The experience of cycling ought to be enjoyable. Aggressive riding positions, however, frequently intimidate some people. The majority of them pay attention to saddle height while ignoring the handlebars. You've come to the right site if you're wondering how to elevate your bike's handlebars. An Allen key and some spacers are all you need.

Motives for Raising the Handles on Our Bike

A comfortable ride is ensured by raising the bicycle handlebars. The pressure on your back, neck, and arms increases if the handlebars are set too low. If you bike for fun, you should work on your riding posture to prevent back strain.

What Parts Make Up a Bike's Handlebars?

Your ride's sensation can change depending on the handlebar. In addition to influencing your comfort, it regulates the bike's handling and the riding position to accommodate. Some of the crucial elements include:

The stem

It joins the handlebars to the steerer tube. There are two types of stems: quill and threadless. A threadless stem expands the wedge bolt to the steerer tube, whereas a quill stem extends the bolt on the steerer tube to hold it in place. You can determine how much to lift the handlebars since quill stems have dimensions. The stem can come off if you go beyond the allowed amount.

Spacers

You can raise or lower them, giving the handlebars more height.

Faceplate

The stem's farthest section from the rider is here. The handlebars are fixed in place with a bolt.

Headset

It is the "ring" or "bearing" below the spacer on the top of the frame.

Pinch bolts

They join the steering tube and the stem. They pinch the tube's stem, as its name implies.

6 Options to Raise the Bike Handlebars Explained

You should identify the types of bikes you have before adjusting the handlebars. To improve some models, you might need to make a few adjustments.

1. Adjust the headset spacer

You can adjust the spacers above or below the handle height if your bike has circular rings. Loosen the stem bolt, remove the top cap, and slide off the steer tube to adjust the headset spacers. Next, reposition the top cap and spacers beneath the headset.

2. Flip the bike stem

The handlebar's height is raised when the spacers are moved. You can flip the handlebar stem if the elevation is insufficient.

Holding the bike firmly to the ground, remove the faceplate by loosening the bolt holding the stem and handlebar together. The handlebar should be gently let go, turned over, and then reattached.

3. Change the bike stem

If the bike has a small stem, you can convert it to a bigger one. For example, the TRIWONDER stem allows you to adjust the handlebar to 60 degrees - you can also lift the handlebar to 90-130mm. MTBs and BMX bikes may both use the TRIWONDER stem.

4. Adjust the handlebar angle

By elevating the handlebars a few inches, you may change the angle of the bicycle. This facilitates gear changes and protects the bike brakes from being overused. The handlebar should be adjusted as follows:

  • Unscrew the stem's screw.
  • As you raise the bar, adjust the angle.
  • Adjust the bar's tension to your preference, then test it.

5. Invest in a bike stem riser

The stem riser can adjust the bike a couple of inches. To attach a stem riser, you should:

  • Take the handlebar stand off.
  • Place the stem riser in the proper position by sliding it in.
  • the handlebar back in place

You can utilize the TRIWONDER Bicycle Bike system for road bikes, cross bikes, and MTBs.

6. Invest in a bike riser bar

If the previous ways don't work, you can use a riser bar. In essence, it increases the handlebars by a few inches. The UPANBIKE river bar functions perfectly even if there are numerous riser bars to employ. It is made of aluminum and works with the majority of road and MTB bikes. The riser bar has a 30mm maximum height increase.

How to Raise A Road Bike's Handlebars

E-bikes are not created equal. Some don't have a stem that can be adjusted. As a result, neither the stem nor the spacers need to be turned. Some bicycles, though, have adjustable handlebars that you can raise or lower based on your preferences. This instruction is for you if you don't know how to lift the handlebars on a bicycle.

1. Setup

Place the bike on a stand before you begin working on it. You can straddle your bike if you don't have one. As you work on the bike, someone else can hold it.

2. Moving the spacers

To begin with, you should either relocate the spacers below the stem or above the stem (to raise the handlebars) (to lower the handlebars). Here is a detailed instruction:

  • Step 1: Loosen the pinch bolts to facilitate the removal of the top cap.
  • Step 2: Remove the top cap from the steerer tube. Remove the spacers that are in between the stem and the steerer as well.
  • Step 3: Loosen the pinch bolts until they are all about the same tightness or looseness. The stem can also be moved.
  • Step 4: Adjust the spacers as necessary.
  • Step 5: Place the top lid of the stem atop the steerer tube and slide the stem back onto the tube. By doing so, the top cap will be secured to the steer tube. You might check to see if the brake lines have enough slack.
  • Step 6, put the cap back on and tighten it until there is resistance. The headset is also preloaded.
  • Step 7: Set the stem in place in relation to the top tire and tighten the pinch bolt. The steer tube and stem are to be lined up.
  • Step 8. Examine the headset. Lock the handlebars and keep the front brakes engaged. Make sure the steerer brakes—located inside the bike's frame—are moving back and forth. Loosen the pinch bolts and tighten the caps to prevent any movement. Continue until the handlebars are completely still. The pinch bolts may be too tight if the Ebike's handlebars don't move easily.

3. Flip the stem

Here are some steps you might follow: 

Step 1: Align the handlebars with the faceplate by applying masking tape to them. This guarantees that when everything is put together, you get the same angle.
Step 2: In an X pattern, loosen the four face bolts. Support the handlebars while doing this to prevent the cables from bearing the weight. You're better off if you ask for help.

Step 3: Follow the first three steps on how to move the spacers. With the steerer tube, turn the stem.

Step 4: Reattach the faceplate and put the handlebars back on the stem. To make sure the handlebars are in the same location as before, use masking tape. Tighten the bolts if there are any gaps between the stem and the faceplate. Remember that any unequal spacing could be uncomfortable.

4. Adjust the stem

Find the screw first, then adjust the stem to the optimal position for you. You can tighten the screws if the cables are under any strain.

You need to release the handlebar's quick-release clamp in order to adjust the handlebars. Then, adjust it up and down to fit the position you want. Make sure there is enough slack in the brake pedals by checking them.

Your comfort will be improved by these handlebar changes. Although it may seem like an uphill task, after you complete it, your riding experience will improve.

How to Raise the Handlebars on a Mountain Bike

You'll need a multi-tool, a set of Allen keys, and a torque wrench to adjust the mountain bike's handlebars. Determine what kind of mountain bike you have first. The steps are as follows:

  1. Remove the stem's lengthy bolt. This is the L-shaped metal piece that secures the handlebars to the bicycle. You'll need to use it again, so keep it secure.
  2. To remove the smaller bolts, use the Allen keys.
  3. Carefully pull the handlebars. You risk bending them if you aren't careful.
  4. You can lower the handlebars and/or add a spacer to the bike.
  5. Replace and cap the handlebars. Don't put them under too much stress.
  6. See if the stem replacement was successful. Are the handlebars freely moving? If not, you can slightly loosen them.

Wrap up

Your bike becomes more comfortable when the handlebars are raised, allowing you to enjoy lengthy rides painlessly. You should assess your level of enjoyment before adjusting the handlebars. Until you find the sweet spot that will improve you as a rider, it could take a few tries before you get it. It's time to change the handlebar height if riding has been causing neck or back pain.