How to raise the handle bar on my raleigh m20 mountain bike

There are three ways to raise the handlebar height on your bike: adjust the stem height, adjust the stem length/angle, or replace your current handlebars with bars that have more sweep and rise.

The stem is the component that attaches the handlebars to the steering column of your bike. The method of adjustment depends on the type of stem that is on your bike, so first identify which type of stem you have.

There are two types of stems: Traditional (sometimes called Quill stems) and Threadless.

Traditional stems are often shaped like a "7" where the top end clamps onto the middle of your handlebars and the bottom end is inserted into the steering column of your bike. You have a better chance of successfully raising your handlebars if you have this type of stem.

Threadless stems are usually just one straight piece with a clamp on either end: one end clamps on to the handlebars, and the other end clamps onto the steerer tube. You can only raise a threadless stem if there is any excess steerer tube sticking out above the point where the stem clamps to the steerer tube. Check if there are spacers between the top cap and the stem. If none, then your stem is already as high as it can go.

To raise a traditional stem, loosen the bolt on the top of the stem (you'll probably need a 6mm allen wrench). This will loosen an internal wedge and allow the whole stem to slide up or down the inside of the steerer tube. Once the stem is loose, pull it upward to the level you find most comfortable. Be careful not to pull the stem so high that you expose the minimum insertion mark usually scribed onto the side of the stem's lower section. Tighten the bolt, and you are good to go!

To raise a threadless stem, follow these steps:

1. Loosen the clamp bolts on the back of the stem (you'll usually need an allen wrench).

2. Remove the top cap (look for a quarter-sized disc that sits on the top of the steering column) by loosening the allen bolt on the top of the steerer tube.

3. Remove any spacers that were sandwiched between the top cap and the stem clamp.

4. Now you can slide the stem upward along the steerer tube until it comes off.

5. Slide the spacers that you removed in step 3 back onto the steerer tube. Now they'll be under the stem clamp rather than above it.

6. Slide the stem clamp back onto the steerer tube.

7. Replace the top cap (it should rest on the spacers; it should NOT touch the steerer tube), reinsert the allen bolt, and tighten, not too loose and not too tight. (If too tight, your handlebars won't turn freely; if too loose, you'll get rattling.)

8. Make sure your stem is aligned with the front wheel, then tighten the stem clamp bolts.

To raise your handlebars with this method, you'll have to acquire a new stem with your desired length/angle. Any local bike shop should be able to source the part you'll need.

If your bike uses a traditional stem (that looks like a "7"), you might look for a stem that has a longer insertion length, a shorter stem (the top part of the "7"), a wider angle, or all three.

If your bike uses a theadless system, you'll probably want to go with a shorter stem (which will bring the handlebars closer to you), a stem with a steeper angle (which will bring the bars higher), or both.

One trick you can try with a theadless stem is to flip it upside down, which, depending on its angle, may raise your handlebars enough to put you in a comfortable position.

Remove your old stem by following the same directions above.

If you can't or don't want to mess with your stem, another option is to switch your current handlebars with a bar that has more rise or sweep. More rise will put your hands higher on the vertical plane. More sweep will put your hands farther back on the horizontal plane. If you go this route, you'll have to remove the brake levers and grips from your old bars and move them over to your new bars.

Hope this helps!