How To Extend Bike Handlebars -Put Yourself In A More Upright Position

[@rochamds]

Amazing video! Thank you for taking the time to put it together!

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad you loved the video! 😄 It means a lot to me that you found it amazing and helpful. I enjoy putting these videos together, especially when I know they make a difference for fellow cyclists like you. Your support and kind words keep me motivated to create more content! Happy cycling and stay tuned for more amazing videos! 🚲😊

[@debbiesmith2207]

Excellent video. I almost gave away my well loved mountain bikes because the riding position puts too much stress on my wrists. Now that Im 65 years old my technical trail riding days are behind me. I think I can keep my bikes and enjoy riding with a few modifications. Thanks! Cheers from Canada.

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi, and thanks so much for your kind words. It's fantastic to hear that the video helped you reconsider parting with your beloved mountain bikes. I'm pleased that you found a new life for them. Enjoy riding! Sending love from Manchester, UK🇬🇧

[@sinan245]

Excellent video with a lot of coverage. I have adjustable stem and do not know how to adjust it's angle. Now I know it. Thank you

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching, and happy riding!🙂

[@NonAbsoluteAbsolutisim1]

first video that shows how to adjust the adjustable stem didnt realize there where 3 Allen keys in play. thanks:-)

[@jamesmcmanus8567]

Excellent video a must see for every cyclist

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Let me know if you have any other questions or need more tips! 🚴‍♂️

[@snubbedpeer]

Thanks to this video I looked for and found the adjustment screw under the stem, much obliged!!👍

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

You're welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful. And thank you for subscribing to our KZbin channel and becoming a valued member of our CMA community. Your support means a lot to us, and we're excited to have you on board for more biking tips and adventures! 👍😊

[@702ringo1]

Excellent video!!!!! Love your smile!!❤️

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thanks so much for the lovely comment! 😄 I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the video, and I'm glad my smile brought some joy your way! ❤️

[@jorgejorge5542]

Great video thanks!!!! New subscriber. You are the best

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hey there! Thanks for your kind words and for subscribing!🙏 I'm thrilled to have you as part of the community.🙂 If you ever have more questions or need tips, feel free to drop a comment. Happy cycling!🚲

[@Mark-fl1hg]

A very comprehensive video and extremely helpful! I wanted to increase the height as much as possible with a riser to give a more comfortable upright position and had, until now, forgotten to considered the cable lengths - thanks for making that point clearly. Also, being new to cycling I wasn't aware of all the options, so this helped me make a better decision on what I needed. Best YT video on this subject - and I've watched loads.

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thanks so much for your incredibly positive feedback! I'm delighted to hear that you found the video comprehensive and extremely helpful. Your kind words are greatly appreciated, and I'm thrilled to hear that it's the best KZbin video on this subject that you've come across. If you ever have more questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Happy cycling 😊

[@karinduval]

Can you put the adjustable extender on rotate 180 degrees so that the handlebars are closer to you as well as raised?

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi, thnak you for your question and I'm sorry that I couldn't reply to you sooner. It is not advisable to rotate the stem.

[@kaanakyol7984]

Wow! Amazing video, including everything :)

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thanks a lot! I'm pleased that you found the video helpful. If you have any more questions or if there's anything else you'd like to see, feel free to let me know.🙂

[@NealePinkney-td2cn]

Brilliant clear information 👏 👌

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm really glad you found the information clear and helpful. If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask! 😊

[@united3689]

great video thank you. Off to purchase an adjustable stem!

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Brilliant, I'm glad it was helpful!🙂 Let us know howo you got on fitting your new adjusatble stem.

[@hariji3139]

very very very very useful. thank you so much

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi and thanks for writing the comment. I'm pleased tha you found the video helpful and that you can now enjoy a more comfortable ride 🙂.

[@Listermintsluesh]

My handlebar tubing was too small for the clasp so I packed it out with some flattened inner tube, then tightened. Works ok now. I think it's raised the bar high enough for little more comfort...

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi, thank you for sharing your tip! However, in my opinion this method is not safe. That said, I'm glad it works for you. If possible, consider replacing either the stem or handlebar to ensure a snug fit and proper clamping. Happy riding!🚴🙂

[@desidesigning]

What an outstanding 👏 video.

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I apologise for the delay in responding, but I truly appreciate your support! 👍🏻

[@trust.no_1]

At 54 my hands always go numb riding my 26er MTB. Experimented with a lot of adjustment of the seat height and stem height nothing worked. Until I switched to BMX handlebars, 25" length, 7"rise. I can again ride longer, upright and relaxed 😎

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

That’s awesome to hear! Sometimes the right handlebar change can make a huge difference in comfort. It’s interesting how a simple switch like that can improve your posture and reduce hand numbness. Glad you found a setup that works for you, and it’s great to hear you're enjoying your rides again! 😎

[@dawn_rider]

I have both a stem riser ( Satori heads up 4 ) and an adjustable stem ( System-Ex ) and have issues with both. Before I go into the issues, my advice is the take a set of allen / hex keys with you on at least the first ride after you adjust anything, especially if you don't have a torque wrench and are not used to tightening bolts to the the correct torque settings. Initially I could not get the stem riser tight enough not to rotate when going down potholes etc. This was due to the approx 1 1/8" diameter hole in the riser being 0.25mm larger than my fork tube. Most of the torque applied to the bolt at the top of the slot was being used to close the gap in the slot rather than clamp onto the fork steerer tube. I lightly sanded and painted the inside of the ~1 1/8" diameter hole with a paper thin layer of epoxy to fill the 0.25mm gap ( did not have a shim and the epoxy will never fall out ). It is important that the stem riser still slides freely onto the steerer tube before you tighten anything otherwise when you tighten the stem top cap bolt it may be pushing against the riser and not loading the fork bearings. Also it is important to know how deep you can push the steerer tube into the riser. If you don't have enough spacer rings below the riser the fork bearings will not be loaded and you will have a loose fork ! The main issue I have with my adjustable stem is that even when tight I can feel the outer edges of my handlebars flex up / down so they lack torsional stiffness . I would say its about 2 to 3mm movement when climbing and not noticeable when riding on the flat. This doesn't happen if I switch to a solid non adjustable stem. Also I had to re tighten the angle adjustment bolt as it developed slight play during an initial 20 mile ride but it seemed fine for several rides afterwards. Geometry wise remember that raising your handlebar height with either a stem riser or adjustable stem will bring the handlebars closer. With my stem riser its about 23mm closer with a 75mm height gain . You might feel a bit cramped on the bike ( especially on a road bike when riding in the drops ) and need a longer stem to compensate ! I did have to extend all my cables ( the front brake cable especially ). Make sure things like wired cycle computers and lights with an external battery fitted to the frame also have enough cable ! Another alternative for mountain bikes to is to swap a flat handlebar for a riser bar. Feel free to correct me on any of this ( especially Mary ! ) as I am not a bike mechanic.

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hey, thanks so much for sharing your valuable experience.🙏 It looks like you went on a long journey to find the best solution for finding the correct riding position. I'm confident that fellow viewers will greatly value your insights and advice.🙂

[@dgphi]

I put an adjustable stem on my bike, but it still wasn't enough, so I put some new handlebars on it too, ones with a higher rise. But then the brake and shift cables weren't long enough, and they had to be replaced. That turned out to be quite a big project for me because I had never replaced cables before. I had to buy a cable cutter and a bike maintenance stand, and plus all the cables of course, and the handlebars. I also had to trim the handlebars. Luckily a friend of mine had a pipe cutter I could borrow. (A hacksaw and files would have worked too.) I'm kind of annoyed that my bike had such low handlebars in the first place. It's a hybrid bike that I bought for commuting and fitness. I didn't know any better about handlebar height at the time when I bought. It's what the bike shop sold me. I think most people would prefer higher handlebars for that kind of bike. Why are they so low on such bikes? The only thing I can think of is that maybe bikes look nicer with low handlebars.

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi, and thank you for sharing your experience. It highlights a common challenge with stock handlebar heights, especially on hybrid bikes. The standard setup might not cater to everyone's comfort and riding style. Low handlebars can indeed provide a sportier look, but comfort is paramount. I think that bike manufacturers often aim for a one-size-fits-all approach, which often rerquires adjustments. Sorry to hear that putting on an adjustable stem turned into a bigger project than anticipated, but kudos for successfully navigating the cable replacement process. Your experience and insights will likely resonate with others looking to make similar modifications!

[@dgphi]

@@cyclemaintenanceacademy Thanks for your comments! I'm happy with my new handlebar. The stock one was making my hands tingle. No doubt some nerves in my hands or wrists were getting compressed. That doesn't happen with the new one, I am glad to say. As well as being higher, the new one has a little bit of backsweep, which I think helps with comfort. The stock one was completely flat and straight. The bike does look less sporty now. It now looks more like a classic bicycle. I can imagine that most people would prefer the sporty look. I don't mind the classic look though.

[@mrs.mazzorato1980]

Great video...hubby and I are wanting to raise the handlebars on our Giant ATXs but can't decide on which stem extender to buy (height wise)...how do we know which height riser to buy? Is there some way of checking how long our cables can extend? (I'm guessing take the handlebars off and measure?)

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hey there! Thanks for your comment🙏. I'm glad you enjoyed the video🙂. Regarding your questions about stem raisers and cable interference, there are no simple measurements that can be taken. It's a trial-and-error method. One option would be to visit your local bike shop. They have the expertise and experience to guide you in choosing the right stem raiser and address any concerns about cable interference. They'll provide you with the best advice and assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for help.

[@Chunetime]

fire

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thx 😊

[@azad562]

The top cap bolt that came with the stem raiser seems not long enough. Hence have a shaky handle. Where can one buy the long one or adjust? Am I missing something?

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi, thanks for the message and apologies for not getting back to you sooner (I'm on my summer holiday duties with my children). I understand your frustration and I hope you've managed to sort it out. If you still need advice then check if the star nut that's fitted in the fork tube doesnt' sit too deep? If yes then it might be good idea to fit another one. the other option is to find a longer stem bolt. Contact the shop you bought it from and hopefully they will be able to help. Let me know what was the probem and how did you solev it. Take care

[@anonymously241]

I like adjustable steam 👍 my cycle have one 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

That's great! Adjustable steam can be really handy. 🙂

[@jasasyiken5561]

Great video. I wanted to try tube extender option. Unfortunately, the long bolt just couldn’t catch the star nut inside the tube. I suspect the star nut could be sitting couple of mm too deep. I’m only guessing this is the problem because when I move the long bolt around to find the star nut, I couldn’t feel it touching anything. Am I doing it wrong?

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hey Jas, thanks for the comment and I'm glad that you liked the video🙏. What a pain that you stuck with that star nut. If it is too deep in the fork tube then you could screw the bolt onto it and by tapping with the mallet push it even further in. Now you can fit a new star nut on top just enough so it sits securely in the tube but the long bolt can catch the thread. I hope this helps🙂

[@jasasyiken5561]

@@cyclemaintenanceacademy Thanks! I will try this out. Cheers!

[@meme-tg6hr]

My stem bolts won't tighten enough. How to you fill the space between the riser and handlebar stem bolts? I've tried self bonding tape, Teflon tape, and electrical tape and still swivels. I first put plastic bottle piece in there. Tia.

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hey, thanks for your question. It seems like you tried many options and it now might be a good time for you to invest in a new adjustable stem. I know that this might not be the answer you are looking for but I don't see a long term solution here. I hope this helps🙂

[@meme-tg6hr]

@@cyclemaintenanceacademy Thank you for your reply. Both stem and adjustable extender are new. They just didn't work together. I brought both to Velo bike store and a simple fix was the purchase of a shim. There's way more parts and terms in and for bicycles than I want to know.

[@ziploc2000]

I recently bought an eBike (Magnum Peak T5), and adjusting the seat height correctly was easy, but there was no way to adjust the handlebar height even an inch without buying extra kit - I added a stem riser (bought off Amazon for $10). 14 years go I bought a Specialized Sirrus; same problem. I had to add a handlebar adjuster, and in fact changed the handlebars entirely, to get to a comfortable height. Prior to that, and living in the UK, handlebars could be adjusted at least a few inches up or down with just one Allen key, as shown in one of your other videos. Why are manufacturers now making it so hard to adjust handlebar height? Do they not think rider comfort is important, or is it just a cost-cutting measure?

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi, and thanks for sharing your experience with others. It's frustrating when manufacturers make it difficult to adjust handlebar height, especially when rider comfort is so crucial. Your experience with adding a stem riser and changing the handlebars will definitely help fellow riders facing the same challenge. Keep sharing your insights!🙂

[@jahshjahsh2002]

best

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Thanks!🙂

[@lukeoxley7548]

I have an adjustable stem without the bolt on the bottom. I have removed the side bolt to the point that it's completely out, but I still can't move it. Does anyone know how to fix this?

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hi, I'm so sorry for not getting back to you sooner! You’ve probably solved the issue by now, but I hope you don’t mind me answering anyway. If there's no bolt at the bottom of the stem, loosening the side bolts should release it. If that doesn’t work, try gently wiggling the stem sideways to release the teeth on the top part from the grooves on the bottom part. Hopefully, that should do the trick!

[@SterlingStudios]

Step one. Remove unnecessary background music , step two, begin process.

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hey, that makes sense! After rewatching it, I can totally admit that the background music is a bit annoying. That's why I've decided to skip the background music in my future videos🙂

[@mikesfriendsandpals]

I took out the bolts on the side before i saw this smh ...

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. I hope that you've managed to reassemble your stem and you are now enjoying a more upright and comfortable cycling experience.🙂

[@larmar]

Great videos and channel PLEASE GET RID OF THE CRAPPY MUSIC surely to god it is impossible to binge watch your videos!

[@cyclemaintenanceacademy]

Hey, thanks for the comment and I'm pleased that you like our channel and videos🙂. I'll be honest, you're the first person to mention this but I get it, it actually might be frustrating. What I'll do next week is ask our subscribers on the community tab what they think. If they agree I'll get rid of the music from the new videos. Make sure to subscribe so you can have a say as well🙂

[@SeanMcA-mi3vl]

1980's blue movie sound track... So I'm told...