Can you install new bike handlebars yourself? Absolutely! With the right tools and a clear guide, anyone can tackle a bicycle handlebar replacement. This process can refresh your bike’s feel, improve comfort, or allow you to upgrade to different styles, whether you’re looking for a road bike handlebar fitting, a mountain bike handlebar setup, or a gravel bike handlebar mounting solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of installing your new bike handlebars, ensuring a safe and successful ride. We’ll cover everything from preparing your workspace to the final cycling handlebar adjustment.
Gathering Your Tools and Parts
Before you begin, ensuring you have all the necessary tools and components is crucial for a smooth installation. This prevents frustration and potential damage to your new parts.
Essential Tools for Handlebar Installation
- Torque Wrench: This is arguably the most important tool. Proper handlebar clamp torque is critical for safety. Over-tightening can damage the handlebars or stem, while under-tightening can lead to the handlebars slipping, which is extremely dangerous. Look for a torque wrench that covers the range specified by your stem and handlebar manufacturer (often between 4-6 Nm).
- Allen Wrench Set (Hex Keys): You’ll need a set of metric Allen wrenches. Common sizes for handlebar and stem bolts are 4mm, 5mm, and sometimes 6mm. An Allen wrench for handlebars should fit snugly into the bolt heads.
- Screwdrivers: A Phillips head screwdriver might be needed for certain shifter or brake lever clamps.
- Cable Cutters or Pliers: If you need to reroute or replace brake and shifter cables, good quality cable cutters are essential.
- Grease: A small amount of bicycle-specific grease is vital for protecting threads and ensuring smooth operation of components.
- Rag or Shop Towels: For cleaning parts and wiping away excess grease.
- Measuring Tape: Helpful for centering the handlebars and for any adjustments.
- Bike Stand (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, a bike stand makes the work much easier by holding the bike stable at a comfortable working height.
Important Components
- New Handlebars: Ensure your new handlebars are compatible with your stem (diameter) and your intended riding style.
- Grips or Handlebar Tape: If you have flat bars, you’ll need new grips. For drop bars, you’ll need new bike handlebar tape installation supplies.
- Brake and Shifter Cables/Housing (if replacing): If your cables are old or you’re making significant changes, it’s a good time to replace them.
Preparing Your Bike for Handlebar Installation
Safety and efficiency start with proper preparation. Taking a few minutes to set up correctly will save you time and hassle later on.
Securing the Bike
If you don’t have a bike stand, you can still work on your bike. Some people lean the bike against a wall, ensuring it’s stable. You can also place the bike on the ground, but this can make reaching the handlebars and stem more awkward. A bike stand elevates the bike, allowing you to rotate it freely and work at a comfortable height.
Removing Old Handlebars
This is the reverse of installing new ones.
1. Detaching Brake and Shifter Levers
- Loosen Clamp Bolts: Most brake and shifter levers are attached to the handlebars with clamp bolts. Use the appropriate size Allen wrench to loosen these bolts. You don’t necessarily need to remove the levers completely if you can slide them out of the way.
- Slide Levers Aside: Gently slide the levers along the handlebars to create space. Be careful not to pull the brake or shifter cables too hard, as this can stretch or damage them. If you plan to replace cables, you might disconnect them from the levers.
2. Removing Handlebar Grips or Tape
- Grips: For rubber grips, you can sometimes twist and pull them off. If they are stuck, you can slide a thin, blunt object (like a spoke or a very thin screwdriver) underneath the grip to let some air in, making it easier to slide off. Some people use compressed air for stubborn grips.
- Handlebar Tape: For drop bars, you’ll need to unwrap the old handlebar tape. Start at the end of the bar and carefully unwind it. You might need to cut through stubborn tape with a small knife or scissors.
3. Loosening the Stem
The stem is the component that connects the handlebars to the fork’s steerer tube. There are two main types of stems you’ll encounter:
- Quill Stems: These have a single bolt at the top of the stem. Loosen this bolt. You may need to tap the top of the bolt lightly with a mallet to break the seal. The stem can then usually be pulled upwards and out of the steerer tube.
- A-Head (Threadless) Stems: These have bolts on the side that clamp around the steerer tube, and a faceplate on the front that clamps the handlebars.
- Faceplate Bolts: Loosen the bolts on the faceplate that hold the handlebars. Usually, there are four bolts. Loosen them evenly in a star pattern. Once loosened, the faceplate can be removed.
- Steerer Clamp Bolts: Next, loosen the bolts on the side of the stem that clamp it to the fork’s steerer tube. Once these are loose, the stem can be slid off the steerer tube.
4. Removing the Old Handlebars
With the levers and stem loosened or removed, you can now carefully pull the old handlebars out of the stem clamp.
Installing New Handlebars: A Detailed Walkthrough
Now that your bike is prepped and the old components are off, it’s time to install your new handlebars. This is where precision and attention to detail pay off.
Step 1: Prepare the Stem
- Clean the Stem: Wipe down the inside of the stem clamp and the faceplate with a clean rag to remove any old grease or debris.
- Grease Threads: Apply a small amount of grease to the threads of the stem bolts and faceplate bolts. This prevents seizing and ensures accurate torque readings.
Step 2: Position the New Handlebars
- Center the Handlebars: Most handlebars have markings in the center to help you position them symmetrically. Place the new handlebars into the stem clamp.
- Initial Positioning: Roughly center the handlebars. Don’t tighten anything yet. You’ll fine-tune the position later. The goal is to have an equal amount of handlebar sticking out on each side.
Step 3: Reattach the Stem Faceplate
- Align the Faceplate: Place the faceplate back onto the handlebars and stem. Ensure all bolts thread in smoothly.
- Initial Tightening: Start threading the faceplate bolts by hand. Once all are started, use your Allen wrench to tighten them slightly. Crucially, tighten them in a criss-cross or star pattern. This ensures even pressure distribution across the faceplate and prevents warping.
- Torque Specification: Consult your stem manufacturer’s manual for the specific handlebar clamp torque. This is typically between 4-6 Nm. Use your torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the recommended specification. Tighten them gradually in the star pattern, bringing them up to torque incrementally. Never overtighten.
Step 4: Reinstalling Brake and Shifter Levers
- Positioning: Slide your brake and shifter levers back onto the handlebars. Consider your preferred hand position for comfort and control. For drop bars, the levers should be positioned so you can comfortably reach them from the hoods and the drops. For flat bars, place them where they are easily accessible.
- Angle: Experiment with the angle of the levers. For drop bars, the common advice is to have them angled slightly downwards, aligning with the natural curve of the handlebar drops. For flat bars, they are typically mounted horizontally or with a slight upward tilt.
- Secure Levers: Tighten the clamp bolts on the levers using your Allen wrench. Again, avoid overtightening. If you disconnected cables, now is the time to reconnect them.
Step 5: Mounting Grips or Installing Handlebar Tape
This step varies significantly depending on the type of handlebars you have.
For Flat Bar Grips
- Clean Bar Ends: Ensure the ends of your handlebars are clean.
- Apply Grease (Optional): A tiny bit of grease or hairspray can help slide grips on. Be sparing, as too much can make them slip.
- Slide On Grips: Push the grips onto the handlebars until they are fully seated against the end or any grip stops.
For Drop Bar Handlebar Tape Installation
This is a more involved process and requires careful attention to detail for both aesthetics and comfort.
- Prepare Handlebars: Ensure the handlebars are clean and free of any old tape residue.
- Starting the Tape: Place a small strip of tape at the very end of the handlebar, inside the drop, to seal the bar end. Then, begin wrapping the tape from the bottom of the drop bar, working your way upwards towards the stem.
- Wrapping Technique: Keep the tape taut as you wrap, overlapping each layer by about half its width. This ensures a smooth, secure finish and prevents the tape from unraveling.
- Around the Brake Levers: This is the trickiest part. You’ll need to carefully stretch and wrap the tape around the bulge of the brake levers. Many tapes come with smaller, separate pieces for this section.
- Finishing: Once you reach the top, just below the stem clamp, cut the tape at an angle to create a neat finish. Secure the end with the provided finishing tape. You can also use electrical tape for a more robust hold.
Step 6: Final Adjustments and Checks
- Handlebar Rotation: With the stem bolts snug but not fully torqued, you can rotate the handlebars to find your preferred position. This affects your riding posture, so take your time.
- Centering: Double-check that the handlebars are perfectly centered. Use a measuring tape to confirm equal lengths on both sides.
- Lever Positioning: Make sure your brake and shifter levers are in comfortable and accessible positions.
- Tighten Stem Bolts (if adjusted): If you loosened the stem to adjust handlebar rotation, ensure you re-tighten the stem bolts to the correct torque specification.
Specific Considerations for Different Bike Types
The general process applies to most bikes, but there are nuances for different cycling disciplines.
Mountain Bike Handlebar Setup
Mountain bikers often opt for wider handlebars for more leverage and control.
- Bar Width: Wider bars (700mm+) are common for improved steering input and stability on rough terrain.
- Rise and Sweep: Consider the rise (upward bend) and backsweep (angle of the grips towards you) for ergonomic comfort and handling characteristics. A higher rise can put you in a more upright position, while more backsweep can reduce wrist strain.
- Component Placement: Ensure your mountain bike grips, brake levers, and shifter pods are positioned for easy access and a secure hold, especially when navigating technical descents.
Road Bike Handlebar Fitting
Road cyclists prioritize aerodynamics, comfort over long distances, and efficient power transfer.
- Drop Shape: Road handlebars come in various shapes – classic drop, compact, and anatomic. Compact bars have a shorter reach and shallower drop, making them easier to use for many riders.
- Reach and Drop: Reach is the horizontal distance from the stem clamp to the brake lever. Drop is the vertical distance from the top of the bar to the lowest part of the drops. These measurements significantly impact your riding position.
- Handlebar Tape: Bike handlebar tape installation is crucial for comfort and grip on road bikes, especially during long rides where hand fatigue can set in.
Gravel Bike Handlebar Mounting
Gravel bikes often feature flared drop bars, offering a wider stance in the drops for increased stability and control on rough surfaces.
- Flare: The outward angle of the drops from the main part of the handlebar. More flare provides more hand options and better control when descending or riding rough terrain.
- Ergonomics: Consider the shape and width for comfort on varied terrain.
Important Safety Checks
After installation, a thorough safety check is non-negotiable.
Torque Check
- Re-check Bolts: After your first short ride, re-check the torque on all stem and handlebar clamp bolts. Vibrations can sometimes loosen bolts slightly.
Handlebar Stability
- Wiggle Test: With the front brake applied firmly, try to rock the handlebars back and forth. There should be no play or movement.
- Wiggle Test (Side-to-Side): While holding the front wheel firmly, try to twist the handlebars. They should feel solid and secure.
Lever Security
- Brake and Shifter Levers: Ensure all levers are securely clamped and do not rotate on the handlebars when you apply pressure.
Cable Routing
- Clearance: Make sure cables are routed cleanly and do not interfere with steering or suspension (if applicable).
- Shifting and Braking: Test all gears to ensure smooth shifting. Test brakes to confirm they are engaging properly and provide adequate stopping power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a regular wrench instead of an Allen wrench for handlebars?
A1: No, you must use the correct size Allen wrench for handlebars and stem bolts. Using a standard wrench can round off the bolt heads, making them impossible to tighten or remove later.
Q2: How tight should handlebar clamp bolts be?
A2: The tightness, or handlebar clamp torque, is critical. Always refer to your stem and handlebar manufacturer’s specifications, usually found in their manuals or on their websites. This is typically between 4-6 Nm. Using a torque wrench is the only way to guarantee correct tightness.
Q3: Do I need to grease my handlebars where they clamp into the stem?
A3: It’s generally recommended to apply a very thin layer of anti-seize compound or a light bicycle grease to the clamping surfaces of the handlebars and the inside of the stem. This helps prevent the handlebars from seizing in the stem over time and ensures more accurate torque readings. However, check the manufacturer’s recommendations, as some carbon components may advise against grease.
Q4: My new handlebars feel different. How do I adjust my cycling handlebar position?
A4: Adjustments can be made by slightly rotating the handlebars in the stem clamp or by adjusting the height and angle of the stem itself (if your stem allows for such adjustments). Even small changes in handlebar position can have a significant impact on comfort and control.
Q5: Is replacing bike handlebars a difficult task?
A5: Installing new bike handlebars is a moderately difficult task. While not requiring advanced mechanical skills, it demands precision, patience, and the correct tools, especially a torque wrench. If you’re unsure, consulting a local bike shop is always a good option.
Q6: What’s the difference between installing road bike handlebars and mountain bike handlebars?
A6: The core process of bike stem installation and securing the bars is similar. However, the specific shapes, widths, and types of controls (drop bars vs. flat bars with triggers or grip shifters) mean that road bike handlebar fitting often involves more intricate bike handlebar tape installation, while mountain bike handlebar setup may focus more on bar width and control placement for rough terrain.
By following these detailed steps, you can confidently install your new bike handlebars and enjoy a more comfortable and efficient ride. Remember, safety first – always use a torque wrench and double-check all fittings.