Adjust A Bike’s Handlebar Controls Attached To Flat Handlebars

Introduction

The handlebar controls need to be easily accessible and your hands need to be comfortable while riding to avoid fatigue.

Pro Tip

The hand controls need to be easily accessible and your hands need to be comfortable while riding to avoid fatigue.

Step 1

Brake Reach - Adjust A Bike’s Handlebar Controls Attached To Flat Handlebars

Brake Reach

The reach of the brake levers can usually be adjusted. A screw changes the point where the lever rests. This is useful for riders with small hands. You need to do this before setting up the brakes as their operation will change when the lever can’t release so far.

Step 2

Identify The Clamp Bolts - Adjust A Bike’s Handlebar Controls Attached To Flat Handlebars

Identify The Clamp Bolts

Make sure you’re working on the bolts that clamp the controls to the bars. levers for gears and brake will have other bolts on which the levers pivot, don’t loosen these by mistake.

Pro Tip

Twist-grip gear shifters are locked by a small grub screw – with a hexagonal socket – near the inside end.

Step 3

Loosen - Adjust A Bike’s Handlebar Controls Attached To Flat Handlebars

Loosen

Loosen the clamp bolts so the controls can just be moved.

Step 4

Position - Adjust A Bike’s Handlebar Controls Attached To Flat Handlebars

Position

Position the controls where they are easy to operate and comfortable to rest on.

Step 5

Lock - Adjust A Bike’s Handlebar Controls Attached To Flat Handlebars

Lock

Clamp the controls tight in the new position.

Step 6

Check - Adjust A Bike’s Handlebar Controls Attached To Flat Handlebars

Check

Make sure the controls still have room to function, that the levers can travel as far as necessary.