Height adjustable handlebar for children's bike. How to raise the steering wheel on a bicycle: practical recommendations

This note is intended for novice cyclists and those who are going to buy a bike. Since this is not the first time I have received a question on how to raise the handlebars of a bicycle, I decided to write a few words about this.

I remember how, having bought my first bike, for a long time I could not understand how the steering wheel rises here, because on my Salute from childhood it was done elementarily. 🙂

Unfortunately, on modern bicycles Handlebar height is not directly adjustable. The absence of such a mechanism is a retribution for the simplicity of design and light weight. Therefore, if you bought a new bike, then most likely you will only be able to lower the handlebars, which is also sometimes required (to raise it, the process is more complicated, more on that below).

This picture shows one of the types of the old type of steering columns (threaded). None of the normal manufacturers have installed this on their products for at least eight to ten years.

But the wild Chinese, sold in stores like Auchan, is often equipped with just such a design. As a “nice” bonus, you will get the fact that you cannot put a working suspension fork on such a headset, because they have a different standard and stem diameter.

And here is what the steering part of a modern bicycle looks like. The extension is removed by unscrewing the upper bolt securing the cover and those two bolts that, in fact, hold the system together.

There are several spacer rings under the stem. If the steering wheel needs to be lowered, then the rings are simply removed, the stem is installed back, the rings are put on top of it and all this is pressed on top of the lid. Please note that the bolt that secures the cover does not need to be tightened with all the dope.

Its role is to take up the slack and play of the steering column. After the steering is tightened with this bolt, align the steering wheel so that it looks straight, and tighten the mounting bolts. You need to tighten it conscientiously, but carefully and without fanaticism. This is what the steering part looks like with rearranged rings.

If the steering wheel needs to be lowered even lower, then the stem is turned over, as a result of which it begins to look down, and not up, as in the photo.

How to raise the steering wheel

But if lowering the steering wheel is not such a difficult task, then raising it will require additional costs. The easiest thing to do is to buy a steering column extension on Ali, like this:

This thing kind of builds up the stem of the fork, making the handlebars of the bike higher. The design is quite reliable, I have a friend who even rides hard trails with it.

Higher handlebar

If your bike has a straight handlebar, then maybe it makes sense to replace it with a riser. In addition to being a few centimeters higher than the straight one, it is also more comfortable in taxiing, as it seems to me.

A more radical solution is to buy a tourist butterfly steering wheel. It can be lifted to a great height, in addition, a huge number of grips will help your hands at long distances.

To top it off, I would like to say to novice cyclists that the modern bike has a slightly different geometry than what we were used to as children. Do not immediately look for means of how to raise the steering wheel.

Bike adaptation

First, try to ride as it is. These bikes are designed to keep the handlebars low. Thanks to this landing, it is easier to give out decent speed, and most importantly, to ride for many hours in a row without experiencing back problems, because in this case the weight is effectively distributed between the arms and buttocks.

In most cases, people get used to in a few days, and later, if they feel like adjusting the steering wheel, then only in the direction of lowering. 🙂

Perhaps my readers will somehow supplement this note, all of a sudden, there are some other ways to raise or lower the steering wheel on a bicycle.

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In fact, the height and direction of the head tube play a major role in the comfort of the ride and the economy of the athlete. So, a high handlebar is usually chosen for pleasure riding, and low models for sports purposes - as in speed bikes, and trial bikes.

Adjustment directions

In what directions is the steering wheel adjustable? First of all, this is the height of the steering wheel. It depends on it at what angle the body of the cyclist and his hands will be while riding. In turn, the voltage depends on the angle of inclination. various groups muscles, the rate of their fatigue and, accordingly, general state athlete's body.

As already mentioned, the handlebars are often raised when riding "for recreation", and lowered to reduce wind resistance in races for speed. In addition, the low simple role is the most reliable in the case of sports disciplines BMX, Trial, Downhill and the like. Actually, the steering wheel height parameter is selected individually, depending on the riding style.

The “zero” position for adjustment is the level of the bicycle saddle. A handlebar that is higher than the saddle is considered high, and a handlebar that is lower is considered low. Of course, all such measurements are very arbitrary, and several iterations and changes are required for the height configuration to be ideal.

Altitude change

Stem with a sharp angle will help raise the handlebars.
On bmx bike many steering wheel options are themselves quite high, i.e. the head tube increases the height of the grip point.

However, most often they turn to a simple setting that is provided for on almost all bicycle models. Before starting it, you should pay attention to what type is on your bike. The whole process depends on it.

threaded column

The threaded mount type is found on dedicated professional bikes because it is lighter than threadless mounts, but is most commonly seen on lower end bikes. price segment and old Soviet models.

In this case, the steering tube is placed inside the column and tightened with nuts, connecting to the steering mechanism. Everything is simple and reliable, however, it can be a little dirty - Bottom part pipes usually collects grease from the mechanism.

So, the steps to change the height of the steering wheel in steps:

We loosen the fixing nut (it “covers” the steering tube at the very bottom, above the frame).
If necessary, do the same with the steering tube lock nut.
We raise the pipe to the desired height. To raise the bar higher than usual, you may need an extension cord.
Tighten the fixing nut first and then the lock nut.

The job is done, it was not so difficult to fix the steering wheel!

Threadless column

Threadless column - the de facto standard for modern mountain bikes(). The mechanism here is somewhat more complicated and heavier, and the steering wheel is attached to the pipe with the help of an additional element - the extension. In threaded mechanisms, all three of these components are a single whole, which is the reason for less weight and greater reliability. The height in this case is set not by the position of the pipe, but by adding special spacer rings to the pipe freed from offset.

Actually, the change is made as follows:

With a hexagon, we unscrew the anchor bolt (“cover” on the top of the pipe).
We unscrew the tightening bolts of the removal, with which it is attached to the steering tube.
We carefully try to remove the steering wheel along with the stem.
We add spacer rings to the pipe (or remove them to reduce the overall length of the structure).
We install the takeaway back.
Tighten the tightening bolts first, then the anchor. The main thing is not to tighten the steering wheel too much, this can damage the parts.

The direction of the stem (and therefore the rudder) must be carefully adjusted and aligned with the front wheel, as it is very easy to move the structure during operations. To correct the direction, it is enough to slightly loosen the bolts that hold the stem, and, having set the correct direction, tighten them.

Tilt and stem

In addition to height, the steering wheel can be adjusted according to other parameters. This primarily applies to threadless columns, as they are designed for modular change and fine tuning. Threaded options are almost always solid and are not adapted to additional height settings.

The angle of inclination is easily changed using a hexagon. By loosening the bolts on, the steering tube can be "scrolled" to the desired position. This is especially often required when working with raised and complex tourist rudders, since the position of the hands can be changed under each condition.

A separate issue is takeaway. Actually, in a process such as adjustment, this is a key element for a threadless steering wheel assembly. Takeaways are very different:

vertical to increase height;
horizontal to compensate for the length of the frame;
corner for convenient installation of additional gadgets and auxiliary accessories.

The only thing we should not forget is that there are takeaways various types and sizes and may not fit your existing accessories.

Conclusion

Adjusting the handlebars of a bicycle is a simple operation that allows you to dramatically increase the comfort of riding, and with your own hands, without resorting to mechanics or "professional friends", bring your own bike to mind. Proper handlebar height, rake and other features will no doubt be based on the rider's own experience and comfort.

When setting up a bike, it is important to pay attention to all the details and elements without exception. Steering wheel adjustment is of particular importance. After all, the right height depends on how comfortable a person will feel during the trip. Despite such an important component, many cyclists do not attach importance to how to raise the handlebars on a bicycle. In any case, you should not forget about your own safety, as improper adjustment can cause accidents on the road.

Bicycle handlebar adjustment tools

When buying this type of transport, you always need to be prepared for the fact that you will initially have to study the instructions, technical settings. In particular, how to raise the handlebars on a bicycle. In such situations, it will not be possible to do without a special set of tools. So, to change the position of the steering wheel, you will need the following devices:

a set of hex keys of different sizes;
tension limiter, which allows you to keep the thread in the desired position while working with some parts;
adjustable wrench standard size;
a set of wrenches with a star head.

It is important to note that, depending on the model of the bike, the adjustment has its own specifics. For example, if the question is about how to raise the handlebars on a mountain bike, then here it must be at the same level with the saddle. If you plan to go for a walk at high speed, it is recommended to place the steering wheel above the seat. The position directly depends on the type of riding and the manipulations carried out while riding the bike.

Age features

Before you raise the steering wheel on a bicycle, you need to carefully study the features and nuances of riding such a vehicle. It is important to consider the age of the person driving it. After all, older people must necessarily observe a landing angle of up to 90 degrees. For young people, parameters of 50-60 degrees are suitable.

Adjusting the handlebars on a children's bike

It is difficult to meet a child who has not dreamed of owning a bicycle since childhood. The design of almost all such vehicles for kids suggests the possibility of changing the position of the steering wheel both in height and inclination. It should be noted that the adjustment process is primarily aimed at ensuring that the baby experiences comfort and convenience during movement. It is also important to ensure its safety. Therefore, the bike must be tested at every stage.

Basically, all products intended for children have a similar design. Before raising the handlebars on a children's bike, loosen the central fixing nut. If the child prefers to be in a bent state while riding, then the element should be moved higher. In the case when the baby feels discomfort and hits the steering wheel, it will be enough to change its inclination. It is important to pay special attention to the clamping level of the joints when changing the position of the part. After all, the subsequent operation of the bike depends on them.

Features of adjusting the steering wheel of domestic bicycles

There are many proven domestic bicycles that are in great demand in the market to this day. Of course, it is no secret to anyone that there are certain difficulties in studying the design of such a vehicle. For example, many buyers quite often face the problem of how to raise the handlebars on a Stealth bike. At first glance, changing the position of this part may seem like a daunting task. However, a solution can always be found.

It should be noted that the mountain version of bicycles does not differ in a wide amplitude of raising and lowering the steering column. As a result, it is recommended to choose a certain model according to the frame number, which corresponds to the parameters of the human body during the installation of the seat. Perfect option suggests location human body at a 40 degree angle to the frame.

Many extreme sports enthusiasts also have certain difficulties with how to raise the steering wheel on a Forward bike and other models. It is in such situations that technical documentation comes to the rescue, which should be available when making a purchase.

Height adjustment value

Adjusting the height of the steering wheel is considered an important and serious process, which must be approached with all responsibility. After all, for cycling to bring pleasure and comfort, a person should feel as comfortable as possible. According to experts, without the ability to choose a more comfortable steering wheel position, it is impossible to ensure comfort and safety. After all, a bicycle is considered a rather traumatic means of transportation. As a rule, there can be a huge number of combinations in its settings. Therefore, it is advisable to try to check all of them.

Therefore, you should pay attention to the following recommendations:

there must be a relationship between the height of the steering wheel and the seat;
a handlebar set too low reduces the degree of bike control and the ability to calmly control the movement process;
the center of gravity of the bike is lowered if the seat is set quite low;
the weight of a person is evenly distributed between the wheels during movement, especially in mountainous areas;
when cycling on roads, it is recommended to keep your back at an angle of 30 degrees;
for an active riding style, the back angle should be 45-60 degrees.

Finally

Even though the bike is dangerous view transport, its popularity is growing every day. However, in order to warn yourself against herbs and be sure of your safety, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with technical specifications and study the design. Special attention it is necessary to give control and choose for yourself the most optimal level for the location of the steering wheel and seat.

Each children's bike on the steering system has limiter marks, beyond which the steering wheel cannot be installed. The same method is also suitable for lowering the steering wheel in some children's models. But often each steering system has a certain way of changing its position.

A semi-integrated column has a cup and bearing mounted inside the frame. If it is installed in a children's bike, there are restrictions regarding the rise, but you can lower it as low as possible. An integrated column for children's bicycles is rarely used. It is not equipped with cups, and is installed in the frame tube itself.

With threadless steering column

A threadless steerer tube is not threaded, and therefore the fork is installed with a spacer that is in the stem.

To change the position of the steering wheel in a bike with a threadless steering column, there is the following algorithm of actions:

First, choose a stem with a large lift or with a stem adjustment function. This is to change the height as needed.
Next, the factory plug is replaced with a new one. It should have a longer stem.
Attachment rings are purchased for the plug. Their installation will be outside.
After installing itself steering system, slightly screwing the anchor cover, turn the steering wheel to the required position, and tighten all the bolts.

If it is not possible to purchase a stem with a large lift and replace the fork, then you can increase the height of the steering wheel with a threadless steering column as follows:

unscrew the anchor bolt with a hexagon (some call it a “cover”, located in the upper part of the pipe);
unscrew the tightening bolts;
slowly and carefully remove the steering wheel and stem;
install additional spacer rings on the pipe (they can be removed to lower the level of the steering wheel);
complete the work by installing the stem, tightening the tie and anchor bolts, without overtightening the steering wheel to prevent mechanical damage to parts.

Since the structure can be shifted when changing the position of the steering wheel in this way, it is necessary to change its direction and removal, aligning them with the front wheel. If you find an uneven position, you can slightly loosen the bolts in the stem area, set the correct direction, and tighten them again.

With threaded steering column

At the threaded column, the fork is held by means of an internal thread in upper region cups and locknuts. Inside the tube there are two cups with ball bearings held by a washer. This type of mount is used on children's and adult professional bikes. Their manufacturers use a threaded column to reduce the weight of the bike, but it is more common in very cheap bikes.

The steering tube is installed inside the threaded column and tightened with bolts. When adjusting the height of the steering wheel, you need to be careful - you can get dirty with grease located in the mechanism area.

The algorithm for increasing the height of the steering wheel with a threaded column consists of the following steps:

First loosen the fixing nut at the bottom above the frame.
If necessary, the same operations can be performed with the lock nut.
Raise the steering wheel to the required height, in some cases an extension is required.
The work is completed by tightening the fixing and lock nuts.

Other actions with the handlebars on the children's bike

In some situations, you need to lower or tighten the steering wheel children's bike. How to do it?

Lower

The steering part has a cover, bolts and spacer rings. To remove the stem, unscrew the top bolt holding the cover, and 2 bolts that secure the entire steering system. It is under the stem that there are spacer rings. To lower the steering wheel:

remove rings;
set the takeaway;
removed rings are thrown over it;
fix with a cover (the bolt can not be tightly tightened).

After tightening the steering column, the steering wheel is aligned with the front wheel, and the fixing bolts are tightened. If necessary, lower the steering wheel even lower, the stem turns over.

Tighten

It is necessary to tighten the steering wheel not only in order to lower or raise it, but also in case of its scrolling. In order to tighten the handlebars on a children's bike, you will need a set of hexagons.

It is highly discouraged to buy a set of cheap hexagons - such tools are often quickly cramped. It is better to buy steel hexagons in a specialized bicycle shop,

Take off

To completely remove the steering wheel on a children's bike, you need:

unscrew the bolts securing the steering wheel until the structure weakens;
if it does not weaken, unscrew the bolts until the departure is at least 4 cm;
clamp the front wheel of the bike with your feet, and slowly and carefully turn the steering wheel until it is completely removed.

List of required tools

But it’s worth mentioning: too low a steering wheel position worsens control over the bike. Luckily, you can easily experiment with handlebar height yourself and it's completely free. We offer you a detailed guide to handlebar height adjustment on modern mountain bikes and road bikes that use a threadless stem. If you have a handlebar stem bolted to the fork stem. then most likely you have exactly such a system, which we will discuss below.

We described in detail all the actions in the photographs.

Tools you will need to adjust the handlebar height:

The easiest way to adjust your handlebar height is to use the spacer rings that are commonly found on every bike.

2. Remove the steering column cover. As a rule, the key is 5mm or 4mm.

4. Decide for yourself how high to lower the stem and remove the appropriate number of rings.

5. Install the stem back onto the steerer tube and put on those rings that you removed from under the stem.

6. Now install the steering column cover and tighten the bolt until you feel enough resistance. Hang the front wheel by holding the bike by the top tube of the frame and check how smoothly the handlebars turn. This cap is required to pre-tighten the steering column. Too little torque will leave play that can ruin bearings and cups. Tightening too much can impair handling due to insufficient handlebar rotation. Ideal tightening is when, in the absence of play, the wheel hung at an angle turns under its own weight.

8. Once the handlebar is level, tighten the handlebar stem to the steering tube of the fork. Typically, a tension of 5-8 Nm is used for this.

10. Now test the new handlebar height, ride a bike.

Flipping the steering wheel

If the height of the spacer rings is not enough for you, you can simply turn the stem over. Most mountain bikes come with slightly riser handlebars. You can easily lower the handlebars by simply flipping the stem. It is very simple and how to do it is described by the steps above. But in order to flip the stem, you still need to unscrew the handlebar (usually 2 or 4 bolts on the front of the stem)

11. The bike must be securely in place. Loosen the stem bolts that secure the handlebar(usually two or four bolts).

13. Remove the stem from the head tube and turn it over. Reinstall on the bike, but already upside down.

Follow steps 3 to 7 (see above) to properly tighten steering column and steering wheel.

Now you can test the new handlebar position in action. Handlebar adjustment is individual and can take time to determine the perfect fit. But when you achieve what you want - your bike handling skills will increase significantly.

Images from the resource Bikeradar.com were used when creating the publication
Text (s)

Adjusting the steering wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle to personal needs is of great importance, since not only the comfort of the rider during movement depends on this, but also the maintenance of correct posture. Let's find out how to raise the handlebars on a bicycle, adjusting its position to personal needs.

Defining Moments

Before you figure out how to raise the handlebars on a bicycle, it’s worth understanding that not only its height adjustment is important, but also the centering relative to the wheel and hub.

It is necessary to decide in advance for what purposes the bike will be used. For example, driving on highways requires maximum control over the traffic situation. Therefore, the steering wheel in this case is set in such a way that the angle between the cyclist's back and the vertical is about 30 degrees.

How to raise the handlebars on a bike to ride at a walking pace? For young people, the landing angle here should be 45-60 about, and for the elderly - 60-90 about.

How to raise the handlebars on the bike In this case, the bike control tool should be located above the seat. For hybrid and mountain models, it is better to place the handlebar flush with the seat.

How to raise the handlebars on a children's bike?

The design of most bikes for kids suggests the possibility of adjusting the steering wheel not only in height, but also in tilt. This allows you to adjust the bike in such a way that riding takes place in the most comfortable and safe position for the child.

Usually, in order to raise the handlebars on a children's bike, it is enough just to loosen the central fixing nut. If the child assumes a crouched position during boarding, move the control higher. When the baby hits the steering wheel with his knees, it is enough to change its inclination.

What tools might be needed to adjust the steering wheel?

Users who are trying to figure out how to raise the handlebars on their bike may need the following:

a set of hex keys;
tension limiters that will not allow stripping of the thread (especially useful when working with components made of lightweight materials);
(for work with steering columns of the old type);
for servicing specific steering stems, torxes - wrenches with a star-shaped head will be indispensable.

How to quickly change the handlebar height on a modern bike?

The easiest way to adjust the position of the bike control is to use specialized bikes. The latter often come with two-wheeled vehicles. If it is necessary to lower the stem lower, the conical rings can be removed from the vertical axis or replaced with a shortened spacer.

How to raise the steering wheel on a bike?

To adjust the position of the steering wheel, the following sequence of actions is performed:

To begin with, the front wheel of the bike is fixed. Then loosen the bolts that hold the stem to the steerer tube.
The steering column cover is removed. As a rule, 4-5 mm wrenches are suitable for this.
The stem is removed from the steering tube.
Next, you should decide how high you need to raise the steering wheel. Based on this, an appropriate number of spacer rings are put on the steering tube.
The steering stem is installed back, after which the steering column cover is put on top and the central fixing bolt is tightened to full resistance. Next, you should lift the bike by the frame and check how pliable all the components go.

Having figured out how to raise the handlebars on a bicycle, it is extremely important to align the stem so that it is in the same plane with the wheel. In conclusion, it is enough to test the convenience of controlling the bike with a new steering wheel height.

Particular attention when manipulating the steering column should be paid precisely to the level of clamping of the joints. Too little tightening will subsequently lead to damage to the bearings due to the occurrence of play. Excessively strong will affect the handling of the bike. The ideal tightening of the components is when the suspended wheel immediately leans to the side under its own weight.

Instructions: Raise the handlebars on children's and adult bikes

In the understanding of many, adjusting the height of the steering wheel is not difficult, because it was so easy to do on all bikes in childhood. However, in modern bicycles it is impossible to change the position of the handlebars in the same simple way. This is explained by the fact that modern bike models have become much lighter and simpler in design. Therefore, do not be surprised if the position of the steering column is not quite easy to change on a new bike.

Consider, more closely, the steering part is great. A kind of threaded steering column is an old age. Currently, none of the bona fide manufacturers will allow such a part to be installed on the products of their brand. In the last 8-9 years, this trend has continued. But this does not apply to Chinese manufacturers, often a similar design is still found among bicycles made in China. One of the annoying inconsistencies is that it is impossible to install a suspension fork on such a steering wheel (due to the difference in standards and stem diameter).

A set of necessary tools

In order to change the position of the steering wheel on your bike, you will need the following tools:

Hexagons of various sizes, therefore the best option there will be a whole set;
Tension limiter. It will allow you to keep the threads in their original state when working with light components such as carbon;
Torxes T20 and T25 (special type of keys). They may be needed for certain offset models.

The takeaway is quite easy to dismantle if you first unscrew the bolt that secures the cover, as well as a couple of bolts that hold the structure itself in the assembled state. The fastening sequence is as follows: first there is a removal, then special spacer rings are located.

If it is only necessary to lower the steering part, the rings are dismantled and the stem is returned to its original place, and the rings are placed on top of it, after which everything is fixed with a lid.

Attention! The bolt that is installed at the end, fixing the cover, is not advisable to tighten too much. His participation in the design comes down to removing possible slack, as well as play at the steering column.

After fixing the steering part with a bolt, you need to align the steering wheel itself and finally fix the system with bolts. Tighten the mounting bolts carefully, without applying excessive force, but at the same time, conscientiously.

Sometimes there is a need for the reverse process - the steering wheel must be lowered. To do this, you need to turn the stem so that it looks down. Remember that lowering the steering wheel is much easier than raising it. It is possible to facilitate this procedure by purchasing a special stem that can be adjusted.

The stems are presented in different versions, differing in length. The pattern is simple: if you want to raise the steering wheel to a considerable height, opt for a longer stem model.

Height adjustment value

In order for riding to bring you pleasure and comfort, you must feel as comfortable as possible in the process. This is why adjusting the handlebar height and stem is so important. Experts confidently state that the inability to adjust the steering wheel height directly affects its maneuverability and comfortable riding. It is difficult to control a bicycle, which means that there is no way to be sure of your absolute safety. There can be countless combinations in the settings of your bike, so feel free to experiment with the level of saddle height, suspension condition, tire pressure. But do not neglect such an important factor as the correct installation of the steering wheel in height.

There must be a relationship between the heights of the steering wheel itself and the saddle. For example, professional riders often set the handlebars lower than the saddle level. Those who choose a comfortable and relaxed style of travel, raise the steering wheel higher.

Note! The steering wheel, which is specially adjusted and set low, greatly reduces the degree of bike control and the likelihood of complete control over the situation in the process of movement.

Your bike's center of gravity drops if the handlebars are low enough. That is why the load on the front wheel increases, and, accordingly, traction. Also, the advantages include a more even distribution of weight between the two wheels, this favorably affects mountain climbs. Such effects are especially noticeable on bicycles with large diameter wheels. You can try on different handlebar heights and compare the feel of each new position, choosing the best one for free and without the help of specialists.

When a cyclist is driving on roads, it is recommended to keep the back angle of about 30 degrees. If the riding style is quite active, the back angle is desirable in the range of 45 to 60 degrees. For the elderly, as well as children, you should stop at the angle parameter of 60-90 degrees.