How to Adjust the Handlebars on a Schwinn Hybrid Bicycle

Without a properly adjusted handlebar, comfort and safety on the bike could be compromised. You don't want to feel overstretched, or crowded, while riding; nor do you want to be hurtling down the road with a handlebar that is askew or not properly tightened. Handlebars on Schwinn Hybrids feature the same, adjustable design found on many types of bicycles. The design allows the outdoors biking enthusiast to quickly and easily adjust these handlebars to ensure a safe and effective ride.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Handlebar Stem

Things You’ll Need:

Set of Allen wrenches
Measuring tape

Step 1

Loosen the two Allen bolts securing the handlebar stem to the steering tube. The handlebar stem attaches the handlebar to the bike frame. The two bolts are located at the point where the stem touches the bike frame. Do not fully unscrew the bolts.

Step 2

Straddle the bicycle just behind the steering tube, holding the front wheel between your feet. If your stem has been anything short of straight, align the stem now. Imagine an invisible line running along the center of the bicycle, through the stem and over the front wheel.

Step 3

Retighten the two bolts. Check to ensure that they are properly tightened by pulling the brake levers and rocking the bike gently back and forth. There should be no movement felt in the steering.

Handlebar

Step 1

Loosen the two Allen bolts securing the handlebar to the stem. These bolts will be located at the point where the stem and handlebar meet, at the very front of the bike. Again, do not fully remove any bolts.

Step 2

Adjust the left-right position of the bar. There should be an even amount of handlebar on either side of the stem. Use a measuring tape for precision.

Step 3

Adjust the hand position on the handlebar. The brake levers should be a comfortable reach for your hands. Rolling the handlebar forward or back will allow you to customize this reach.

Step 4

Tighten the bolts. Check for any movement from the handlebar. Retighten the bolts if necessary.

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

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