How Do I Adjust My Mountain Bike Handlebars

There are two types of handlebars on a mountain bike. The flat handlebar is more common and is used for cross-country riding. The riser handlebar is a newer design and it’s typically used for downhill racing.

The height of the bars can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the bolts that hold them in place.

Can you adjust the height of handlebars on a mountain bike?

If spacers aren’t enough to achieve the effect you want, you can flip the stem to make a further change to the bar height. Most mountain bikes will be set up with the stem in a positive position, creating an upward angle, but you can use it the other way round.^[1]

What angle should mountain bike handlebars be?

Mountain bike bars typically have 7-9 degrees of backsweep with 4-6 degrees of upsweep. Additionally, a bar’s rise is the actual measurement of how high above the stem the ends of your handlebar sit. Switching to a “taller” bar is essentially the same as adding spacers under your stem.^[2]

Should handlebars be higher than seat on mountain bike?

Your handlebars should be about 1 or 2 inches higher than your seat as too high can also cause problems. So it should be high enough that you can go downhill without stress, but still low enough that you can climb without leaning forward too much.^[3]

What height should my handlebars be?

For a performance road position, the top of the handlebar should be about 5-6 cm below the mid-point of the saddle. 4. For a recreational road bike position, the top of the handlebar should be level with the mid-point of the saddle, or maybe a couple of centimetres below.^[4]

What angle should handlebars be set at?

On drop handlebars, the ends should angle downward five to ten degrees. This flattens the part of the bar behind the brake levers, turning it into a good and comfortable place to put your hands. Never, ever rotate the bar up, so that the ends aim upward of horizontal.^[5]

How do I know if my handlebars are too low?

When a bike’s handlebar is too low, you’ll know about it. Symptoms include tingling and numbness in the hands, aches and pains in the shoulders, neck, and lower back, and soreness or numbness in the nether regions. The same problems can result from the handlebar being too far forward.^[6]

How does stem height affect handling?

Stem length, orientation and height all influence comfort, bike handling and aerodynamics. A shorter stem implies a more responsive bike as well as less input from the rider needed to initiate turns. When seated, a longer stem helps lengthen the rider reach, putting the upper body in a lower more aerodynamics position.^[7]

Should bike seat be lower than handlebars?

Position your stem so that the top of your handlebar is about an inch below the top of your saddle. Aspiring racers may want a slightly lower position for aerodynamics, while touring cyclists may opt for a more upright posture to take some pressure off the lower back.^[8]

Should your seat be above handlebars?

Your handlebars should be at least as high as your seat, or even above it, so you can ride upright. If your handlebars are lower than your seat you’ll be pushed into your handlebars, and you’ll place more stress on your wrists, arms, neck, and back.^[9]

How high should my seat be on my mountain bike?

The saddle is at the right height when your heel just touches the top of the lower pedal with your leg straight; your crank should be right at the bottom of its stroke.^[10]

Should you be able to touch the ground when sitting on your bike?

The height of your saddle is important for the most comfortable position and safe riding style. When you sit on the saddle, both feet should reach the floor and the balls of your feet should be touching the ground.^[11]

How high should a bicycle seat and handlebars be?

How much will depend on your preference and what you are comfortable with. Road racing pros sometimes have their handlebars set 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) below the height of their seats, while people who want a totally upright riding position may have the handlebars set 2 to 3 inches higher than their seats.^[12]