15
Adjusting the height of the handlebars
The height of the handlebars determines how much your upper body will be inclined
forward. Lowering the handlebars gives the rider a streamlined position and brings
more weight to bear on the front wheel. However, it also entails an extremely for-
ward leaning posture which is tiring and less comfortable, because it increases the
strain on your wrists, arms, back, upper body and neck.
Especially for riding downhill on a mountain bike an extremely upright sitting posi-
tion is very enjoyable for the rider. He is less prone to overturning
In the case of threadless systems (a), such as the “Aheadset System”, the stem
forms part of the headset. Adjusting the height of this type of stem is more difficult,
because it means dismantling and reassembling the stem and adjusting the head-
set. The adjustment is a job best left to a skilled FELT bike mechanic.
Handlebars with conventional stems (b) allow limited adjustment of height. This is
done by moving the stem up or down inside the fork stem.
To change the height of the handlebar with an adjustable stem (c) all you have to
do is loosen and retighten a few bolts.
The stem is one of the load bearing parts of your bike and changes to it
can impair your safety. If you are not sure about how to adjust the stem,
your FELT dealer will be pleased to help you.
Regardless of the system your FELT bike is equipped with, please check after any
adjustment whether all fastenings are firmly tightened.
Note that the bolted connections of stem and handlebars have to be tightened to
the specified torques. You will find the prescribed values in the chapter “Recom-
mended torques for bolted connections“ or directly on the parts. If you disregard
the prescribed values, handlebars or stem may come loose or break.
Stems come in varying lengths as well as shaft and binder tube diameters. A stem
of inappropriate dimensions can become a serious source of danger: For example,
the handlebars or stem can be damaged or cause an accident. Check whether the
area of the stem where the handlebars are clamped has no sharp edges. Ask your
FELT dealer for advice.
ii
a b c
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