Small changes in saddle position can have a substantial effect on performance and comfort. To
find your best saddle position, make only one adjustment at a time.
C. Handlebar adjustment
You hold the handlebar to steer the bicycle and the stem connects the handlebar to the fork. The
position of the handlebar is important for control and comfort. Each month check all the bolts of
the stem.
Warning: Over-tightening of stem bolts can cause damage to the steerer of the fork, possibly
causing it to break. If the steerer breaks, you could fall. To adjust the angle of the handlebar
1. Loosen the handlebar-clamp bolt(s) on the stem
2. Move the handlebar. Make sure it is in the centre of the stem.
3. Make sure the gaps between any face plate and stem are even on both sides.
4. Tighten the handlebar-clamp bolt(s) on your type of stem:
Warning: An incorrect headset and stem assembly can cause damage to the steerer of the fork,
possibly causing it to break. If the steerer breaks, you could fall.
To adjust the height of an adjustable-rise stem, first change the stem angle (see the next
section), which gives access to the expander bolt. The expander bolt holds the stem wedge,
which secures the stem in the fork.
1. Loosen the expander bolt two to three turns.
2. Tap the top of the expander bolt with a mallet that has a wood or plastic face to loosen the
wedge.
3. Adjust the handlebar to the necessary height, but the minimum-insertion mark must be in the
frame.
4. Tighten the expander bolt.
Warning: A quill stem that is too high can cause damage to your bicycle, decrease your control,
and cause you to fall. Make sure the minimum-insertion mark is in the frame.
To change the angle of an adjustable-rise stem
1. Loosen the angle adjustment bolt until the stem angle can be changed.
2. Move the stem to the necessary angle.
3. Tighten the angle-adjustment bolt
D. Know How Your Bicycle Operates
The properties of your bicycle, if not used correctly, can decrease your control of the bicycle.
Before you ride, learn the operation and performance of all the mechanisms of your bicycle,
especially brakes and steering components.
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between the braking surfaces.
To make sure that you have maximum friction available, keep your wheel rims and brake pads
clean and free of dirt, lubricants, waxes or polishes.
Brakes are designed to control your speed, not just to stop the bike. Maximum braking force for
each wheel occurs at the point just before the wheel “locks up” (stops rotating) and starts to skid.
Once the tyre skids, you actually lose most of your stopping force and all directional control. You
need to practice slowing and stopping smoothly without locking up a wheel.
F O R M E B I K E S . C O . U K
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