rickhigbee

I want to lower my handlebars on an aheadset equipped road bike. I have already "flipped" the steam. However my handlebars and seat are basically level and I want to go lower. There are 4 spacers on my aheadset. Will removing a couple of them lower my handlebars?

I know this is a noob question, but I want to learn the mechanical end of cycling as well as the physical part.

PDXJeff

Yes, removing spacers will lower your handlebars. However, what ever amount of spacers you remove will leave that much of the fork tube sticking out above the stem. You could just put the spacers above the stem, but that's kind of silly and looks weird. The fork tube should be cut to the height that you want the stem spaced. The following info was taken from the Park Tool website's repair section.

https://www.parktool.com/repair/



Headset Adjustment - Threadless Type

Threadless headsets work on the same principal as threaded headsets. The bearing races need to press against the bearings. The bolt in the top cap will put pressure on the stem, which presses on washers below the stem, which press on the bearing races, which press against the bearings. NOTE: The cap and bolt at the top of the stem do not secure the stem onto the steering column. The bolt or bolts on the side of the stem keep the stem from moving once the adjustment is made. The cap is used for bearing adjustment only.
Begin by removing the adjusting bolt in the center of the steering column. Next, remove the top cap. There may be a star-shaped nut or other fittings inside the steering column. The bolt threads into this fitting and pulls on the fork against the headset bearing surfaces, which acts to tighten the adjustment. Note the height of the steering column relative to the stem. It should be about 3mm (1/8") below the level of the stem. The stem needs to press down on the spacers in order to adjust the bearings. If the steering column is level with the top of the stem, another spacer is needed below the stem.

1. Remove bolt and top cap to inspect steering column. Lubricate adjusting bolt and re-install cap and bolt by hand only. DO NOT TIGHTEN.
2. Loosen stem bolt(s) that secure stem to the steering column. Lubricate these bolts if they are dry. NOTE: DO NOT LUBRICATE INSIDE STEM OR ON STEERING COLUMN SURFACE.
3. Wiggle the stem side to side to see that it is loose. If the stem is jammed or rusted frozen to the steering column, no adjustment can be made.
4. Align stem straight to wheel and gently secure the top bolt. Stop when any resistance is felt.
5. Tighten stem bolt(s).
6. Check for play by pulling back and forth on fork. Turn the handlebars in different directions while checking for play. There may be play at this early setting. Use care when grabbing suspension forks, because the legs may have play. Grab upper portion of fork.
7. To adjust bearings, LOOSEN STEM BOLT(S).
8. Turn adjusting bolt in center cap only 1/8th turn clockwise.
9. Secure stem bolts, check for play again.
10. Repeat adjustments as above until play disappears. Remember to loosen stem bolts before turning adjusting bolt in cap.
11. Check alignment of stem and tighten stem binder bolts fully.

NOTE: Another test of play is to place the bike on ground and grab the front brake tightly. Press downward on the handlebars and rock the bike forward and back. A knocking sensation may indicate a loose headset. In effect this does the same thing as grabbing and pulling on the fork. However, play in the brake caliper arms may also cause a knocking. Front suspension forks may also have play in the legs, which can cause a knocking.If the adjustment seems very tight, there may be other problems in the headset. Bearing surfaces may be worn out, or the ball bearing retainers may be upside down, or a seal may be improperly aligned. If play always seems present no matter the adjustment, the steering column may be too long for the stem and top cap. Add spacers beneath stem in this case.

capwater

Put the spacers on top temporarily, change them up .... 2 up 2 down, 3 up, 1 down, etc until you are completely sure that is where you want your stem. Measure once, measure twice, measure thrice. Only then should you take out your hacksaw.

operator

Why does he need to hacksaw anything? He just wants to lower his bars, he can accomplish this by moving his stem lower since he has (according to him) 4 spacers below it still.

kenhill3

Very true, cutting the fork steerer is not a requirement, and and he can leave it at it's present length for any possible needs in the future. On the other hand, after trying the lowered position, the OP may decide he would like the cleaner look with the excess cut off. Whatever floats his boat.