How to Adjust Bike Handlebars: Change the Height and Angle

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Learn how to adjust your bike for speed, comfort, and safety
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Being able to properly adjust your bicycle’s handlebars helps you ride more comfortably for longer periods. It also helps road and mountain bikers to achieve maximum performance by fine-tuning the fit of their bikes. Growing children also need to have their bikes adjusted each year. This article covers adjusting the height on threaded and threadless headsets , changing the angle , and positioning the brake levers . Plus, we spoke with Jonas Jackel, owner of Huckleberry Bicycles, to get his expert advice for adjusting your handlebars.

Section 1 of 4:

Adjusting Handlebar Height on a Threadless Headset Stem

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  1. The bolt points up and usually fits an Allen key. Remove the long bolt and take off the cap, then set them both aside safely for later. This bolt keeps the handlebars on the bike, and you need to remove it to raise or lower your bars.
    • To keep from adding unnecessary weight, many stems (the connecting, L-shaped piece between your bars and bike) don’t have a lot of excess space for adjustments.
    • For larger changes to your handlebar height, consider installing a longer or shorter stem.
  2. Use an Allen key to loosen the two side screws on your handlebars. They will be on the part of the stem closest to your seat. Loosen them enough so that you can pull the handlebars and stem off the tube in the frame. Slowly remove the handlebars, taking care not to stress or bend any of the wires attached to the brakes and derailleurs. [1]
    • Brake and derailleurs usually have a little bit of extra slack, but to be safe, roll the bike up to a table or chair and place the handlebars down carefully, close to the bike.
    • Threadless headsets have one big bolt on the top and two smaller bolts that help clamp the stem down.
    • If your bike only has one continuous piece of metal connecting the bike to the bars, then you have a threaded headset.
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  3. On threadless bikes, these spacers (or small rings) allow you to adjust the height. Choose a height that doesn’t require you to hunch your back and lets you keep your arms slightly bent at the elbows. Let your body be the best judge of where you need the handlebars. [2] .
    • Racing riders have low handlebars so they can crouch aerodynamically. Their handlebars are usually 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) below the seat.
    • Comfort riders or beginners usually ride with handlebars level to the seat or higher.
    • The conical piece at the bottom of the stem that connects to the frame is the bearing cover and cannot be removed.
  4. Don't worry too much about aligning the bars perfectly just yet. If you removed any spacers, put them on top of the stem so that you don't lose them. [3] The stem cap bolt will then cover them.
    • This top bolt does not affect the side-to-side movement of the handlebars, so tighten it before trying to get the handlebars aligned again.
    • If you’re working with delicate pieces, like a carbon fiber frame, use a torque wrench to avoid cracking anything.
    • Make sure you can turn the handlebars freely. If not, loosen the head bolt slightly until you can easily turn the bike.
  5. Stand over the bike with the frame between your legs, and squeeze the front wheel so that it is facing directly ahead. Close one eye and adjust the handlebars so that the centerpiece is aligned exactly with the front wheel. You want your wheel and handlebars to be in line for proper turning control.
    • If you’re having trouble keeping the bars in place, tighten the nuts a quarter turn so that you need more pressure to spin the handlebars, yet they still move independently of the wheel. [4]
    • Tighten the bolts when you are done and the handlebars are aligned.
  6. To check your alignment, stand with the bike between your legs and clamp the front brakes down. Turn the wheel back and forth. If you feel any rocking or odd movement beneath your hands, loosen the side bolts, tighten the top bolt a little more, then retighten the sides to check again.
    • The headset is the collection of pieces (handlebars, stem, fork, front wheel) that turn your bike. The top bolt attaches to the headset of your bike, which affects your turning.
    • If you’re struggling to turn or feel a "tight spot," loosen the top bolt a little.
    Adjust handlebars precisely thanks to clear instructions. "I'll admit I was nervous about messing with my handlebars and bike parts before reading this. But the super clear step-by-step photos walked me through everything perfectly. I finally got my handlebars raised to just the right height for me. Riding is so much more comfortable now!" - Hossein P.
    Gain comfort by properly positioning handlebars. "After three years of sore hands from riding my beach cruiser every day, I realized my handlebars were positioned way too low. This article explained exactly how to raise them up 4 inches. Now, I can take nice long rides along the shore without any hand or back pain; it's awesome!" - Gary T.
    Ride safer by double-checking bolts. "As a new bike owner getting familiar with all the parts, I appreciated learning about the headset and stem from this article. It reminded me to double-check those key bolts are tightened before hitting the road. Don't want any loose or angled handlebars causing an accident! Safety first." - Bob W.
    We want to hear from you! Advice from our readers makes our articles better. If you have a story you’d like to share, tell us here .
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Section 2 of 4:

Adjusting Handlebar Height on Threaded Headsets

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  1. Threaded headsets have one continuous metal piece (stem) that comes up out of the frame, bends forward, and then attaches to the handlebars. There’s a nut where the stem leaves the frame that holds it in place, and one bolt at the top of the stem. These stems are easy to adjust and are common on single-speed, fixed-gear, and older bikes.
    • Some bikes don’t have a hex nut on the frame. They only have the bolt on the top of the stem.
  2. This bolt, pointing straight down, creates the pressure that holds the stem in place. Use an Allen key to loosen it, though you don't need to remove it entirely. [5]
  3. Disengage the hex nut, which is the "ring" where the stem meets the bike frame, by loosening it with a wrench. You may need to wiggle, twist, and pull to get them out. If this is a new bike, mark the location where the handlebars used to rest with a marker or measurement so that you can return to this location if you need.
    • Tapping the bolt gently with a hammer can also help loosen it. [6]
  4. Clean off any gunk on the stem with soapy water and then dry it with an old rag. To prevent the stem from getting stuck in the frame later on, apply a little anti-seize grease around the bottom 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of the stem. This help prevent corrosion, especially if you frequently ride in wet weather. [7]
    • It’s also a good idea to remove and grease the stem once a year as part of a regular bike maintenance schedule.
  5. Proper handlebar positioning largely depends on the type of bicycle you're using. The number one concern when picking a height is rider comfort. Position the handlebars at a height that allows you to comfortably ride without straining your back, neck, and shoulders. If you’ve already adjusted your bike seat height , try to keep the top of your handlebars in line with the top of your saddle. [8]
    • Road bike: Avoid raising the handlebars on road bikes higher than the seat to for optimum aerodynamics and control at high speeds.
    • Mountain bike: Mountain bike handlebars should be lower than the seat. This gives you a lower center of gravity and better balance when negotiating rugged terrain.
    • Cruiser: Handlebars on standard bikes should be slightly higher than the seat to limit strain and provide maximum comfort.
  6. Hand tightness should be fine, especially with the top bolt. Try to avoid cranking on the bolt and making it so tight that you can't remove it later for maintenance or further adjustments.
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Section 3 of 4:

Adjusting the Handlebar Angle

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  1. Adjustable stems have a single bolt running perpendicular to the bike where the stem meets the frame. You can loosen this bolt, adjust the stem angle, then tighten it back to quickly move your handlebars. If you have this option, adjust the stem and test it before moving on—it may be enough to get you comfortable.
    • If your bike doesn’t have an adjustable stem, you may be able to remove the stem, flip it, and reinstall it to get a more comfortable angle.
  2. The stem is the piece that runs perpendicular to your handlebars, attaching your frame to the handlebars. If you look at the bike from straight ahead), there are four screws clamped to a small square plate on the center for the handlebars. Loosen these screws to rotate the handlebars up and down.
  3. While sitting on your bike, rest your hands on the handlebars so your arms are slightly bent and you can comfortably reach the brakes. [9] The proper angle also places your back at a roughly 45-degree angle from your waist.
    • If you can't find a comfortable angle, you may need a different bike stem. It’s also possible that your bike is too big for you. [10]
    • Most bike shops can help you determine the correct bike size for your height for little or no fee. Knowing the correct frame size measurement to look for can help you get the perfect fit.
    • Jackel recommends positioning the brake levers at a 45-degree angle toward the ground rather than keeping them parallel to make it easier to engage the brakes. [11]
  4. Once you find an angle that seems comfortable, go for a quick ride to see how it feels when you’re actually on the bike. Jackel tells us that forgetting to tighten the bolts is “a pretty common mistake people make when they're assembling their own bike or trying to make an adjustment.” If you don’t tighten the bolts, your weight could force the bars to angle suddenly down and cause a crash. [12]
    • The handlebar angle is often a matter of personal preference. As long as you are comfortable, it will work.
    • If you've been experiencing finger numbness when riding, consider tipping your bars up a little more. This puts less pressure on your palms, which may cut off some circulation.
    • If you use a torque wrench , set the bolts to 5nm strength. [13]
    • According to Jackel, if you don’t tighten the handlebars completely, you may strip the bolts holding them to the stem, making your bike unsafe to ride. [14]
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Section 4 of 4:

Adjusting the Brake Levers

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  1. 1
    Loosen the flange screw and rotate the brake to a comfortable position. Most of these types of screws can be loosened or tightened with an Allen key. [15] Place your hand on the handlebar grip and position the brakes so your index finger comfortably reaches the end of the brake lever. [16]
    • One finger is usually all you need to engage the brake when you position the lever in the right place.
    • Twist the brake mechanism so that you’re able to maintain a relaxed, neutral wrist when you ride. Tighten the screw to secure the brake mechanism in the new position.
    • The flange is the collar that holds the brake at a specific place on the handlebars when tightened.
  2. 2
    Adjust the lever reach to tighten or widen the lever’s throw. Many bikes have a small knob that you twist in one direction or the other depending on whether you want the throw to be tighter or wider. If there’s no knob, make the adjustment with an Allen key. [17]
    • The brake lever’s throw is how wide the lever must swing to fully engage the brake.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I adjust the brake lever angle on my handlebars?
    Matt Gander
    Community Answer
    The brake levers will have an allen key or hex bolt. It will probably be under each lever near the bar. Loosen it and you can adjust the angle of the levers.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How do I adjust the movement of my handlebars/forks, as my steering is stiff?
    Community Answer
    The bearings may be seized, or the nuts are too tight.
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  • Question
    Do I need to purchase additional spacers to raise my handlebars?
    LibArtsPremed18
    Top Answerer
    If you do not have adjustable handlebars, then you will need more spacers or a longer stem to raise them.
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      Tips

      • Make sure you're able to reach the brake levers and gear shifters easily after altering the position of your handlebars.
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      • Be sure not to kink brake or gear cables when you adjust handlebars.
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      • If altering the position of your handlebars becomes problematic, consider changing the height of the seat.
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      Warnings

      • Double-check that you've tightened every bolt before riding again to prevent an accident.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://bike.bikegremlin.com/1188/mechanics-bar-angle-height-setup/
      2. ↑ https://bike.bikegremlin.com/1188/mechanics-bar-angle-height-setup/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/wU3ZyaC7wb8?t=304
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Q1rmPj2kmqg?t=1m43s
      5. ↑ http://www.sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html
      6. ↑ https://thebicycletime.com/blog/how-to-adjust-handlebar-height/
      7. ↑ https://www.sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html
      8. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/videos/bike-fit-and-maintenance/handlebar-height-how-low-should-you-go
      9. ↑ https://manuals.stagescycling.com/en/stages-bike/user-guide/setup/fit-guidelines/handlebar-setup/height-stack-and-angle/
      1. ↑ https://biketips.com/how-to-raise-bike-handlebars/
      2. ↑ Jonas Jackel. Owner, Huckleberry Bicycles. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
      3. ↑ Jonas Jackel. Owner, Huckleberry Bicycles. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Q1rmPj2kmqg?t=5m2s
      5. ↑ Jonas Jackel. Owner, Huckleberry Bicycles. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/AksgVmzvdRs?t=362
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/AksgVmzvdRs?t=132
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/AksgVmzvdRs?t=392
      9. ↑ http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/hndlebar.htm
      10. ↑ http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To adjust your handlebars, loosen the stem cap before using an Allen Key to take off the bolts on either side of the stem. Then, pull the stem off of the bike frame and lay the handlebars on a table or chair to avoid damaging the brake and gear cables. To increase or decrease the height, add or remove circular risers as required. When you get the height you want, replace the stem, insert the stem cap bolt and tighten it by hand, line up the handlebars with your front wheel, and tighten the side bolts to finish. For tips on how to adjust a threaded headset or how to adjust handlebar angles, read on!

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