Steam raisers, handlebar risers, or stem extenders, no matter which name you use, but the sole purpose of this tiny bar is to help raiders modify and adjust the handlebar position to a comfortable height. It allows positioning your bike’s handlebar to a comfortable height for smoothing riding experiences. But, many novice riders have a question: Are Handlebar Risers Safe?
Are Handlebar Risers Safe? As long as they are not fitted on carbon steerer tubes, they are safe because these tubes are weak and likely to snap out when a handlebar riser is used. Since the risers affect the center of gravity, it is likely to concern the off-road riders who ride scramblers or dirt bikes. The handlebar risers make their ride smoother and more comfortable for regular commuters or riders of on-road bikes.
Continue reading to know the factors that influence the user safety and handlebar riser’s life. Below you will explore how the handlebar riser works, how it affects the handling, and how to find the best option for your bike.
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Why are Handlebar Risers used?
As mentioned, the sole purpose of handlebar risers is to make riding comfortable by adjusting the handlebar height and position according to the rider’s preferences and height. Riders often use these tiny bars to modify their seating position and make riding comfortable.
Handlebar risers are available in different sizes ranging from 10mm to 40mm. These handlebar risers are designed keeping in mind the demands of average riders, their height, and other dimensions, including foot length and arm length.
Riders also use handlebar risers to maintain a natural upright position while riding their bikes. So, the general purpose of using handlebar risers is to adjust the handlebar position for comfortable riding and maintain an upright position. But, there are other purposes of using handlebar risers.
Are Handlebar Risers Safe – Let’s Know!
Yes, handlebar risers are safe and cause no harm to the riders unless it does not fit on the carbon steerer.
The carbon flexes are very weak, and likely to break when used with handlebar risers. The risers create a longer lever on the frame, and every time you apply pressure on the handlebars, it is transferred to the frame and steerer. So, it will break easily.
However, the handlebar risers work best with steel or aluminum steerers. Metal like aluminum and steel has more strength, and it won’t wear or tear when used with risers. The safety of the handlebar risers depends on multiple factors, including:
Material Strength
Before using handlebar risers, you have to consider the tube materials. Carbon steerer tubes are not strong enough to withstand the force, and they won’t work best when fitted with risers. So, to avoid it from happening, you must use steel or aluminum counterparts.
Metal is stress-resistant and stronger, and it can be used with handlebar risers. Besides, the material of the riser is another factor to consider, and you must prefer using aluminum alloy or chrome steel.
Length of Bar
It is always attractive to have the longest handlebar riser. But it is not a smart choice when the riser’s integrity is uncertain. Remember, the longer the handlebar, the higher the chance to snap when applying force or when riding aggressively.
Besides, the extended handlebar also makes handling tricky and significantly interferes with the center of gravity while riding.
Amount of Force Applied
Snapping out is high when you apply excessive pressure or force to the handlebar while riding. If you doubt the strength of the handlebar riser, you must not apply excessive force to the handlebar when riding and avoid aggressive riding.
What is the Working Process of Handlebar Risers?
Stem risers are an effective solution that works for everyone who wants to increase the height of their bike’s handlebar by adding a stem riser. It works by extending the height of the fork steerer so that the handlebar can be fitted higher than usual at a comfortable position for a smooth riding experience.
The stem risers are available in different sizes, and you must choose the right size depending upon your seat position and height. The risers use the same clamping bolts as a handlebar has, and hence they are used in the same way to fasten the handlebar on the fork steerer.
The handlebar risers work compatibly with thread-less steerers. With the handlebar risers, you can increase the height by 20-30mm, depending upon your needs.
But, it is best, to begin with, the benchmark for riders’ safety and comfortable riding. If you choose the maximum length of the riser, there will be a risk of interfering with the handling.
How to Choose the Right Handlebar Riser?
Below are the factors you have to consider to buy the safest and best handlebar risers for your bike.
Material Strength
As mentioned, the safety of the handlebar riser depends on the material’s strength. So, always consider the strongest physically strong material to withstand the physical force and stress. The aluminum alloy and chrome steel are the best materials for handlebar risers. These metals are corrosion-resistant and hard to deform.
Adjustability
The handlebar riser you buy must be adjustable to suit your needs. Adjustability helps reduce wrist pressure and allows you to ride comfortably. It must allow you to raise the handlebar to a comfortable height for the best riding experience. There are many risers with adjustments. For example this one:
Correct Size
As mentioned, handlebar risers come in different sizes. You must choose a comfortable length. Don’t choose extended options if you ride aggressively, as it may snap after a few rides.
Depending on your riding preferences, you can choose anything between 55mm and 210mm.
Compatibility
Don’t forget to check the compatibility of the handlebar riser because not all handlebar risers are designed to work with all bikes. So, ensure to choose the riser that is compatible with your bike and has a degree adjustment function.
How to Install Handlebar Risers?
Here are the general steps for installing the handlebar risers on your steerer tube.
- Take the steam off your bike
- Clean the steerer tube to remove dirt and grease.
- Place the handlebar riser in its place
- Re-bolt the stem’s upper cap to fasten the handlebar in place
- Reposition the handlebar and riser before tightening them for a firmer grip
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Handlebar Risers Affect Handling?
Yes, handlebar risers affect handling. Its relation directly affects the bike’s mass distribution, but riders won’t experience it while riding. The handlebar risers are designed to maintain the bike’s overall geometry while allowing smooth rides. But it does affect the handling.
Do I Need a Handlebar Riser?
A handlebar riser is recommended for riders who want to increase the handlebar’s height beyond the existing height. The handlebar riser is also necessary to pull the steam closer and increase its height.
Is It A Good Option to Use a Handlebar Riser?
Riser handlebars are purposefully used on high gravity-oriented set-ups, while flat handlebars are used in XC-oriented bikes. Since the gravity bikes are customized for riding downhill, using a handlebar riser can keep the biker’s head and torso higher while riding, and it is good for optimal control on the descents.
Does Handlebar Riser Shorten Rider’s Reach?
Yes, the handlebar extension shortens the biker’s reach. The wider length makes the reach longer but not very significant, and you won’t feel it unless you are smallish. The handlebar risers can be shortened as per your preferences, or you may give a test ride to find what suits your riding style.
Are Handlebar Risers Safe Summary
Handlebar risers are the safest option to increase the height of the handlebar, provided that you choose the adjustable size and robust material of the riser.
Avoid riding aggressively and putting excessive force on the handlebar riser as it compromises the rider’s and bike’s integrity and strength. Happy Riding!
