How to Stretch a Beach Cruiser Frame

You can easily add up to 3 inches to the frame of a beach cruiser bicycle by swapping out the bike's stem. The stem is the part on the bike that holds the handlebars. By switching to a longer stem, it stretches the bike forward, making it more comfortable for taller riders or riders with a longer reach. You can pick up a longer stem at any bike shop and install it yourself in about 15 minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • 5mm hex wrench (Allen wrench)
  • Longer stem
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unscrew the four hex setscrews from the front of the handlebars. They are facing forward above the front tire in the center of the handlebars. Remove the screws and a small curved plate will come off. Set the curved plate aside.

    • 2

      Pull the handlebars loose from the small semi-circle indentation and let them hang down on the front tire. They will be supported by their shift and brake cables.

    • 3

      Unscrew the setscrew that is facing straight up from the other end of the stem, opposite where the handlebars came off, using the 5mm hex wrench. If you were sitting on the bike and looked straight down, you would be looking straight at it. Unscrew it and remove it along with a small circular disc. The setscrew passes through a hole in the center of the disc.

    • 4

      Pull straight up on the stem, it will slide straight up and off of the steering tube. Drop the new stem in place over the steering tube where the old one came off. Place the disc on top and insert the setscrew through the disc and tighten the setscrew.

    • 5

      Place the handlebars into the new stem's semi-circle indentation. Place the curved plate on the front of the handlebars. Insert the four setscrews and tighten them using the 5mm hex wrench to complete the stretched frame.