37
ADjUSTING THE HEIGHT oF THE HANDLEBARS
The height of the handlebars compared to the saddle and the distance
between saddle and handlebars determine how much your upper body
will be inclined forward. Lowering the handlebars gives you a stream-
lined position and brings more weight to bear on the front wheel. How-
ever, it also entails an extremely forward leaning posture which is tiring
and less comfortable, because it increases the strain on your wrists,
arms, back, upper body and neck.
There are two different stem systems that allow vertical adjustment of
the handlebars, i.e. the adjustable and the Aheadset
®
stem. These sys-
tems require special knowledge. In this regard, the descriptions hereaf-
ter may be incomplete. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions,
then contact your WHEELER bicycle dealer.
G
The stem is one of the load bearing parts of your bicycle.
Changes to it can impair your safety. If you are in doubt
or if you have any questions, then contact your WHEELER
bicycle dealer.
G
Stems come in varying lengths
(a)
as well as shaft and
binder tube diameters
(b)
. A stem of inappropriate dimen-
sions can become a source of danger: Handlebars or stems
can break, resulting in an accident. When replacing any
parts be sure to only use parts that bear the appropriate
mark and, to be on the safe side, original spare parts. Your
WHEELER bicycle dealer will be pleased to help you.
G
The bolted connections of stem and handlebars have to be
tightened to the prescribed torque values
(c)
. If you dis-
regard the prescribed values, the handlebars or stem may
come loose or break. Use a torque wrench
(d)
and never
exceed the maximum torque values! You can find these in
the chapter
“recommended torque Settings for compo-
nents”
, on the components themselves and/or in the in-
structions from the parts manufacturers, which you can
find on the enclosed CD.
A
Make sure the handlebar-stem combination is approved by
the handlebar and/or stem manufacturer.
A
Check that the area of the stem where the handlebars are
clamped has no sharp edges.
ADjUSTABLE STEMS
There are various solutions for adjusting the tilt of the front part of
adjustable stems
(e)
:
Some designs use bolts on the sides of the joint
(f)
, others have bolts
coming from above or below
(g)
, and other again are equipped with
additional locking mechanisms or adjusting bolts.
Before adjusting read the enclosed operating instructions of the stem
manufacturer. Ask your WHEELER bicycle dealer to explain to you both
the function and adjustment of your stem or else let him do that work.
G
Note that the bolted connections of adjustable stems and
handlebars have to be tightened to the specified torques.
otherwise the handlebars or stem may come loose or
break. Use a torque wrench and observe the minimum and
maximum torque values! You can find these in the chapter
“recommended torque Settings for components”
, on the
components themselves and/or in the instructions from the
parts manufacturers, which you can find on the enclosed
CD.
a
Keep in mind that readjusting the position of the stem
changes the position of the handlebars, brake and shift le-
vers. Readjust these components, as described in chapter
“adjusting the tilt of the handlebars, bar ends and brake
levers”
.
STEMS FoR THREADLESS SYSTEMS,
THE AHEADSET
®
SYSTEM
(Aheadset
®
is a registered trade mark of Dia-Compe)
In the case of bicycles with Aheadset
®
headsets the stem also serves
to adjust the bearing preload. If you change the position of the stem you
have to readjust the bearing play (see the chapter
“headset”
).
The vertical setting range is determined by the intermediate rings, also
referred to as spacers
(h)
. In the case of flip-flop stem models the stem
can be mounted the other way round to achieve a different handlebar
height.
a
b
c
d
36
e
f
g
h
Summary of Contents for Cross
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