{"id":34934,"date":"2022-03-27T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=1704"},"modified":"2022-03-27T01:19:18","modified_gmt":"2022-03-27T00:19:18","slug":"how-to-adjust-the-handlebar-height-on-your-bike","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/how-to-adjust-the-handlebar-height-on-your-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"How to adjust the handlebar height on your bike"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Jack Luke\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 27 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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One of the key things we do to make our test bikes handle better is adjust the handlebar height. Often, the off-the-shelf bar height doesn\u2019t lend itself to optimal handling, nor is it dialled in for fit. With that in mind, here\u2019s our guide on how to adjust handlebar height on your bike.<\/p>\n

Riders will often experiment with adjusting saddle height<\/a>, changing tyre pressure<\/a>, bar angle and suspension settings<\/a>, but few are aware of the benefits of adjusting bar height, despite the handlebar<\/a> playing a crucial role in the way your bike handles.<\/p>\n

Bar height is also known as saddle-drop, which is the measurement of how far the top of the saddle sits above (or below) the bars.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, a lower handlebar height reduces your centre of gravity. By placing more weight over the front wheel, you increase traction. Additionally, a lower bar height provides a more centred position between both wheels to improve bike control, especially during climbing. These traits are even more noticeable off-road.<\/p>\n

There is a limit; going too low can make the bike difficult to control. A lower handlebar can also negatively affect handling in steep terrain.<\/p>\n

On the road, elite riders normally have a significant drop, where their bars sit below the saddle. This is typically done to provide a more aerodynamic position.<\/p>\n

Recreational riders are usually best served by a handlebar that is in line with the saddle or above it. This usually gives a very comfortable position and is a good starting point for experimentation.<\/p>\n

Luckily, experimenting with bar height is easy and most often free, so you can adjust to your heart\u2019s content until you find the right position for you.<\/p>\n

How to adjust the handlebar height on your bike<\/h2>\n
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A set of hex keys and, ideally, a torque wrench are all you need to adjust the handlebar height on your bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Laura Dow \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The guide below applies to modern threadless style stems and headsets. If your stem has bolts pinching it onto the steerer tube, it\u2019s most likely threadless.<\/p>\n

We also cover how to adjust the height of a quill-style stem below.<\/p>\n