How to Use a Bicycle Stem

A bicycle stem is used to hold the handlebars to the bike. It is a small pipe with a jaw-like clamp on one end that receives the handlebars. There are many styles of stems that enable you to customize your bike's fit. For example, if your bike frame fits your pedal stroke but your arm reach isn't optimal, change your stem to fit your arm length. Stems also have different angles; some rise steeply, others lie more flat. If your arms or wrists are uncomfortable when you ride your bike, try using a different stem.

Things You'll Need

  • 5mm hex wrench (Allen wrench)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen and remove one 5mm setscrew that is in the center of the steering tube. It will be facing straight up. To find this screw, look straight down at the point where your stem joins the bike frame when sitting on the bike. You will be looking straight at it. Take the setscrew out and then pull off the small circular dome shaped washer that the setscrew passes through. The washer often has the bike's logo on it.

    • 2

      Loosen two 5mm setscrews that hold the handlebars to the stem. They face forward on the front of the handlebars. Take them out. A small plate will come off. Set this aside with the setscrews. Gently pull the handlebars out of the small jaw of the stem and let them hang by the brake and shifter cables.

    • 3

      Loosen two 5mm setscrews that hold the stem to the steering tube. When the stem comes loose, pull it straight up and off the steering tube.

    • 4

      Place the new stem on the steering tube where the old one came off. Place the handlebars in the stem jaws. Put the plate back on. Put the setscrews back in but only finger-tighten them.

    • 5

      Get on the bike. Gently put your hands on the handlebars as if you were going to ride. Don't put too much pressure on the handlebars. Evaluate your position. If the handlebars feel too low or too high, get off the bike. Remove the handlebars.

    • 6

      Pull the stem off and put it back on upside down. This will put the stem at a different angle. Test again as in Step 5 and choose the angle that fits you best. Tighten all the setscrews securely.