Many people do not realize how much difference a bike ride will make with the proper handlebar adjustment. The key is that your bike saddle height and adjustment should be a part of any adjustment of the handlebar height and position. In other words, if you adjust one, the other would likely need to be adjusted as well. Unfortunately, most people will make one adjustment without the other, which leads to discomfort and potential risk for injury.
When buying a new bike, your most important decision will be on the frame size followed by the ability to adjust features such as the saddle, pedals, and handlebars. For instance, you might purchase the right bike frame but because the pedals are not in the correct height or position, you begin to feel strain on your knees or if the handlebars were not right, your elbows would begin to ache. Obviously, no one wants to come home after a bike ride in pain.
In reality, most aches and pains experienced after a bike ride are the direct result of improper adjustment. In this case, if your handlebars were too low, then you would have to lean your body forward, which results in an upper backache and sore hands. However, if the handlebars were positioned too high for you, your lower back would be overworked, resulting in pain and/or strain. For this reason, your handlebars should always be positioned relative to the brake and gearshift mechanisms.
Now, while there are basic rules to use as guidelines, please remember these are merely guidelines. In other words, while these recommendations work well for most people, there is always the exception to the rule. Even so, start with this recommendation and if it does not work for you, we suggest you work with a professional at a bike shop or sporting good store. You may need to experiment a little to find the exact position that feels right so do not give up.
Okay, as a general guideline, the top of the bike’s handlebar should be approximately one to two inches lower than the top of the bike seat for on-road trips. If you prefer riding off-road with a mountain bike, then you might need to go as much as three to four inches. Again, you will likely need to make slight adjustments, one-quarter inch at a time until you find the position that relieves pressure from your body.
The most important thing to remember when adjusting your bike handlebars is that your upper body should lean forward over the pedals. What you want to avoid is having your upper body stretched out too far. Look at the handlebars to determine the “minimum insertion mark”, which is on all handlebars. This is really, important in that if the head tube has less than two inches in the stem, the handlebars could break.
Finally, if you have ridden for any length of time, then you know handlebars can become becoming loose. Although some will loosen from riding, the problem usually occurs from crashes. Very simply, before you take off to ride, check the bolts and connections of the handlebar to ensure they are tight. If for some reason the bike’s handlebars continually loosen, visit your local sporting good store where you can buy a liquid application that helps stop bolts from unscrewing. If all else fails, you might need to replace the entire handlebar unit.