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Adjusting the Tilt of the Handlebar and the Brake Levers
of STEVENS Road Racing Machines, Cyclocross Bicycles and
Gravel Bikes
The straight extensions below the drops should be parallel to the ground or
point slightly downwards towards the rear. The ends of the brake lever/shifter units
should meet an imaginary extension of the bottom line of the drops, the upper
part of the lever is then in horizontal position or points slightly upwards. Adjusting
the brake levers/shifters is a job best left to your STEVENS dealer, as it involves
retaping the handlebar afterwards.
To adjust the tilt of the handlebar, release the Allen bolt(s) on the underside or
faceplate of the stem. Turn the handlebar to the desired position. Make sure that
the handlebar is accurately centred in the stem.
Carefully retighten the bolt(s) with the torque wrench. Make sure that the upper
and lower clamping slots of the stem are parallel and identical in width. If you have
a stem with several bolts, tighten them evenly in a cross pattern by using a torque
wrench and observe the recommended torque values.
Try rotating the handlebar once clamped in the stem and tighten the bolt a
little more, if necessary. Use a torque wrench and do not exceed the maximum
torque values! You find them on the components themselves and/or in the chapter
“Recommended Torque Settings”
.
Triathlon Handlebars
In triathlon sport where a particularly aerodynamic seating position is impor-
tant, aero bars are used usually. With these aero models the shifters are often
positioned at the ends of the handlebar. When you ride with your back in a hori-
zontal position, the brake levers are out of reach and the reaction time is longer,
which makes your stopping distance longer. For this reason it is very important to
anticipate problems during the ride.
Within certain limits the position of the handlebar can be adjusted according
to your personal preferences. That means that the straight part of the handlebar
should point only slightly downwards or upwards by maximal 30 degrees.
Make sure that your forearms are always comfortably rested, i.e. your elbows
should project a little towards the rear.
Note:
There are brake levers/
shifters from Shimano
and SRAM that are
suitable for small
hands. If you have any
problems with the brake
lever reach, contact your
STEVENS dealer.
Adjusting the Brake Lever Reach on STEVENS Road Racing
Machines, Cyclocross Bicycles and Gravel Bikes
In particular, riders with small hands should ask their STEVENS dealer to adjust
the brake lever position, i.e. the position where the brake starts to be effective, to
the length of the rider’s fingers immediately on purchase.
Some models of various brands allow an adjustment at the brake lever/shifter,
e.g. by means of adjusting bolts or spacers. In the case of the other models the
brake cables are clamped according to your wishes at the brake bodies. Adjusting
bolts located in this area only serve to compensate brake pad wear.
Have the lever reach adjusted and Make sure that the first phalanx of the
index finger reaches around the brake lever/shifter. Finish by checking the correct
adjustment and function of the brake system as described in the chapter
“The
Brake System”
and in the instructions of the component manufacturers.
What to Bear in Mind with Time Trial Handlebars on STEVENS
Triathlon and Time Trial Machines
In triathlon sport and time trial, where a particularly aerodynamic seating posi-
tion is important, so called aero handlebars are used. With these aero models the
shifters are often positioned at the handlebar ends, the brake levers at the ends
of bull-horn handlebar. When you ride with your back in a horizontal position, the
brake levers are out of reach and the reaction time is longer, which makes your
stopping distance longer. For this reason it is very important to anticipate problems
during the ride.
Within certain limits the position of the handlebar can be adjusted according
to your personal preferences. That means that the straight part of the aero bars
should point only slightly downwards or upwards. The basic handlebar should be
parallel to the ground or point slightly upwards. Make sure that your forearms are
always comfortably rested, i.e. your elbows should project beyond the armrests a
little towards the rear.
Danger:
Note that the distance you need to stop your bike increases, while riding
with the hands on the top handlebar. The brake levers are not in all grip
positions within easy reach.
Danger:
Make sure that you
cannot pull the brake
levers all the way to
the handlebar. Your
maximum brake force
should be reached short
of this point.
