One of the key things we do to make our test bikes handle better is adjusting handlebar height. Often, the off-the-shelf bar height doesn't lend itself to optimal handling. With that in mind, here's our guide on how to adjust handlebar height.
Riders will often experiment with saddle height, tyre pressure, bar angle and suspension settings, but few are aware of the benefits of adjusting bar height. Bar height is also known as saddle-drop which is the measurement of how far the top of the saddle sits above (or below) the bars.
Elite riders normally have a significant drop, where their bars sit below the saddle, whereas recreational riders usually don’t.
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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. These traits are even more noticeable off-road, especially with 29ers.
There is a limit; going too low can make the bike difficult to control. Luckily, experimenting with bar height is easy and most often free. The guide below applies to modern threadless style stems and headsets. If your stem has bolts pinching it onto the steerer tube, it’s most likely threadless.
- Time: 15 minutes
- Skill rating: Easy
- Cost: Free
Tools you’ll need
- A multi-tool or a set of Allen keys
- A torque wrench or pre-set Torq key is recommended, especially if working with carbon or lighter parts
- Some stems, such as those from Zipp, Ritchey and Syncros, will use Torx keys rather than Allen bolts and so a T20 or T25 Torx key will be required
Use those spacers
The first and easiest way to adjust handlebar height is by moving headset spacers.
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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