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ADjUSTInG THE HEIGHT oF THE HAnDLEBARS
The height of the handlebars compared to the saddle and the distance
between saddle and handlebars determine how much your upper body
will be inclined forward. Lowering the handlebars gives you a stream-
lined position and brings more weight to bear on the front wheel. How-
ever, it also entails an extremely forward leaning posture which is tiring
and less comfortable, because it increases the strain on your wrists,
arms, back, upper body and neck.
a
There are three different stem systems that allow vertical adjustment
of the handlebars, i.e. the conventional, the adjustable and the Ahead-
set® stem. These systems require special knowledge. In this regard,
the descriptions hereafter may be incomplete. If you are in doubt or if
you have any questions, then contact your WHEELER bicycle dealer.
G
b
G
G
c
A
A
d
32
The stem is one of the load bearing parts of your bicycle.
Changes to it can impair your safety. If you are in doubt
or if you have any questions, then contact your WHEELER
bicycle dealer.
Stems come in varying lengths
(a)
as well as shaft and
binder tube diameters (b). A stem of inappropriate dimen-
sions can become a source of danger: Handlebars or stems
can break, resulting in an accident. When replacing any
parts be sure to only use parts that bear the appropriate
mark and, to be on the safe side, original spare parts. Your
WHEELER bicycle dealer will be pleased to help you.
The bolted connections of stem and handlebars have to be
tightened to the prescribed torque values (c). If you dis-
regard the prescribed values, the handlebars or stem may
come loose or break. Use a torque wrench
(d)
exceed the maximum torque values! You can find these in
the chapter "recommended torque Settings for compo-
nents", on the components themselves and/or in the in-
structions from the parts manufacturers, which you can
find on the enclosed CD.
Make sure the handlebar-stem combination is approved by
the handlebar and/or stem manufacturer.
Check that the area of the stem where the handlebars are
clamped has no sharp edges.
ConVEnTIonAL STEMS
Handlebars with conventional stems allow limited vertical adjustment.
This is done by moving the stem up or down inside the fork steerer tube.
Release the expander bolt by two to three complete turns. The stem
should now turn freely inside the fork. If it does not, release the bolt by
tapping it gently with a rubber hammer (e). With Allen bolts you need to
stick the Allen key into its head first, as it is normally countersunk and
therefore impossible to be hit directly.
Now you can move the handlebar/stem unit up and down as a whole.
Be sure not to pull out the stem too far. The mark on the stem (end,
min, max, stop, limit or the like) should always remain within the tube
(f). Setting the stem to a lower position can only add to your safety!
Realign the handlebars with the front wheel (g). Retighten the expander
bolt with a torque wrench.
Tighten carefully by approaching the prescribed maximum torque in
small steps (0.5 Nm increments) and check in between the proper fit
of the component. Never exceed the maximum torque value indicated
by the manufacturer!
Make sure the stem is firmly fixed by taking the front wheel between
your legs and trying to turn the handlebars and stem relative to the
wheel (h). If there is movement, you have to increase the torque. If the
handlebars are still too high or too low, you can replace the stem. This
can be quite a big job, as it may mean taking off and remounting all
the fittings on the handlebars. Inform yourself at your WHEELER bicycle
dealer about the various stem types available.
G
and never
never ride a WHEELER bicycle with a stem that has been
drawn out beyond the mark for the maximum permissible
height! Check all bolted connections and test your brakes
before you set off!
A
never try to unscrew the lock nut of the headset when you
only want to adjust the stem, as you will otherwise alter the
bearing play.
e
f
f
g
h
33
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