the overall length of the structure).
- We install the stem back.
- First tighten the tightening bolts, then the anchor. The main thing is not to tighten the steering wheel too much, this can damage the parts.
The direction of the stem (and therefore the handlebar) must be carefully adjusted and aligned with the front wheel, as it is very easy to dislodge the structure during operations. To correct the direction, just slightly loosen the bolts that hold the stem in place, and, having established the correct direction, tighten them.
Tilt angle and offset
In addition to height, the steering wheel can be adjusted according to other parameters. This primarily applies to threadless columns, as they are designed to be modularized and fine-tuned. Threaded options are almost always solid and are not adapted to additional height settings.
The angle of inclination can be easily changed using a hexagon. By loosening the bolts on, the steering tube can be “scrolled” to the desired position. This is especially often required when working with raised and complex touring handlebars, since the position of the hands can be changed for each condition.
A separate issue is take-out. Actually, in a process such as adjustment, this is a key element for threadless assembly of the steering wheel. There are a variety of takeaways:
- vertical to increase height;
- horizontal to compensate for frame length;
- corner for convenient installation of additional gadgets and auxiliary accessories.
The only thing to remember is that stems come in different types and sizes and may not fit the accessories you have.
Conclusion
Adjusting the steering wheel of a bicycle is a simple operation that allows you to dramatically increase the comfort of riding, and with your own hands, without turning to mechanics or “professional friends,” you can bring your own bike to perfection. The correct height of the steering wheel, its tilt and other characteristics, without a doubt, should be selected according to the rider’s own experience and comfort.
