changing handlebar height.. help

[henryxdam]

okay... so i was messing around with my new spec hard rock and decided i wanted to lower the handlebar height. first i unscrewed the hex bolt on the top of the stem, then the two bolts on the side of the stem.

i took out the washer things that raised the bar and just reversed my prosess.. but now everything is loose (the front fork is wobbly):banghead:

it seems like pretty standard porcedure, but i cannot get that thing to stay put!

is there some sort of trick to get it snug in there or am i just oblivious. :confused:

thanks
-henry

[OCary]

Assuming you are running Aheadset style, you need to tighten the system. Basically, loosen the stem, tighten the top-cap bolt, then tighten the stem bolts after you get it right.

Sheldon Brown here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/headsets.html see section on adjustments

And, when I was banging my head with this one I found some good videos on YouTube. Then I realized I was missing a small spacer. Whoops! Rides like a dream now, and going to ride now too!

[Ish]

You put the spacers (aka washer things) back on top of the stem didn't you? If not, that is your problem.

[henryxdam]

lol i figued it out.

i tried to do everything with the wheels on the floor... i just fliped it upside down (which im gussing thats how all repairs should be made) and tightened everything and it works fine.

such a noob haha

[patches]

glad you figured it out, but for future reference, simply reversing the process, as you stated in your first post, is what caused you trouble. the top bolt that compresses the headset must be tightened before you tighten the stem bolts. you should be able to do this right-side up no problem.