Some bikes, including older models, have a bolt on top of the stem. It can also be undone with a hex key.
If you try to stand elsewhere, be prepared for the bike to roll forward. Hold onto it or set it up against a solid surface.
You can also detach the handlebars. Pull the handlebar fork off the stem and store them separately. If you have detachable handlebars, you could pull them off as well.
If you’re keeping any parts separate from the rest of the bike, keep them well-protected. Save the pinch bolt until you’re ready to put the bike back together again.
If your bike has extra screws, you can use them for more precise adjustments. To collapse the handlebars, loosen the screws on them. The extra screws on the stem have to be loosened to shift the handlebars to the side. If your bike doesn’t have these screws, then the handlebars aren’t adjustable. Instead, loosen the threaded or threadless stem to turn the handlebars.
The handlebars are completely removable on some bikes. Save the screws in a plastic bag or another secure spot so you have them when you’re ready to put the handlebars back on.
The bolt is often centered within a cap meant to cover the stem. Set the bolt and cap aside to reinstall later.
The handlebars don’t come off. They stay attached to the rest of the fork, including the piece connecting them to the stem.
You may also see some black rings on the bike’s stem. These spacers are used to change the handlebar’s height. Raise the spacers on the stem to set the handlebar higher than usual, for instance.
Make sure the cap isn’t flush with the top of the stem. Leave a small space so it isn’t pushing down on the stem. This will allow the handlebars to move without putting too much pressure on the stem. While adjusting the handlebars, do not put them in a position where the brake levers are parallel to the ground instead of being at a 45-degree angle. It will make it harder to squeeze the brake levers. [11] X Research source Do not clamp the stem bolts incorrectly and let handlebars be loose and not properly installed on the stem. When you install the handlebar and tighten the stem bolts ensure the gap between the faceplate and the stem is even on the top and bottom.
Threadless bikes have only the bolt holding the handlebars to the rest of the bike. You won’t see any additional rings lower on the stem for extra adjustment. Most bikes made after the year 2000 are threadless. Bikes with multiple speed settings are always threadless so riders can make simple adjustments on the go.
Hold onto the bike for safety as well as to prevent the hex key from slipping off of the bolt.
If you choose to remove the bolt, set it aside in a safe spot until you’re ready to reinstall it. Try keeping it in a small container so it doesn’t get lost.
The fork becomes more difficult to remove as it gets dirty and wears out with age. Sometimes, tapping the top part of the stem with a rubber mallet helps loosen it. This is a good time to wipe the stem clean and even lubricate it with an anti-seize grease.
Keep in mind that the bike will be a little harder to control if the handlebars point in a different direction from the wheel. Readjust the handlebars when you’re ready to ride again.
When the bolt is at the right setting, the handlebars will stay in place without being difficult to move. Make adjustments as needed, especially if you’re going to be moving the bike. Loosen the bolt to loosen the steering. Tightening the bolt makes steering the bike feel a little stiffer, but it also puts additional pressure on the stem.
The top nut is used to unlock the handlebar. The bottom one controls the tension in the stem, so it’s an important part of keeping your bike functional. A lot of bikes made before the year 2000 are threaded. Some modern, inexpensive single-speed and fixed gear bikes still have threaded lock nuts.
Sometimes you have to use a bit of force to move the lock nuts, so the bike could get away from you if you don’t have a good grip on it.
Test the lock nut when you are done. If you are able to turn it back and forth by hand, the handlebars have been unlocked and are ready for adjustment.
The bolt is what holds the handlebars to the stem. While it’s in place, you won’t be able to remove the handlebars to turn them.
If the fork sticks to the stem, turn it from side to side while also lifting it up. It will eventually come out. You could also tap it with a rubber mallet to help it come loose. While you have the fork out, wipe off any debris and treat it with an anti-seize grease.
If the handlebars feel difficult to move, loosen the bolt a little. Tighten it if they feel wobbly. Be careful to avoid overtightening the bolt. It could get stuck in place and become harder to remove next time.
Tightening the nut can lock the handlebars in position, but it puts more stress on the stem. If you attempt to ride the bike, the extra pressure could cause the stem to wear out.
Test the locking nuts before riding. Make sure you aren’t able to move them at all. If they feel loose, the handlebars could come out of alignment while you’re on the bike.
