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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 7, 2010 9:23:58 GMT -5
My lower back has been bothering me since I have started riding so I am attempting to raise the handlebars. Im sure my seat is at the right height ( which I adjust lower for singletrack riding vs higher Canal/Greeneway riding) so I tried raising my handlebars..........and they wont raise up.
I have a Haro Flightline DX3 with the pivot stem that is stock. I loosened the center screw that would normally allow someone to pull the handlebars up but when I pulled up, it just wont adjust up. My old Trek didnt have a stem so maybe I am missing something.
Sorry for being a noob.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Jun 7, 2010 9:53:35 GMT -5
You're trying to adjust it like a threaded stem/fork, but you've got a threadless. The steerer tube on the fork extends up and out the top of the frame, and the stem bolts to it.
That bolt on top adjusts how much pressure is put on the bearings in the headset, it keeps everything from being sloppy. Here's what you need to do.
1 - remove that top bolt 2 - loosen the bolts on the back side of the stem, these clamp around the steerer tube on the fork. 3 - set new stem height, move spacers around as necessary, and/or flip the stem. If you don't have any spacers, you can't move the stem up, but you can flip it over. You'll have to remove the bars if you flip the stem
Now, to put everything back together, First, tighten the top bolt again. You want it tight enough so there's no play in the stem/fork/headset area, but not so tight the fork doesn't turn, that'll wear out your bearings quickly. Once the bearings are set, then tighten the bolts on the back of the stem.
Check to make sure there's no play - hold the front brake and push the bike forward and backward. If there's play in the headset, you'll feel it. Riding it like this will destroy your headset and possibly the frame too. And it'll be sketchy as crap.
If you're not sure you want to try it solo, take it into one of the local shops, and ask them to show you how to do it. Good luck!
EDIT: Also, I'd leave your seat at the correct height all the time. You'll get use to it being up there when you're offroad, and it will really make you more comfortable, and you'll be able to put more power to the pedals with less effort. Your back problems may be related to the fore/aft position of the seat, not necessarily the bar height. Someone at a shop should be able to help with that as well.
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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 7, 2010 10:09:00 GMT -5
Thanks for the post bro! Now that you mention it, I should have realized the spacer system to begin with. I will stop by and get some spacers for a local shop. Thanks again.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Jun 7, 2010 10:17:04 GMT -5
Thanks for the post bro! Now that you mention it, I should have realized the spacer system to begin with. I will stop by and get some spacers for a local shop. Thanks again. It's probably already got spacers. If it doesn't, you can't simply add them. You can only move the stem up however much extra steerer tube you have. And if there's no spacers, there's no extra steerer tube, so the stem can't move up. You might be able to flip the stem to raise the bars, but usually bikes come with the stem already it the 'rise' position. If all of that is the case, you can get a different stem.
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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 7, 2010 10:28:34 GMT -5
May need a new stem then. It has spacers and if its already at its highest point, then I need a new stem. I will get fitted for one next time I go to my LBS. I may just get fitted before I do anything period to make sure the seat post is correct as well.
Thanks for the input. Ive never used a stem system so I was unsure how it all worked. +1.
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Post by ted on Jun 7, 2010 11:37:31 GMT -5
Keep in mind the higher you go, the less cable slack you have. The less cable slack you have, the less the turning radius will be before the cables bind. If you go too high, you'll need to do new cables and housing as well. Just a heads up before you get started with this particular change. All new cables with housing runs in the $20-40 range depending on quality of parts and labor charge. I'll usually give a little price break if the bike was bought from us. Also, if your stem is still in good condition, you MIGHT be able to trade us for a new one. Palm grease seems to have an effect on price reduction. Just an observation of mine over the years.
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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 7, 2010 11:45:46 GMT -5
I bought it from chain reaction about two months ago. I try not to stay in there very long though, I always want to buy that Cannondale Ive been eyeballing lol.
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Post by Mark Y on Jun 7, 2010 13:55:13 GMT -5
I bought it from chain reaction about two months ago. I try not to stay in there very long though, I always want to buy that Cannondale Ive been eyeballing lol. Then take it back and see if they can help you. There is a guy there named Todd who is always willing to treat you right. Heck, he might even give you than Cannondale for being a nice guy.......
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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 7, 2010 14:24:14 GMT -5
ha! I looked at the stem and the spacers, it was at its highest point. I will try and run it by there sometime this week, just keep me away from the Cannondales. I bought my Haro bc I wanted to make sure I was going to keep riding, the Cannondale will be next year haha.
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Post by wooglin on Jun 7, 2010 16:52:18 GMT -5
Noobs rock. Don't sweat it. How do you know your saddle is at the right height? Also (with regard to the bars), do you stretch your lower back before riding? Do you warm up?
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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 8, 2010 8:27:56 GMT -5
I do stretch.
I dont KNOW my saddles is the right height but I rest the back part of my heel on the pedal and if My leg is straight then the saddle should be the right height. Also, when I make a full pedal stroke, my knees do not go completely straight but stay a little bent. Thats just what I was always taught.
I rode the entire loop without adjusting the seat and it felt a little awkward tbh but I also didnt seem to be as burned out.
I do stretch before and after a ride but maybe its not enough. I spend about 5 mins stretching before and after a ride.
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Post by wooglin on Jun 8, 2010 13:28:14 GMT -5
Thanks. Sounds like your saddle is about right, and since you also stretch your plan to hit up the shop is the logical next step.
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