How to adjust handle bar hieght on my coyote 66

[dazza943]

Hi all

This is my first post so be gentle lol. I bought my first bike 3 weeks ago and have been adjusting constantly to try and get it more comfortable. So far the only thing i haven't done is the handle bar hieght. now im mechanicaly minded so have the confidence and tools to do it but want to do a bit of research just so i dont end up dropping bearings ect all over the floor and no more bike to ride to work.

There is "cartridge system" writen on the stem, 3 spacers and an allen key bolt through the top.

Any advice would be helpfull

Thanks
Daz

 

[Cubist]

Hi Dazza
You have an aheadset stem system.

To raise the bar height you need to check a couple of things. Are all the spacers above the stem where it is clamped onto the steerer top? If not, you can raise the bars by moving them underneath.

Use an allen key to loosen and remove the allen bolt in the cap at the top of the steerer. Put it to one side and tehn undo the two bolts clamping the stem onto the steerer. Remove the spacers, then slide the stem up off the steerer, put the spacers back on and slide the stem back on.
Next you need to tighten the compression bolt (the one through the cap). Be delicate here, as this only sets the bearings, it doesn't hold the bars on! Turn it clockwise and turn the steerer in its bearings to ensure you don't overtighten it, and as son as you have taken up all the play and the head turns smoothly, leave the bolt alone.

Now you need to ensure the bars are straight and push the stem down as far as you can. Once you're happy tighten the clamp bolts alternating until they are properly torqued. Give the top cap bolt a final 1/8th turn.

If all the spacers are already below the stem, you need to change the stem to one with nmore of a rise/angle. Be aware of the change in apparent length if you put a steeper stem on. If that's the case and you aren't sure of how to swap the stem, come back and ask again.

 

[Cubist]

Don't mention it.

 

[bobones]

Another simple option is to flip the stem which should raise the bars by a decent margin. Basically all you do is remove the handleabars from the stem, remove the stem from the steerer tube, refit the stem the other way around, and reattach the handlebars. Should only take a few minutes. Google for threadless headset adjustment videos so you can see how the stem and top cap should be removed/attached or re-read Cubist's post which gives good advice on this.