Broken stem tube – LBS “just” lowered handlebars. Is this safe?

Asked by: Michael Beals

Should you lower bike handlebars?

Generally speaking, a lower handlebar height reduces your centre of gravity. By placing more weight over the front wheel, you increase traction. Additionally, a lower bar height provides a more centred position between both wheels to improve bike control, especially during climbing.

How do you lower the handlebar stem?

Quote from video: Key you're gonna stick that right into the top bolt on the stem here you're gonna loosen that up. This one loosened right up so you can raise and lower it real easily on some of the bikes.

How do you replace a handlebar stem?

Quote from video: Start by removing your old stem remove. The face plate bolts while holding the faceplate in place. Once you have the face plate off the bars will be hanging free.

Can a bike stem break?

It can happen. I know of 3 cases of Tune stems cracking/snapping. You’ll be fine with a Deus unless you’re doing crazy stuff.

How much handlebar drop is too much?

In general, most recreational riders will do well when the handlebar on their road bike is 1-2 inches below the top of their saddle. Remember, your hands will most likely be resting on the brake hoods, which are a bit lower than the top of the bar.

When should you lower your stem?

Stem angle



If you want a lower position, opt for a stem with a negative rise that lowers the handlebar height in relation to the ground. If you’re after a more upright position, a stem with a positive rise will lend you a more comfortable fit. It’s all down to personal preference.

How high should my stem be?

Also pay attention to the height of your bike stem, which should be about an inch below the top of your saddle. This will make it easier to use the drops of your handlebars without discomfort.

How high should my handlebars be?

The general rule for adjusting handlebars is that they should be set above the height of the seat for a more upright and comfortable riding position, and below the height of the seat for a more forwarding-leaning, performance oriented position.

Can you sit upright on a mountain bike?

Unlike racing road bikes, which require completely forward-bending postures, you sit nearly upright on mountain bikes with just a slight forward lean under most circumstances. Support the posture with arms slightly bent and gripping the ends of a flat steering bar, as opposed to the curved handlebars of road bikes.

Is it easy to change stem on bike?

Road bike stems are simple to change, meaning you can experiment with them to find the right length. There are usually just seven bolts between and ten steps between you and the perfect bike fit.

Do you need a spacer above stem?

You should always leave some length of the steering tube above the stem and put a spacer above the stem so that the entire stem clamp is clamped around a cylinder of constant diameter.

How tight should handlebar stem be?

A god rule of thumb is to tighten your headset cap bolt until it is causing some friction with steering and then back it off until it’s tight enough to keep the stack neatly in place. This is typically 1/8th to 1/4 of turn. Give your headset spacers a twist.

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.

How does stem height affect handling?

Stem length is one of a number of factors, along with head tube angle and fork rake, that affects a bike’s handling. Generally speaking, a shorter stem will result in faster handling, while a longer stem will result in slower, more predictable handling.

What angle should drop bars be?

five to ten degrees

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.

Should my handlebars be lower than my seat?

As a general rule of thumb, you want the top of the handlebar about as high (or higher than) the saddle, unless you’re a sporty rider looking to ride fast. Try touching your elbow to the nose of the saddle and reaching forward towards the handlebar with your hand.

Should bike handle bars be higher than seat?

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.

Should handle bars be level with seat?

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.

Why are some bike handlebars so low?

Bike handlebars are low because the design allows you to lean forward. This is called an aerodynamic position and will make you much more efficient when you ride your bike. The fact that your arms and legs have the least amount of wind resistance in this position explains why it is so effective.

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.

How does stem height affect handling?

Stem length is one of a number of factors, along with head tube angle and fork rake, that affects a bike’s handling. Generally speaking, a shorter stem will result in faster handling, while a longer stem will result in slower, more predictable handling.