Adjusting handlebar height
 

It's dumb question time ... a mechanical adjustment I've never done before.

I picked up a road bike on craigslist. The handlebars are too high, almost the same height as the saddle (note: I've already adjusted the saddle properly). I'm not looking for a flat-back racer position, but do want to add some "drop".

It's a threadless system. The stem is currently flipped "up", and I'd prefer to keep it that way as I will install my cyclocomputer there - my near eyesight isn't the best, and it will be easier to read when tilted up.

On to the spacers. There's a bunch UNDER the stem. So I figure I can remove the bolt and top cap, loosen the stem bolts, slide the stem off the steerer tube, remove spacers, and put the stem back on. Now the handlebar will be lower.

DUMB QUESTION: what do I do with the spacers I've removed? Do they now go on top of the stem before I re-install the top cap and bolt? Or do I set them aside?

Thank you.

I don't think flipping the stem will make the digits in the cyclo-computer less visible. Is it like a -17 degree stem?

It's definitely not a 17 degree stem. What is "standard"? 6 degrees or so? It's about that.

when you drop the stem ,the spacers go on top then the topcap with bolt . if you don't then the bolt can not adjust the play in the headset .

i did the same at 1am this morning:

remove the bolt and top cap, remove the stem, remove spacers, add stem (in desired angle), add spacers, add top cap, tighten top cap just enough, tighten stem bolts.

cutting the steerer tube would irrevocably prevent any use of spacers in the future.

Got it. Thanks much, everyone.

Theres a good primer on the Park Tools website on adjusting a threadless headset, which is what you'll be doing after you move the spacers from below to above the stem.

I would also recommend flipping the stem as a first step, or maybe in conjunction to moving a spacer or two. I really doubt you'll have a computer reading problem because of just that.

Post if you're having problems, we've all had our first go at threadless headsets. I did, but was able to get through it after reading the Park Tools guide. Read carefully, understand "preload" and it's really simple after that.

:thumb:

Park Tools website - Threadless Headset Service