Mountain Biking - Adjustable handlebar problem

Hey gang -

I've got a 2001 Specialized Expedition Sport

My handlebars are adjustable so they can be tilted back for a more casual ride or forward for more aggressive riding.

I just bought this bike alittle more than a month ago and I am finally starting to get a feel for it.

I went to my LBS today and bought myself a set of hex wrenches so I could adjust these bars for a more aggresive feel.

The guy said to loosen all three bolts (one in the front of the bike underneath the handlebars and two on the side which I think would be in front of the headset.

After I was done, I noticed the bars were sort of loose and sqeaking. I think the problem is that I cant get the two bolts on the side tight - they sqeak but never fully tighten - I think they go into each other. The bottom bolt seems fine.

Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks in advance!

You need to use 2 allen wrenches......one on each side.....to tighten the stem angle adjuster.

Thanks!

So I have to hold one while I tighten the other?

As I tighten one of the side bolts, the other does not appear to move.

Theres the bolt that goes into the head tube (straight down) and the bolt(s) that hold the angle of the stem in place. Tighten the bolt that goes straight down with a pretty good amount of force first. Then on the stem I am positive the 2 bolts work together so you'll need another allen wrench, or anything to hold one side in place. After you tighten those things.....do your bars rock back and forth? The cam on the end of the stem could be a culprit also.

Thanks Klein

The bolt that goes straight into the head tube I didn't even touch. I'm dealing with the two side bolts and another bolt underneath and in front of the other two.

I actually just got back from my LBS. The guy adjusted them for me and they work fine now. Your advice was dead on. You need to hold one of the side bolts while you tighten the other one.

I didn't have a spare 5mm Hex so I couldn't do it myself.

Need to get more tools!

Thanks for your help!


javajo

Originally posted by javajo


You need to hold one of the side bolts while you tighten the other one.




javajo

You do? I just tighten the cap screw (top) first, then I tighten the stem screws 1/8th of a turn at a time.

Originally posted by troie
You do? I just tighten the cap screw (top) first, then I tighten the stem screws 1/8th of a turn at a time.


This whole thing was about a stem that has angle adjustments, and its threaded anyway.