How to Adjust the Stem Height on a Ritchey Stem

Making sure your bicycle is adjusted correctly is the first step to an enjoyable ride. If your seat, pedals and handlebar are set at the wrong height, you will be plagued with back, bottom and knee pain. Ritchey Logic designs cross-country, mountain and racing bikes. The founder, Tom Ritchey prides himself on innovative bike design. The stems of the handlebars are reversible in addition to being adjustable. This gives the rider the greatest possible flexibility and allows the rider to customize the stem.

Things You'll Need

  • Ritchey torque wrench
  • Rags
  • Ritchey stem spacers
  • Ritchey Liquid Torque
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the bolts in the stem clamp with the torque wrench. Note that the bolts lay in opposition to one another. This gives more stability to the finished stem. Turn each bolt to the left to loosen. Do not completely remove the clamps.

    • 2

      Straddle the front wheel of the bicycle, facing the handlebars. Pull the handlebars straight up until the stem is free of the fork.

    • 3

      Wipe the stem. The stem must be free of grease or dirt. Inspect the stem for any damage. If the stem is bent or dented, check with a professional bicycle repair facility to replace the stem.

    • 4

      Add spacers to the stem to raise the handlebars. If you wish to lower the handlebars, remove spacers. Slide the stem into the fork to check the height. Continue to add or remove spacers until you are satisfied with the height.

    • 5

      Spray the stem with Ritchey Liquid Torque and slide the stem into the fork. Tighten the bolts with the torque wrench.

    • 6

      Lift the bike by the handlebars to ensure that the stem is secure.