RAISE Your Bike Handlebars

[@i_eatstyrofoam]

You DON'T want the stem to be flush with the steerer tube. You need to have a little gap, because the top bolt and cap are there to preload the bearings. Make sure to have a small gap (about 5mm), tighten the top cap first and the stem bolts on the side second.

[@GanderFlight]

Great points!

[@mahmam3128]

Thanks

[@fendermon]

Bingo!

[@tribalism_is_toxic1989]

I saw that too but deleted my comment becsuse you described it so much better. 👍

[@kouroshxyz3419]

Exactly....great safety point.

[@dunnotck1]

I installed BMX handlebars to my mountain bike because I'm very tall and I was tired of leaning forward so much. I feel so much more comfortable now.

[@GanderFlight]

Good for you! Make it your own and do what is best for your riding style.

[@DIY-DaddyO]

I fitted a set of BMX bars to my Giant and it was a game changer. I can ride all day with zero back issues. Also because the bar position is higher than the seat when the trail gets technical I don’t need to drop the set post. Ok so it’s less “aero” but I’m not track racing in a velodrome, I’m riding to work or having fun on single tracks off road.

[@GanderFlight]

Nice!

[@reindeerbermy3796]

You sped through the part I wanted to see the most which was installing the new extender

[@GanderFlight]

Sorry to hear that. Once you take the handlebars off you just slide the extender over the tube and tighten down the bolts, the reattach the handlebars at the top of the extension tube.

[@darkmattersproject2951]

@@GanderFlightI felt the same way. The most important part was basically skipped

[@jwhitty14]

Ordered the same risers off of Amazon and installed on my Wife's bike as well as my own, easy peasy.Thanks for the video.

[@lr3465]

Part came in today, already fixed & it was pretty simple. My wife is going to enjoy riding allot more than she already does with her ebike which she uses to commute the short distance most of the time. Thanks for the video!

[@agnesf2659]

Wow, right before I pull my trigger to buy Dutch upright bikes for me and my husband, KZbin algorithm send me this video to save our current Giant and Liv bikes! Thank you so much!

[@GanderFlight]

Hope it helps! Enjoy Agnes, happy trails.

[@yourfriend3541]

Ignore all the know it alls that think they are professionals and have to mock and say things that make them look big.They just look for anything to try to boost their ego. If the bike feels good to you and your comfortable and your having fun, who cares what all these critics want to say. I see alot of suggestions just buy a new bike that fits you better, well im sure you would be happy to receive one. How about one of you fine folks reading this donate him one, if this video bothers you that much.. Thanks for the video and your time!

[@Sarah_Kinz]

So I just picked up a vintage schwinn awhile ago. Stock it fit me horribly and my knees were super bent 😂 after I got air in the tires and cleaned it up, after a bit of tinkering I finally got the heat to be raised cause apparently it was very stuck. Luckily I didn’t have to heat the frame to expand it to get it out. Anyway, then I raised the stem bar. Now my knees aren’t super bent like I’m sneaking, and my wrists don’t hurt because I’m not at an extreme angle with the low handlebars. In conclusion, I think even if your bike is like a 24” wheel, you can still modify it to fit you. You can always buy a longer seat and even a longer or different handlebar set. Also there are like 20” BMX’s that people ride and those are obviously small soo yeah 😂 and also if your bike is smaller, it’s easier to transport in a car, in a subway, and easier to store when your at work or shopping. ONE MORE THING! I don’t like when the seat is super high on a bike to the point my foot can’t touch the ground completely flat. It makes balancing at a stop harder and it makes breaking harder. Yeah ok your probably not supposed to put your foot down to break but I find it helps so I don’t fall off if I have to stop very suddenly or am turning really sharp. Smaller bikes are therefore easier to stop with your foot.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Yupp sometimes best to make do with what you have.

[@beef88]

👍

[@Littleweenaman]

Giga dummy

[@tomhammer1784]

But at the end, the DIYers don’t give themselves a labor billing of $35!

[@christianmcclellan8980]

I did it myself SUPER easy! Now my bike rides won't stress my shoulders.

[@GanderFlight]

Awesome!! Well done Christian

[@thephilshow9701]

So many people raise the stem and bars for more comfort. Depending on their physical status this can cause more spine compression and often worsen ones condition if they have back issues. One should also realize you lessen control by moving your weight more to the rear leaving less pressure and control to the front tire.

[@GanderFlight]

All things to consider on an individual basis - thanks for raising those points!

[@JanBanJoovi-ol1qv]

Having done this, I think it makes sense to replace your suspension forks as well to no suspension forks as the suspension no longer have much purpose. Almost your entire body weight is now channeled to the middle part of the bike. Likewise it will also affect how the bike operates overall. There’s a science behind bike designs. There’s a reason why a comfort/city bike has a different geometry compared to a mountain bike or road bike. The same can be said if you take a limousine for offroad by simply putting offroad tyres or take a jeep wrangler and convert it to a limousine simply by lowering it and putting tyres intended for sedans. It just doesn’t feel right.

[@GanderFlight]

Sure it makes sense to upgrade all that as well - but it also isnt necessary for most folks - and if it is necessary for you, then you're more likely to buy the bike the is purpose suited for your needs.

[@jrasche]

I bought a bike trainer to use my mountain bike as an exercise bike during the cold months. I've used it three times this week and quickly realized I need to get the handlebars up because my back is hurting due to the bend. I hope bringing them up will help me. Thanks for the video!!

[@GanderFlight]

Good stuff! You're welcome!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I've had arthritis in my neck since '89. The only comfortable-ish bikes for me are beach cruisers. I could really use a cargo bike, so this video might be my key to affordable comfort. Thank you

[@GanderFlight]

Hope its helpful!

[@donpeplow8231]

great video...took me about 10 minutes to make my mountain bike into a hybrid....the add 3 inches on height is a game changer

[@GanderFlight]

Glad it helped!

[@philliplightning]

Thanks for this video it should help me out a lot. Just bought a new bike and ended up doing with a more forward sitting position because I didn't like up short the frame of upright bikes felt. Hopefully this will give me the best of both worlds.

[@richardlam6540]

The first thing I would have done is to flip the stem over, depending on how you turn the stem it can either have a negative rise like yours or turned it over and have a positive rise to go higher, and I would prefer to use an adjustable stem to raise it or lower it depending on the type of riding I'm doing that day, an adjustable stem can be adjusted higher or lower by the turn of one bolt.

[@GanderFlight]

An adjustable stem would definitely be the ticket!

[@ranger5705]

Sitting upright will put more pressure on your tailbone. Consequently your tailbone start hurting in the long run. This is my experience. Bending forward while biking puts pressure on the arms as well consequently less pressure on your tailbone.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Everyone definitely has to find what is most comfortable for them

[@ClodoaldoMarques-v8n]

It is easy to fix, and it is a very serious matter. Thank you very much for the video.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@offtrackexplore3956]

I read in a mountain bike manual warning never exceed more then 3 spacers.!

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@tonyflitton4407]

I haven't gone down the extra spacer route yet. This evening I have lowered my seat post - I had added a padded seat and never adjusted the seat height. I also slid the seat forward to its limit. Will test ride tomorrow but it already feels more upright to reach the handle bars. To be fully upright I'd need the bars to be nearer rather than higher, but we shall see.

[@kellyfredrickson152]

Perfect! Just the video I needed to see. Love my new/used bike but hate the handle bars. Women's bikes right now during the pandemic are almost impossible to find at reasonable prices. I've gone to ever sporting good store, thrift store and pawn shop and finally found one. The only negative to the bike is the handle bars. The bars make you lean forward and that is very uncomfortable on the palms of my hands. I didn't know about extensions until I saw your video. I can't wait to get the extension and change my riding experience to being more enjoyable. Thank you for your video. Remember...rubber down. Peace.

[@GanderFlight]

+Kelly Fredrickson fantastic! I hope it works well for you and I’m glad you found yourself a bicycle!

[@lienbijs1205]

You can also install another handle bar. From a city bike for example. In this link you'll find a solution to solve painfull hands, it is in Dutch but you'll understand what they mean. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a16qc3mAgbGnfsU

[@dlunaaburto]

@@lienbijs1205 fantástico

[@CantTalkImRiding]

Tighten the top cap screw to the correct torque BEFORE tightening the stem. That's how you safely make sure the fork is secured and there's no headset wobble. I like this method of raising the bars. I'll look for one of those extenders.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for the advice!

[@jayniebabe1]

When leaning over the lower handlebars did you find there was more pressure on your wrists and hands. I'm having a problem with this and was looking to raise my bars a few inches.

[@KNGER1988]

I feel this in my left hand only super frustrating

[@GanderFlight]

That is precisely whey I wanted them raised ;)

[@moviecentral7422]

Yes true my hands are all red and it quite hurts on a long ride

[@alexd.alessandro5419]

Thanks for the info.I would like height and an adjustable pitch stem as shown in the Amazon link you supplied. It's a stem that pivots. Could you comment on this please? 🙏

[@rickeyoftherhodes8983]

This could have saved me 10 bucks and saved me from handlebars rotating issues but I think I like my bike better with highrisers. Still, good to know something like this exists.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@IzzyCooks]

Which size did you get for the video?

[@GanderFlight]

I believe its the 123mm : amzn.to/3cBBbEf

[@Dutcharmytent]

Did the mod shown and 100% better for my back.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@ahickin]

I wish it was that easy lol. The main long bolt that I feed through I isn’t long enough when I fit the stem raiser 🙈

[@GanderFlight]

Ack thats a huge bummer -- even the new longer bolt that came with the riser?

[@flamaest]

Watch out for the length of the front brake line. I increased my handlebar height on my mountain bike and quickly learned that I had to replace the front brake line as it was becoming taught.

[@GanderFlight]

Great tip!

[@jaybrown69]

Where is the link to the part???

[@solarwind907]

This video is helpful. I trust your judgment more than most of the 100 nitpicky comments below. Thank you very much!

[@rafiy7150]

I have a question, isnt it better to just replace the stem with a taller stem?

[@janetashforth7368]

Thank you. I thought I was going to have to buy new handlebars to save my back.

[@GanderFlight]

You’re welcome!

[@jaredharris1970]

I’m here because i want to raise mine but I got a off brand bike from amazon and im not even sure if I can raise the handle bars if i wanted to can all handle bars be raised no matter the brand because im not sure if I have a fixed height handle bar

[@infotechsailor]

I had major back probs from this issue riding my bike all winter in spin class with bars too low. Find what's comfortable for you , back pain is no joke especially for those of you who sit at desks alot like myself

[@GanderFlight]

A comfortable bike it the bike you'll ride more often!

[@carlibrown1208]

This is excellent

[@alexandragardner4432]

Thank you for your video, just what we need. 😊

[@GanderFlight]

Happy trails!

[@nessyxo5482]

Thank you , your video was very helpful !

[@GanderFlight]

Glad to hear it!

[@chazzlidell7653]

I just purchased a 600 dollar Fuji adventure 27.5 mountain bike and I'm having the same issue where as to much strain on my back to grab handlebars. I think I'm going to try the same thing. Glad I found your channel just subbed.

[@GanderFlight]

Awesome - glad this provided you a solution. Enjoy your rides!

[@davesskillet9235]

Thanks for sharing ordering it from Amazon

[@michaelmcclure3383]

Thanks. Now I've got a second mountain bike I'm trying to turn my old bike into a more of a hybrid. I do notice a little back pain on longer rides, so maybe something like this might help that.

[@GanderFlight]

Go for it!

[@benkotowicz174]

It might give you a chest pain. - HA!

[@michaelmcclure3383]

@@benkotowicz174 hahaha I haven't changed the handlebars on my 26ncher yet. A little more 'rise' would probably work.

[@stinkyfinn6977]

Pushing your seat forward on the rails helps you be more upright too

[@keitholson5404]

I think you can flip stem for another lil bit too

[@GanderFlight]

You are correct Keith, flipping the stem would give you a bit more rise too.

[@Clarke2316]

Thanks a lot! Got my new bike today and I need This!

[@GanderFlight]

Good luck!

[@waltermatthews1155]

I did this two weeks ago it has totally transformed my riding experience for the better.

[@kuratortrivia795]

No more back ache right. This is wonderful

[@GanderFlight]

Glad it has helped!

[@JasonRostro]

Thanks so much for showing this cause it really helps not only me but everyone from having to buy new Handel bars and such.

[@GanderFlight]

You’re welcome!

[@mountcamtravelandhiking]

very important actually

[@GanderFlight]

👍🏻

[@taddeojudemugagga2306]

Nice adjustment, I would like to do it too. Thanks Joshua.

[@GanderFlight]

Any time!

[@stevobadmoonster]

I need this! My back is killing me.

[@GanderFlight]

Hopefully it provides some relief!

[@Bamcis100]

Can you buy/swap out handle bars that extended back more toward the rider?

[@GanderFlight]

You can but you might run into more issues with the geometry of the rider and the rest of the frame at that point.

[@BMTVMeditationandSleep]

That’s awesome! Thanks. I’m struggling to get my handle bar off at the moment, I’m new to bikes, so I don’t know if I need an extension or not yet. But I know I got to rise it as I need to rise the seat. This video was helpful, thank you

[@GanderFlight]

You’re welcome.

[@JUACee]

I need this cause I'm 6'1" and I'm riding my handlebars with the edge of my fingers

[@ae96nupe]

Thank you! You solved my problem. I’m in the same boat you were in.👍

[@GanderFlight]

Glad I could help

[@stedimi4727]

Perfect video! Thank you!

[@GanderFlight]

You’re welcome.

[@sbond1963]

Hi just confirming there is no adjustment. Wherever it is now is all there is. I have to add the extender is that true?

[@GanderFlight]

Can't say - depends on your specific bike

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Great explanation. Thank you, Will give it a try and let you know.

[@GanderFlight]

Enjoy!

[@lisenkochavez8507]

Thanks that will help me a lot

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@ansqad226]

whats the size of your bike?

[@harithameen7952]

Nice job man

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks! Hope you found it helpful!

[@leonid998]

You could also just flip the stem to point up.

[@GanderFlight]

I wanted the handlebars even higher than that.

[@kookamunga2458]

I had a stem extension installed which raised my handlebar about 9 cm . Then I bought handlebar ends and flipped them straight up 90 degrees which gave me another 12 cm height. It looks funny and the professional bike techs at the bike shops frown at such modifications . They say it causes metal fatique and the bar ends are too far away from the brakes . The truth is it is like riding a Cadillac which is all about comfort . I also had to reposition gear and brake levers and longer cables .

[@GanderFlight]

And the only person it needs to satisfy is you! Do what works :)

[@kookamunga2458]

@@GanderFlightIf I had bought a dutch bike I wouldn't have done the modifications on my bike because the handlebars are up high . I am also looking for a dutch bike but the bike shops in Canada don't carry them .

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Just raised my handlebar on my Giant Escape. It worked well however there is a caveat related to the bolts which secure the stem and the intensity they should be screwed in order to have a free movement rt/left of the handlebar at the same time having the right compression on the stem and the bearings/ bicycle frame.

[@GanderFlight]

Tell us more.

[@ScreenArtUK]

did this today so much more comfy.. doesn't look great. .but hell works well

[@GanderFlight]

Function over aesthetics here!

[@CeeesS]

After tightening the raiser to the max the extention rings are still not Fully tight. Rings are turing when I am trying to turn them using my fingers.. Is it oke?

[@GanderFlight]

I don't know if I fully understand what youre asking - but if youre referring to the spacer rings themselves- they do not tighten independently, they're just between to space things out. Please give more detail if you'd like additional feedback.

[@CeeesS]

@@GanderFlight I am asking if it's oke for the spacer rings to not be super tight and immovable. In my case spacer rings can be turned clock wise or anti clock wise , I am not able to make them immovable...

[@GanderFlight]

Without photos its going to be hard to help - the extension should sit down tight to the spacer rings and then the handlebars should sit down tight to the next set of spacers as each tube slides down around the smaller tube below it. The spacers themselves don’t tighten, but they shouldn’t bounce about either if youve pressed the handlebars and extension properly down around the fork stem.

[@kathyparker7837]

I have a 25 year old Cannondale MT that I love; however, the riding position is killing my neck. I took it to the same bike shop twice and he said he could not raise it any further that he had already done. I'm wondering if I should look into this further. I really don't want to buy another bike.

[@GanderFlight]

Sounds like it might be a worthwhile solution to explore!

[@mitya6568]

Thank you. That is what I needed. Greets from Slovenija

[@GanderFlight]

👍🏻

[@Andy-Sas]

Might also help to flip your stem the right side up

[@lukiotm1.w]

Exactly lol

[@Alexander-pi8by]

L

[@sethnicholls7861]

How did he not think of that?

[@_JellyDonut_]

Wouldn't that make it lower though?

[@lukiotm1.w]

@@_JellyDonut_ nope. The stem is upside down right now making the bars lower. If its the right side up it would be angled up and that would make the bars higher.

[@Mati-d3p]

pls help, i don't know which mm to buy - there's 115mm, 180mm and 210mm options available. should i just buy the middle one to be safe

[@GanderFlight]

You'll need to measure the tube on your specific bike

[@myowntube1971]

If you wanted to lower your handle bars back down can you still use the long bolt on the centre or will it not screw down far enough?

[@GanderFlight]

Unknown - guess it would all depend on your specific equipment - easy enough to keep the old bolt in a baggie with a piece of paper detailing what its from if you think you'll ever switch back.

[@kalyantr7]

Which saddle are you using?

[@GanderFlight]

Whatever came with the bike from the manufacturer.

[@gustavokimbys3302]

Thanks for the great video ,very informative

[@GanderFlight]

Glad it was helpful!

[@truthseeker2190]

Dude, the most comfy bike for crusing around with the kids would be a hybrid bike, it's a nice comfortable upright riding position

[@GanderFlight]

Agreed - however a handlebar riser is MUCH less expensive than a brand new bicycle :) Thanks for watching.

[@MrLexbad]

Amazing difference.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@ravinkhaira8093]

Greetings from Singapore Thank you for this video. It's been more than a year since you installed this, any update feedback on the stem riser? Is your riding/positioning more comfortable? Any defects/bends on the product?

[@GanderFlight]

Definitely more comfortable and I have had zero issues with the product. Shortly after this installed one on my wife’s bike and she’s been happy with it as well.

[@nuvesv6933]

Hi, thanks for the tip. The raiser did help. Since you mentioned that you are riding on pavement more nowdays, should we change the tyre as well, to something more suitable?

[@GanderFlight]

Thats up to each rider.

[@boyan1277]

Where did you buy it from - the riser?

[@GanderFlight]

Amazon: amzn.to/3cBBbEf

[@jerrdog5568]

This really opens up the market for me. I like the looks of mountain bikes but the forward lean destroys my back.

[@GanderFlight]

Glad its helpful!

[@annettesereno9617]

my bike guy thought it would be easier to put in a different handle bar change from mountain bike o more up right put the stem up as much as possible just dont know what handle bar ro get. looking at getting new bike.

[@GanderFlight]

There are definitely many ways to achieve a more upright position. This is just one option and the one I chose because I didn't want to purchase a new bike at the moment.

[@Tbessix220]

Thanks

[@GanderFlight]

You’re welcome.

[@GanderFlight]

⭐⭐ *Examples of Products Used In This Video* ⭐⭐⠀ 🔷 Bicycle Handlebar Riser: amzn.to/3YxbxZ6 🔷 Allen Wrenches: amzn.to/3KZOHG3 🔷 Topeak Aero Bicycle Seat Bag: amzn.to/3yduhSH

[@knuknut]

I’m a newbie. First year. Tried to raise my wife’s handlebars but the caliper brakes prevent or don’t allow much upward action?

[@GanderFlight]

In that case you may need to replace the brake cables too in order to get more length for the added height.

[@pauliemyers1293]

Thanks bro I really needed that idea

[@GanderFlight]

Glad I could help

[@saurabhpednekar4710]

Wht if I don't flush the stem and handle bar clamp, if the stem is inside will it do the purpose

[@GanderFlight]

You'd definitely want the stem flush with , or higher than the handlebar clamp (sticking out above).

[@dipanjanbiswas4924]

you need to leave 3mm gap between steerer tuve and stem to preload the bearings.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@jamesbrey1719]

Got this kit off of Amazon. Didn’t fit on my Raleigh bike. Tried it on my Giant it didn’t work on either bike. What good is this kit ?

[@GanderFlight]

Interesting - my bike is a Giant as well and I've also used it on my wife's Scott bike.

[@Alexandrecesar]

Extensor Prolongador Alongador bike good?

[@GanderFlight]

Never heard of it.

[@Alexandrecesar]

@@GanderFlight extensor Prolongador Alongador (portugues)= Stem Extender (english)

[@vichitvideo6041]

Good idea which I do not know up to just now. Thanks.

[@GanderFlight]

You're welcome.

[@mi5veezee]

thx bud. Just ordered one:)

[@GanderFlight]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@rickReyes-xp6mz]

Good instruction video. I’m going to try it.

[@GanderFlight]

Hope it works for you!

[@Sertao2013]

Hi I'm wanting to go up another 6 inches higher than what you did . Where can I find a longer riser ? What length riser would I need if you added 6 more inches to what you are using ?

[@GanderFlight]

Might want to reconsider some of the equipment if you need to raise it that much.

[@Sertao2013]

@@GanderFlight I'm looking at a bmx 9 inch bar I think that might work better .

[@alfa_romeo0701]

Thank you Josh. You just made my life simpler pal

[@GanderFlight]

Glad to hear it!

[@Nauseousjohn85]

Damn, I just ordered high rise handlebars I wish I saw this sooner. Have you taken your bike on single track at all since modifying?

[@GanderFlight]

I personally wouldn't baulk at mild trails with the handlebars raised

[@congerscott6064]

Great solution and looks good too, im considering doing the same thing and using a mountain bike for a pack bike or a tour bike, thanks for the video 👍🏆.

[@GanderFlight]

You're welcome!

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I can't ride down low like that. It hurts my wrists, makes my hands go numb and hurts my back and crotch. I actually put a taller quill stem on my original bike to be upright. I have since sold that bike and got a different bike with a more Dutch like upright position. The swept back handlebars actually allow a more upright position and zero fatigue on the wrists and hands.

[@GanderFlight]

Nice!

[@tombeck2884]

Exactly what I searched for ty ty ty

[@GanderFlight]

You're welcome.

[@v360ce]

Hi. I think I've fitted mine ok, but the bottom stem is still a tiny bit loose (turns if I lock the wheel with my feet). I've tightened the bottom 2 bolts as much as possible. Any tips?

[@GanderFlight]

Its all friction fit - so holding the wheel with your feet and then cranking on the handlebars it makes sense that it'll move some. You can check to make sure that the riser is sized correctly for the stem that is on your bike - maybe its a bit too big for your specific stem and you'll need to source one slightly smaller. Hard to help virtually but maybe this will give you some ideas.

[@luisdiaz8555]

How many inches did you use?

[@GanderFlight]

I believe it added just about 4 inches to the overall height.

[@antoniojmonetti]

What size tire is this bike by the way?

[@GanderFlight]

26"

[@justinkellough1048]

Where is the link to purchase

[@GanderFlight]

Links are in the video description, here it is additionally: This is affiliate links which means if you buy something I will receive a small commission. Bicycle Handlebar Riser: amzn.to/3cBBbEf

[@karamarie6781]

Will this part work with a Surly bridge club with Moloko handlebars? Thank you.

[@GanderFlight]

Sorry I don't know.

[@bobbigrant9158]

Must Have

[@GanderFlight]

👍