Adjust closeness of handle bars - should be any easy one
 

I'm trying to adjust the handle bars so they are horizontally closer to my body and slightly higher. The bikes a hybrid and I'm unsure which bolts to adjust? Take a look at the photos I've linked. Nut 3 is tough to loosen, actually i'm not sure if i'm meant to loosen it!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14496149/IMAG0168_nut1_2.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14496149/IMAG0168_nut_3.jpg

I did think of googling it, but I didn't know the component names.

any help would be gratefully recieved

thanks

The part is a Stem, from the look of it, 1 & 3 will adjust the vertical, not quite sure what 2 will do.

#2 is a lock. Loosen 1 and 3 and then loosen #2. You must get it very loose or simply remove the screw and the locking piece it fastens. Move the bars to the desired position. Then, while leaving 1 and 3 loose enough so that you can still move the stem, insert the locking piece and screw 2. You need to find a position for the stem where the grooves in the locking piece mesh with grooves in the stem base. Then tighten the #2 followed by 1 and 3.

Good answer. You will find after this is done that the handlebar will be rotated from it's present orientation. To correct this, you will need to loosen the bolts on the faceplate, rotate the handlebar to the desired position and tighten. After it's all done, ensure you are not over extending any of the control cables, particularly the front brake.

Thanks guys, that's great.

Number 3 is a b'arch to loosen. You reckon spraying some WD 40 on it would be ok to loosen it, and then dry it off later? Or any better ways to loosen it. I'm worried about rounding the bolt off.

the pivot[1+3] may be fine, to leave, under the stem is the one I'd loosen first.
my ITM CNC made stem has a stair step like set of teeth that a screw
in that location clamp together.

Maybe #1+3 could have stayed put, but I cannot read that ring of information
sticker, around that #3 bolt.

This is the info round the sticker, not sure if that means don't meddle or not.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14496149/IMAG0168_info.jpg

You can meddle with it. That is a torque specification. Just get it tight.

I have adjustable stem on my bike that looks similar. #2 is the only one I have to touch.

The proper tool to use for these bolts is an automotive-style ratchet wrench or breaker-bar with allen-key bit:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...BreakerBar.jpg

You want a handle that's at least 12" long. Then use a torque-wrench to re-install and tighten to the proper torque. Remember, we're talking about the safety of your teeth, nose and eyes here.