Bicycle Mechanics - Lowering handlebars: Did I do this correctly?

I'm a short guy, so in order to my handlebars at a comfortable height I had to lower the bars. First time I ever did this. Does this look right? I just removed the bars, moved the spacers so that the bars were a little lower, than put everything back together.

http://idisk.mac.com/mightypudge/Public/bars.JPG

WELL..DOGGY..so thats what those things were for,I'm learning something all the time...thats the same way my mtn. is built up with a lot of spacers...but I sure won't be lowering anything on my bike don't need to?:rolleyes:

I would without a doubt cut that tube down so those spacers can be eliminated. It doesnt look right.

Hmm...that's a job for the bike shop. I don't have the proper tools for cutting the tube.

Aside from looks, is there anything esle wrong? Is this dangerous? I ask because I want to ride the bike tomorrow and won't be able to get it to the shop until Saturday.

It's fine. I do the same thing with my mtb. If it's still not low enough, flip the stem.

Tanx!

You may already know this: When putting everything back in, don't tighten the "adjuster" screw too much (the screw that goes in from the top of the fork). Tighten it only until there is no more play on the fork (To check, stand on your bike, lock your front wheel, and rock the bike back and forth). Then, tighten the stem firmly.

I made that mistake in the past and ruined the headset.

You did it exactly right and, as long as you reset the headset tension correctly, you've done it just like a pro-racer would: by leaving spacers and steertube above the stem, you get a stronger union between the stem and steertube.

Since you're running it racer style, it will be okay to make motor noises with your mouth (please!) while riding.

Ahhh! your stem has cancer! :o

LOL, J/K That configuration should be fine, if you want you could cut it but its not really needed. just looks funny. Remember if you do cut it you cant go back.... so i would just leave it if you plan on selling the bike later on or if you want to go higher for some reson later aswell.

Originally posted by firebolt
You may already know this: When putting everything back in, don't tighten the "adjuster" screw too much (the screw that goes in from the top of the fork). Tighten it only until there is no more play on the fork (To check, stand on your bike, lock your front wheel, and rock the bike back and forth). Then, tighten the stem firmly.

I made that mistake in the past and ruined the headset.

OK, got it. :)

I checked and there was a little play. So I loosened the cap and the stem bolts, retightened the cap until there was no play, then retightened the stem bolts.

Originally posted by mightypudge
Not sure I follow.

I had a bear of a time getting the cap loose in the first place

But did the screw come out easily?

The one that is holding the fork in place is the stem, not the adjuster screw.

Originally posted by firebolt
But did the screw come out easily?

The one that is holding the fork in place is the stem, not the adjuster screw.

If you mean the screw on the top of the headset, yes it did come out easily.

Sounds like you are all set for your tomorrow ride.

Enjoy :beer:

YES!!!!

:beer:

It's a little hard to tell from the photo but if your stem has a bit of a rise (vs. a zero degree rise stem), then, another alternative would have been to simply flip the stem and keep all your spacers at the bottom. That would give you a much cleaner look.

You mentioned you were short. How high is your saddle in relation to the handlebar? Generally speaking, RAISING your handlebars decreases the distance between your saddle and the bar. Now this is true only if your saddle sits higher than your bar.

There is a little bit of rise on the stem. I tired to "eye it up" and it looked like I needed more drop than what flipping the stem would provide. It is hard to say. Maybe I'll try it today and see which I like better. I agree, it would look nicer without the spacer on top.

it looks funny on an MTB... but roadies do it all the time. and we all know who are the coolest cyclists ;)