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which clamps inside the steerer tube by way of an expanding
binder bolt. If you aren’t
absolutely sure
which type of stem your
bike has, ask your dealer.
If your bike has a “threadless” stem, your dealer may be able
to change handlebar height by moving height adjustment spacers
from below the stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise,
you’ll have to get a stem of different length or rise. Consult your
dealer.
Do not attempt to do this yourself, as it requires special
knowledge
.
If your bike has a “quill” stem, you can ask your dealer to
adjust the handlebar height a bit by adjusting stem height.
A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on its shaft which
designates the stem’s “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum
extension”. This mark must not be visible above the headset.
WARNING: On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can af-
fect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or creating
excess cable slack which can make the front brake inoperable. If the front
brake pads move in towards the wheel rim or out away from the wheel rim
when the stem or stem height is changed, the brakes must be correctly ad-
justed before you ride the bicycle.
WARNING: The stem’s Minimum Instertion Mark must not be visible above
the top of the headset. If the stem is extended beyond the Minimum Instertion
Mark the stem may break or damage the fork’s steerer tube, which could
cause you to lose control and fall.
Your dealer can also change the angle of the handlebar or
bar end extensions.
WARNING: An insufficiently tightened stem binder bolt, handlebar binder
bolt or bar end extension clamping bolt may compromise steering action, which
could cause you to lose control and fall. Place the front wheel of the bicycle
between your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar/stem assembly. If you
can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars in rela-
tion to the stem, or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the handlebar, the
bolts are insufficiently tightened.
D. Control position adjustments
The angle of the controls and their position on the handlebars
can be changed. Ask your dealer to make the adjustments for
you.
E. Brake reach
Many bikes have brake levers which can be adjusted for
reach. If you have small hands or find it difficult to squeeze the
brake levers, your dealer can either adjust the reach or fit shorter
reach brake levers.
WARNING: The shorter the brake lever reach, the more critical it is to
have correctly adjusted brakes, so that full braking power can be applied within
available brake lever travel. Brake lever travel insufficient to apply full brak-
ing power can result in loss of control, which may result in serious injury or
death.
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