How To Fit A New Handlebar & Stem To Your Mountain Bike

How To Fit A New Handlebar & Stem To Your Mountain Bike | MTB Upgrades & Maintenance

Рет қаралды 199,649

3 жыл бұрын

Installing a new bar and stem to your mountain bike is a great way of optimising your controls and getting the bike to feel the way you want. Perhaps the supplied stem was too long, or the bars were too narrow for you, or you just fancy a change! Here is Doddy to show you how 🔧
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Пікірлер: 140

@HelplmAlive 3 жыл бұрын

In car mechanic world. It's wet threads that changes the torque value.

@rickywoods3101 Жыл бұрын

In any mechanic world it changes .

@johnnydoe66 3 жыл бұрын

One thing I recommend is to actually center the bar in the stem using a tape measure. Don't automatically assume that the delineation marks are centered. I have had a new bar that the marks in the center were off by a 1/4" to one side. New parts may not be perfect and any flaws missed during quality control inspection.

@RoachDogggJR 2 ай бұрын

Had some raceface atlas bars that were like that

@kevco420 3 жыл бұрын

exactly what I was looking for at exactly the right time

@lewiscliffe434 3 жыл бұрын

They always seem to upload what I need when I need it!

@fantaz_official 3 жыл бұрын

@@lewiscliffe434 Right!

@julianheidenreich1696 3 жыл бұрын

Same

@bryansibbett253 3 жыл бұрын

Same, new wreckoning just arrived and im on the headset

@Bobcatspiritdude 3 жыл бұрын

Divine timing

@thinkingape7655 Ай бұрын

Love his tutorials! I wish he could put out a full master class on MTB builds and upgrades. The book is nice but his videos are much more helpful. There are several video teaching platforms that people pay monthly on and I suspect with support, his courses would draw a significant paying audience.

@dreman5547 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Doddy, sometimes carbon bars come with a maximum torque setting not to exceed which may be lower than the torque value indicated on the stem. The difference is minimal but if you want a be spot on something else to look out for.

@UKSHARPSHOOTER78 3 жыл бұрын

Needed this video Just jumped from a 650mm to a 780mm bar with new shorter headset very helpful 👌

@ryansantiago941 3 жыл бұрын

1/4” drive torque wrench $10 & bit set $5-10 at Harbor Freight Tools, still much cheaper than $60 for the PARK, and you’d have a full set of bits and a torque wrench you can actually use when wrenching in anything else besides bikes.

@mtbboy1993 3 жыл бұрын

Another great one, a lot of important things were mentioned. great you went in depth on this.

@adrianbjorkskog7880 2 жыл бұрын

Nice tutorial i am saving up for new back brake and handle bars

@billcushion1049 3 жыл бұрын

Daddy thanks for this. A lot of tips I had no clue about, and will apply them to my bar tomorrow

@mtbboy1993 3 жыл бұрын

2:41 also good idea on seat posts, as you mentioned aluminium too, if a bike has been used for years, it can develop creak, seat tube and steerer tube, but I guess same can happen with stem eventually.

@dpete8995 Жыл бұрын

Good demo, thanks

@fantaz_official 3 жыл бұрын

Doddy, I swear you always seem to put out those videos at the right time! Got a chain recently and the next morning your video was How to fit a new chain... Now I get new handlebar/stem and next morning this video! I mean come on, you are reading people's mind, sir!

@roddywhite3601 3 жыл бұрын

Or the market lol

@Prince_Pig 3 жыл бұрын

So many good tips. Thanks Doddy

@gmbntech 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@I-Love-Taylor-Swift 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought my dream bike & may be changing the bars soon. This video was great for me. Thanks Doddy!

@gmbntech 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it!

@tayorsnr81 2 жыл бұрын

@@gmbntech Thanks for the video. Please what's the size of the stem and the handle bar used in this video. Thanks

@ciaraedmonds5744 Жыл бұрын

Looks good and works great

@tommyr95 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Doddy, when would you use grease on a bolt vs. thread lock? I'm pretty sure I've ordered stems before that came with bolts that already had thread lock on them. Can you shed some light on this? Thanks and keep up the great vids!

@ThunderStruckMTB 3 жыл бұрын

I always have a 3-5mm spacer on top of my stem, that way my stem is at least flush, if not 1-3mm lower than the top of the steerer tube. That way I get 100% stem grip/interface..... just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

@geemail369 3 жыл бұрын

That spacer _(if not being held in place by the steerer tube)_ is prone to slipping and bending the ahead cap screw - so make sure it reaches down over the steerer tube.

@ThunderStruckMTB 3 жыл бұрын

@@geemail369 While I have never had that problem, I do like at least 1mm of steerer sticking over the stem to center the spacer and it's how I setup my last few forks/bikes.

@mattgies 3 жыл бұрын

@@geemail369 Most headset top caps have a shallow protrusion that fits inside a spacer or stem to keep them both centered.

@geemail369 3 жыл бұрын

@@mattgies That recess won't help -> a few years back a friend of mine found his ahead cap screw bent and (on) top spacer slipped off the stem after we had chucked half a dozen bikes into our transporter and shuttled a bit - another bike's bar must have knocked it off womewhere along the way.

@dreyes1996 Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@mihaistoescu1039 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. I have learned 2 or 3 things.

@kaltonian Жыл бұрын

very methodical dod👍

@bumbykitty 3 жыл бұрын

Instead of removing the steer tube when you file it, you can also just remove the wheel and then lay the bike flat, and collect the filings on a shop towel on the floor.

@waterboy0873 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great video. I noticed that not many options for carbon stems for mountian bikes. If you could let me know what might be availble. I am looking to use carbon where i can to help with vibration damping thank you

@jacksharmonoquinn572 3 жыл бұрын

Just got new bars in, great timing. . Maybe stem next? We'll see..

@karl_okohan 3 жыл бұрын

I also use carbon paste inside the clamp of the stem and the steerer tube.

@rs9217 2 жыл бұрын

This guy looks like Jared from Drumeo ...love your channel

@ozzysgarage 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Daddy!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

@roythearcher 3 жыл бұрын

Burrs and sharp edges are more likely to appear on lower end and cheap and cheerful (ebay) non-branded stems where corners will be cut to reduce costs so you'd be well advised to check for them. Now, I'm all for saving a bit of money if your budget won't stretch too far but be aware that you may need to do some pre-fit prep in order to make sure you don't have a nasty surprise waiting for you on that gnarly descent or when making a heavy landing!

@MuayThaiTherapy 3 жыл бұрын

Man knows his stuff

@mtbboy1993 3 жыл бұрын

I prefer to use metal bar end plugs cus they won't get ruined in one impact on asphalt or a tree or torn off by hitting a fence. I use Revgrips so they come with bar end plugs.

@TheInevitableBanana 9 күн бұрын

I used 2 big spacers at the bottom and put my stem on and top cap but it still wobbled so I put a smaller spacer at the top and it’s fine, I know I could just cut it but it looks good anyway

@LordOfReaping 3 жыл бұрын

Would you recommend a small amount of grease between steerer tube and stem or none at all?

@jinavl 3 жыл бұрын

@gmbn please please do a video on the acros block lock headset disassembly that comes on canyons and yt's🙏🙏🙏

@hannes6114 2 жыл бұрын

My enduro has 594 or so mm stack with a 458mm reach which isn't a lot for such a bike in size l. But it also has got a slacker seet tube angle at 73 degrees. Should I go from my 19mm rise bar to much more something around 40 or even more or somewhere around 30-25? Or should I go for 25 because of the slack seet tube angle? I'd definetely like more rise/stack. Should I try to offset the low stack? That's the main question. The rise is propably personal preference.

@ericsadler4794 Жыл бұрын

Should I use carbon grip on the brake clamps and shifter clamp and dropper post in addition to the stem/handlebar interface?

@swanboy_1328 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of grease do I use? Is there a specific kind of like bike grease or will just about anything work

@wesstaff2493 2 жыл бұрын

What is the set up you use in this video for grips and plugs?

@jameslewis7479 3 жыл бұрын

Hi. What are the cable tidies used on this bike?

@wesstaff2493 Жыл бұрын

Do you put any grease on the steerer tube before you put the new stem on?

@wesstaff2493 2 жыл бұрын

Do you need certain grips if you are using bar end plugs?

@RustyCantRead Жыл бұрын

Great vid but just a bit of question or perhaps criticism, but wouldn't greased threads lead to over torquing? I come from a different kind of mechanics and the only time we would torque a wet thread is if the manufacturer or application requires a thread sealant and we typically reduce the torque applied in those cases. Would you not just want a very clean and dry thread? Thank you for reading

@theailer Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the exact same thing when I heard him say it.

@mtbboy1993 3 жыл бұрын

is there any reason not to use Loctite 243 for example? I use it on stem bolts, and I found it to be helpful to keep the stem secure with rapid temperature changes, and hard riding. but with some stems it might not help much, I experienced this with Race Face Atlas, for some reason, all Loctite was gone, and bolts came loose in minutes after taking bike out in -10c, so handlebar spun, but it happen all year, I just had to check the stem, before, during and after rides, unless it was more stable temps, then the stem would not loosen as easily, but the issue was on the stem steerer tube clamping bolts too so the headset had to be tightened too. I had to check it often, even during rides, not an issue with Renthal Apex stem, which I've used on my previous bike, and I was so impressed I went for it just a shorter version. but I do add some grease, I add grease at the shim on the bolt, to prevent it getting stuck. I've tested the stem with and without Loctite, and yes it does make a big difference, if the stem already is great. But I don't know for sure what is the cause for this stem being so secure and the other not, maybe materials, clamp design, maybe both, maybe bolts too. with Loctite 243 the stem bolts hold on for months, tru rapid temp changes, hard riding, and when they finally come slightly loose, they would still be secure. and of course torque spec is important, some stems require higher torque than others.

@bucketofguts 2 жыл бұрын

I was taught to torque w/o lube. Great video! Not talking carbon grip but grease on the bolt threads. I have been known to put just a wee bit of anti-seize on dissimilar metals.

@Iaintwoke 9 ай бұрын

This is actually an important point cause if torque value is for an unlubricated then you will over tighten. Can be almost as bad as a rusty thread.

@aarontristanborlagon9549 3 жыл бұрын

I want that torque wrench.. Watching from Philippines

@yomommastupid 6 ай бұрын

how heigh do you recommend going with these stem adapters? i always feel I need a higher stem height

@duratoke 2 жыл бұрын

😷 So for example, let’s say a company has always used a torque of 100 ft-lbs to install a bolt in a certain application, and let’s say that that 100 ft-lbs was spec’d for use with dry threads with no lubricant. Then one day, an operator says, “Hey I read this article that said thread lubricant is good for the bolted joint to reduce wear, so I’m going to try it.” But when they apply the lubricant and then use that same torque spec to tighten it down, they wonder why the threads got damaged or the bolt head broke off.

@ninjaride1312 2 жыл бұрын

Well no cause the reccomended torque value is in perfect conditions. So if it says maxium 100lb it will be 100lb and grease will acctualy help.

@MrHawky-sc6lo 2 жыл бұрын

My brakes won't fit on the new bar and were very hard to get off the original bar I took the bot to tighten it right off too, is this common?

@Why-am-I-on9 2 ай бұрын

Can I put all spacers on the top of the stem?

@JoaoOliveira-ie1tu Жыл бұрын

Take attention because at least on Renthal carbon bars you cannot put any grease to attach the stem. Thanks

@benlord1220 Жыл бұрын

Is 5mm gap between top of steerer and top of stem too much? If I take out another 5mm spacer, top cap sits flush!

@davevij1734 Жыл бұрын

Hi GMBN! i just got a new Canyon Spectral 2022 AL 29'' in size XL. I am 1m95 aswell. and i feel like the bike is a bit long and the bar feels quite Far away. Also when i try to manual or do a Bunny hop i feel like its quite hard to get the weight to the back of the bike. What do you suggest , A Shorter Stem ? or a higher rise bar? the hight of the stem is at its highest position. I do not have that many problems with the front wheel comming up yet on Steep climbs. comming from a Giant anthem xl with about 475mm reach to the canyon with 506. The Giant anthem felt too nervous for me with its steep head angle and 27,5 wheels. Any Tips are welcome Cheers and ride safe !

@OurnameisLegion66 Жыл бұрын

All torque settings are 'dry', unless specified 'wet'. Using lube when you shouldn't leads to overtightening.😉

@redtobertshateshandles Жыл бұрын

Sometimes auto parts shops have discounted 1/4 inch drive torque wrenches.

@neuronkilladnb 2 жыл бұрын

I have one question,how i can find if my stem its compatible with my fork?cuz i dont have any info about the fork

@thewatcher9778 Жыл бұрын

Lubing bolts cause over torque set torque wrench a few under required specs the point of lubing bolts is to create a anti seize effect

@happychappymtb86 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely should have looked at this video up before I went at it 😳🤣

@184876ela Жыл бұрын

COULD I USE A STEM LIKE THAT TO MOUNT BMX BARS ON MY MTN BIKE?

@HazieqAbdAziz Жыл бұрын

Hey just fixed my new stem and my fork seems to be rattling abit .. what am i doing wrong..

@jeraldneiladan937 3 жыл бұрын

Any thoughts on "slider dropout" on Ti mtb frames(moots & devel project) pros & cons,....thanks #askgmbntech

@Ndcent23 2 жыл бұрын

This guy is a fountain of valuable information. Appreciate these vids a lot.

@cra_55 Жыл бұрын

Going back to the LBS because I'm an idiot and forgot to buy spacers for my new stem

@yostmod Жыл бұрын

Does this come assembled?

@piano2597 3 жыл бұрын

Hello GMBN, I would love you to answer my question, I want to buy a hard tail mountain bike to do trials on it, so my question is what would you suggest modifying on my bike to be able to do some trial’s riding? By the way I already own a comp trial’s bike.

@piano2597 3 жыл бұрын

@@danimayb thank you for your reply but my question was not to do trails but (TRIALS) I want to by a hard tail mountain bike but I want to make sure I get one that would be the more suited for trials, so I was wondering if there where any suggestions on what bike to get that would probably have a frame more suited for trials, or specific settings I could do on the bike.

@Egan183 Жыл бұрын

So you don’t need spacers above the stem? Read that you do but not sure

@dillon7773 Жыл бұрын

My stem isn’t flat there is a gap I don’t know why?

@seanmcnamara9029 2 жыл бұрын

My question is what nm do you set the torque wrench for the the brake levers on a carbon bar and grips I’ve never had carbon bars on my mountain bike I want to buy hope stem and carbon bar.

@ninjaride1312 2 жыл бұрын

You dont really need carbon bars bc they are way more brittle.And you have to be really caretul wen installing them

@bestbass42 2 ай бұрын

Excellent video. At the risk of sounding like a dumbass...what if I just want to change the handlebars and NOT the stem & crable? Do I just take off the front section of the crable, remove old bar, put the bar on then follow the procedure from 9.18? Anything else I need to do? Thanks in advance.

@SGT2603 3 жыл бұрын

Doddy.. Im not an expert. BUT. The clamps on the bares. They are 100% together in the top. But there is a gap in the bottom. As far at i know you need to have the same gap in top and bottom so the screws are straight. When only one side is all the way in they are angled yes??

@chrisreid3907 3 жыл бұрын

He addressed that issue in the vid at 9:40-10:15....this particular stem specs no gap at the top...cheers

@8sim6 2 жыл бұрын

Can't seem to get the balance between slight play in headset and and avoiding over tightening the top cap

@ninjaride1312 2 жыл бұрын

Dont be too streesed about that

@marryinchains Жыл бұрын

What is the piece under the top cap called? Mine (new bike) is missing a piece and I don't know how to search for it. There is a play between the fork and the frame because this missing piece

@gmbntech Жыл бұрын

It's usually called a stem spacer or a headset spacer - some riders call it one, some call it the other, but they're the same thing. If you have any problems, we always recommend getting in touch with the shop or brand you bought your bike from to check with them - it can help save some expensive problems in the future!

@garybrown5769 3 жыл бұрын

Haven’t you already got this vid in the history ? Feels like regurge

@stevenjam7119 3 жыл бұрын

Theres only so much you can do with a mtb for a channel

@sonnysd 3 жыл бұрын

New year, new me New year, new Dodde

@dylan-5287 3 жыл бұрын

Their job is to make videos, of course some will repeat. Plus the newer the video the more likely it is to be recommended. Could always just not watch it..

@Iaintwoke 9 ай бұрын

Grease should only be used on torqued bolts if specified otherwise you will over tighten the bolt.

@coryscribner1924 2 жыл бұрын

why do some people recommend a spacer between the top cap and the stem and you did not?

@Fmkosovaaa Жыл бұрын

I have a 26” bike but its smaller than other bikes why?

@wesstaff2493 2 жыл бұрын

should I grease stem bolts on an aluminum stem? And with what grease?

@gmbntech 2 жыл бұрын

Hi @Wes Staff, You don't need to use grease on stem bolts as they are very unlikely to corrode or get stuck. Just ensure you put a little bit of standard bike grease on the stem where the handlebars sit. We hope this helps and safe riding!

@johnsheppard7809 3 жыл бұрын

Is anyone able to give me some advice... recently bought a new bike and I seem to really struggle to get the front end up off the ground, I've tried a higher rise bar which has helped but it still seems tricky, could a 40mm reach stem instead of a 45mm stem help this

@chrisfarnsworth7474 3 жыл бұрын

I made a manual station out of some old wood as I had the same problem. Practicing manuals gives you your balancing point and how much energy you have to put in to get the front up. I also shortened my stem to 40mm too.. hope that helps.

@stevebennett3587 Жыл бұрын

🤔can i get away with a 4mm pre-load gap for the headset🤔

@ivanwesselsvlogs409 3 жыл бұрын

@GMBN I went from a 26 inch wheel bike to a 29 inch and it's terrifying. Any tips?

@mctg9043 2 жыл бұрын

go faster

@skeleton_432 5 ай бұрын

Can I change my stem to dropbar I'm an newbie

@skeleton_432 5 ай бұрын

Handle bar to dropbar?

@corno 3 жыл бұрын

Greasing the threads? Won’t that lead to an inaccurate torque reading?

@polishguywithhardtospellna8227 3 жыл бұрын

No, that actually helps with accurate reading. Threads are not surgically finished or cleaned from factory and can be additionally dirty from storage. This would cause under torquing most bolts.

@maxharris1771 2 жыл бұрын

I want to go from 31.8 to 35mm stem but the steerer tube says 11:8 at top and lower steerer tube is 11:2 so do I get a 11:8 stem

@mikethomas6051 5 ай бұрын

Sounds like you're talking about headset bearings, like for uk its 42/52 is, 31.8mm and 35mm is the diameter for a headset stem clamp not the fork steerer

@andyjame1892 11 ай бұрын

This bike was really easy to assemble kzfaq.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

@chrisridesbicycles 3 жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts on stems that come with threadlock on the bolts? Use grease anyway? #askgmbntech

@ninjaride1312 2 жыл бұрын

No dont

@AliasHSW 2 жыл бұрын

Wonder if Doddy is using carbon grease to hold his hair in place. 🤔

@olliereader5842 3 жыл бұрын

Worst part is lining up the stem with the wheel

@kizomberopalatinado4665 3 жыл бұрын

The bar forms an isosceles triangle with the front wheel. Means, if bar is centered in stem, two threads from bar ends to e.g. valve in rim, will have the same length. I just wrap the middle of a two meter thread around the valve, mark two equally long parts and when bar ends align with the markings, the thing is 90deg to the front wheel. Aligning by eye sight with suspension stanchions works too, as long as your nose is center over the stem 8-)

@brewt1mer 3 жыл бұрын

Just zip tie a level or any kind of straight edge to the front of your forks and eye the bars inline with it..that’s what I do and it’s perfect every time....

@alantownshend186 3 жыл бұрын

What clips are they you are using to tidy your cables?

@milkkorsmth Жыл бұрын

Ah yes someone is testing an rx580 in this video

@jaredhernandez8753 2 жыл бұрын

Is it supose to have absolutely zero play?

@floppydisk1137 3 жыл бұрын

First I need to find a stem with Overdrive2 then do the other steps😂

@geemail369 3 жыл бұрын

Yea, Giant _really_ had a moment, pushing that stuff onto the market - just got me a 40mm one from reverse, now my cockpit is dialled!

@roddywhite3601 3 жыл бұрын

Here I am waiting for my horizon stem and Doddy makes a video to taunt me. Damn this virus I’ve waited a month.

@dylan-5287 3 жыл бұрын

Nukeproof?

@rejuan99 Жыл бұрын

10:10

@lockonstrauss7714 2 жыл бұрын

Most probably if he can buy a carbon bars and stem. He can definitely buy a torque wrench 🤣

@DakicSlobodan 3 жыл бұрын

13:03 always reminds me of Cédric Gracia's crash and i cringe every time.

@Mikesonbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Sack up

@uncledoughball9582 3 жыл бұрын

Haven’t you already done this topic multiple times?

@polishguywithhardtospellna8227 3 жыл бұрын

Yes they did and will continue to do so. It's a business not a charity. Google doesn't pay for ads on old videos. Sponsors require wide and continuous reach with high viewing and subscription numbers. So many people can't live with it and keeps commenting. Just don't watch instructional videos, there hasn't been much breakthrough in bicycle tech, wheels are still round 😋 and bars still have two grips 😂