Mountain biking is a sport that many people thoroughly enjoy and undertake in their spare time all over the world. Not only does hitting the tracks can feel liberating and exhilarating, but it is also an excellent way to burn some unwanted calories.
However, one of the things with mountain bikes that usually gets overlooked is the handlebars. Only seasoned mountain bikers understand that the handlebars can have a massive impact on their comfort as well as hiking experience.
If they are too low, your back can be strained; too high, your overall performance will be affected, especially if hiking on the trails.
In a nutshell, if the handlebars of your mountain bike aren’t perfectly adjusted, you will have a bad time.
Therefore, in this blog post, we’ll be particularly looking at how to raise the handlebars on a mountain bike. And although you can take your mountain bike to a workshop for this job, lowering the handlebars is fairly a simple and straightforward process that you can easily perform at home (plus, think about all the dollars you can save!).
If you look up “how to raise the handlebars on a mountain bike“, you will undoubtedly be flooded with countless different overwhelming methods and recommendations; but don’t worry, that’s what we are here for.
In this post, we’ll help you first identify your handlebar type and system as well as share some super simple methods to lower them from the comfort of your home.
So, let’s get started!
Overview: Mountain Bike Handlebar Types
If you are wondering what kind of handlebar your mountain bike has, or if you are simply curious about the different kinds of handlebars available, keeping reading on.
If not, skip this section and move straight to the “How to Raise Handlebars on A Mountain Bike” details.
Remember, every type of handlebar is designed for a special purpose. For example, the handlebars of a racing bike are designed to enable riders to pedal quickly. Moreover, different bike handlebars provide different postures while riding.
Although there are several different types of handlebars, below, we have highlighted some of the most common and most preferred handlebars.
- Flat Handlebar – The flat handlebar allows your body posture to naturally and slightly bend forward. This feature prevents the body from feeling sore, especially when biking on long distances or for a long time. The flat handlebar is usually used for touring bicycles as well as on mountain bikes.
- Cruiser Bus – The cruise bus handlebar enables the rider to sit upright on their mountain bike while holding the bars.
- Riser Handlebar – Riser handlebars are generally used to dampen track vibrations. The ability to decrease vibration can play a colossal role in reducing fatigue in the arm and also clues to buzzing when passing through cross-country terrain. In fact, this handlebar is usually most recommended for mountain biking.
- Drop Handlebar – The drop handlebar is ideal for riders who live for the thrill and enjoy speeding their mountain bikes. The drop-bar design allows your body posture to naturally bend forward so that your weight is extended towards the front.
Now that you know about the different types of handlebars, let us wing through why you should consider raising them.
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Why You Should Adjust Your Bike’s Handlebars?
The majority of mountain bike owners – both seasoned and amateurs – usually experiment with tire pressure, saddle height, suspension augmentation, and bar angle.
However, very few are mindful of the benefits of adjusting the bike handlebar height, despite this component playing a vital role in the way your mountain bike overall performs and feels.
Handlebar height is also called ‘bar height’ or ‘saddle drop’, and it indicates how far-flung the top of the saddle rests above or below the handlebars.
In general, a lower handlebar height can reduce the rider’s center of gravity. Please note that by employing more weight on the front wheel, you can increase traction.
Moreover, a lower handlebar height offers a more centered position between both wheels; this improves overall bike control, particularly while climbing. These attributes are even more evident off-road, especially with 29ers.
Nonetheless, bear in mind that there’s a limit; lowering the handlebar too much can make it difficult for you to control the bike. Similarly, a lower handlebar can also adversely affect handling on steep terrains.
While on the road, seasoned riders typically have a significant drop, where their handlebars rest below the saddle as it extends a more aerodynamic position.
As far as recreational riders are concerned, they are generally best served by a handlebar that’s in line or above the saddle as it provides a more comfortable position.
Lucky for you, experimenting with handlebar height is simple and almost always free of any cost. Hence, you can adjust your mountain bike’s handlebars to your heart’s content or till you find the right height and position for you.
Keep reading on if you’d like to learn how to raise the handlebars on a mountain bike.
Read Can Mountain Bikes be Used on Road?
How to Raise the Handlebars on A Mountain Bike
As mentioned earlier, a low handlebar can significantly influence your riding position.
For instance, when you are riding a mountain bike with low handlebars, to adjust to the position, you will have to round your back excessively, causing direct strain on it.
The poor body posture can not only lead to agonizing pain, it will also make it harder for you to feel excited about the next ride.
Luckily, this dilemma can easily be overcome.
All you need to do is to raise the handlebars to an appropriate level. As you read this post, we will assume that this is your first raising a mountain bike handlebar. So, we have only one thing to say: DO NOT PANIC!
Even if you have never done this, there’s nothing to worry about. Below we have outlined some super simple steps that you can follow to accomplish the task with flying colors.
Plus, to get your mountain bike handlebars perfectly adjusted, all you really need is an Allen key, some spacers, and five to ten minutes of your time.
Before You Begin
Before you roll up your sleeves and dig into raising the handlebars of your mountain bike, it is crucial to first check what kind of stem system the bike has. Generally, there are two main kinds of handlebar headset stems: Threaded and Threadless.
For those who aren’t aware, a handlebar headset stem is the core component that connects the handlebar to the main mountain bike frame. Additionally, it also holds the handlebars in place whilst enabling it to steer the bike.
The threadless handlebar headset system is commonly found in contemporary mountain bikes and they can be identified by a single large bolt on top with two tinier ones at the bottom.
On the other hand, the threaded handlebar headset system can be distinguished by a constant piece of metal joining the handlebar with one big bolt on the top stem.
Now that you know about the two handlebar headset systems let us go through the step-by-step instructions of how to raise the handlebars for each.
Read How To Change A Mountain Bike Tire?
Raising Mountain Bike Handlebars with A Threaded Headset
Estimate time: 5 – 10 minutes
Basic Tools & Things You’ll Need
There are some basic tools and materials needed for raising (or adjusting) the handlebars on your mountain bike. These are as follows:
- Allen key set
- Wrench
- Hammer
- Bike repair stand (optional)
- Grease/oil (optional)
- Clean rags
Steps to Follow:
- First and foremost, determine the height of the handlebar you seek to have with the help of a measuring tape.
- Then search for the top bolt on your mountain bike’s threaded handlebar headset and loosen it.
- Once the top bolt is fully released, the continuous metal piece on the headset should be able to freely move up and down.
- Next, take the wrench and undo the locknut till it is loose enough to be able to move up and down the stem. It should even jerk the stem free from your bike.
- In case the locknut is still fairly hard and/or can’t be lifted, thrust the bolt again with a wrench. For this step, you can also use a hammer and hit the bolt lightly. Continue doing this till the locknut is loose enough for the handlebar to lift off easily.
- Next, raise the stem bar to your desired height.
- Once done, securely tighten the top bolt as well we locknut.
- You should now be able to raise the handlebar by twisting or deflecting it. If your mountain bike is old, you might come across some crust on the handlebar’s stem. It is always a good idea to spruce up the crust first before adjusting the height. In case you choose to leave it on, please note that it can possibly interfere with the overall functionality of the handlebar.
- Once clean, fine-tune the handlebar’s height to your liking.
- When you’re pleased with the height of the handlebars, firmly tighten the top bolt as well as the locknut on the handlebar stem again.
- Finally, test whether it is at the appropriate height and that everything else is functioning well. Add grease or oil to the handlebars with a clean piece of cloth if you feel they need a bit of lubrication.
Read How to Choose an Electric Mountain Bike?
Raising Mountain Bike Handlebars with A Threadless Headset
Estimate time: 5 – 10 minutes
Basic Tools & Things You’ll Need
There are some basic tools and materials needed for raising (or adjusting) the handlebars on your mountain bike. These are as follows:
- Allen key set
- Bike repair stand (optional)
- Grease/oil (optional)
- Clean rags
Steps to Follow:
- First and foremost, determine the height of the handlebar you seek to have with the help of a measuring tape.
- Then search for the head of the top bolt on your mountain bike’s threadless handlebar headset.
- With an Allen key set, twist the bolt loose and remove both: the bolt as well as the stem.
- Similarly, remove the smaller two bolts on the threadless headset using an Allen key set. Once they are fully released, you should be able to easily and completely detach the handlebars from the bike.
- Next, loosen the bike’s handlebars until you can move them freely with little to no effort.
- Now, raise the stem to your desired height and then reattach and tighten the stem cap as well as the head bolt.
- Lastly, test whether it is at the appropriate height and that everything else is functioning well. Add grease or oil to the handlebars with a clean piece of cloth if you feel they need a bit of lubrication.
Read How Fast a Mountain Bike Can go?
What Is the Ideal Height for Mountain Bike Handlebars?
We get this question a lot! However, there is no right or wrong answer to this question as it varies from individual to individuals.
Nonetheless, the general rule of thumb is that the height of your mountain bike handlebars should ideally be at least equal to or greater than your seat.
The main issue with handlebars lower than your bike seat is that they can place significant pressure and stress on your neck, back, wrists, and arms.
Therefore, when it comes to mountain bike riding, the saddle and handlebars should generally be set at the same height. This extends a neutral position that’s good for trail riding and reduces body discomfort to provide riders with a positive and fun experience.
Check out, Replacing Mountain Bike Tires
How to Raise the Handlebars on A Mountain Bike: Conclusion
We know that it can be surprising how much handlebars of a mountain can affect biking comfort and performance. Likewise, it is also surprising how easy it’s to remove and raise the handlebar level to get the desired height.
Lucky for you, adjusting or raising the handlebars on a mountain bike is a simple task. Just remember, the right adjustment and bar height can enhance biking comfort, reduce back and neck pain, increase visibility, and more.
Nonetheless, the best thing about this simple process is that it can enhance the overall biking experience for you.
Plus, you’re unlikely to feel the true benefit of raising handlebars to the appropriate height until you go out for a ride. But hey, at least now you know how to adjust the handlebars of your mountain bike, right?
So, that is it for today. We would love it if this blog post on “how to raise handlebars on a mountain bike” helps you in any way possible. Let us know if you have any queries and, more importantly, if there is more to add! If you are in search of more useful tutorials like this one, be sure to check the rest of our blog.
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I am Michael, an avid rider and bike expert. I am here to provide, biking tips and expert advice on in-depth bike reviews covering features, capabilities, price range, and much more. Specially on electric bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, etc. I will provide honest product reviews, along with expert advice on purchasing, training, and maintenance. Check out my complete profile.
