Help - need to raise the handlebars on a BeOne Storm (2009)!

garrynolan

Hi, just bought a 2009 BeOne Storm. Anyone know how to raise the handlebars? I know it's probably an easy job but with the previous bike being 25 years old (Raleigh Record Sprint) I don't want to assume the technology is the same (even though it looks that way)and make a stupid mistake. Ta very much. Garry.

amaferanga

Unless there are spacers above the stem then there's not that much you can do without buying a new stem. You may get the bars a bit higher by flipping the stem or depending on how it's set up at the moment that might actually lower the bars. If it doesn't help then you'll need a new stem with more rise.

garrynolan

Hi, had a look and compared it to my old bike. The old one has an allen screw top centre of the handlebars - it is loosened to turn the handlebars, it also lets the handlebars be moved up and down. The new bike has an allen screw in the same place - should this not have the same effect if loosened, or am I ignorantly missing something? Also, what do you mean by "flip the stem"? Excuse my ignorance but this is like a 1985 Mini owner trying to work on a 2009 Mini. It all looks similar on the surface but a multitude of traps lie under the surface. I could just take it to my LBS but only as a last resort. Please help.

System_1

Your old bike had a quill stem. These were held in place inside the steerer tube by an expanding wedge, and as you know, depending on the length of the quill could be moved up and down inside the steerer to suit. Your new bike most likely has an ahead type stem. This clamps onto the top of the steerer tube itself and therefore has no adjustment once the steerer is cut to the required length.

Flipping the stem means just that. The vast majority of stems have an angle to them so that they are roughly horizontal when fitted to the steerer. If you take it off and flip it, so it's esentially fitted upside down, it will now point slightly upwards and maybe give you an extra cm or two rise on your bars.

John.T

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65
This decribes how to service an A-head type headset. It also explains how it all goes together and how to adjust it. You should find all you need there.
Bookmark these sites for future reference. You will find the answers to most things bike here.(And more on Sheldons site)
http://www.parktool.com/repair/
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

keef66

You are correct with your Mini analogy. Despite looking similar, a lot of the stuff on a modern bike is quite different from the 25 year old Raleigh.

Biggest changes have been headsets, bottom brackets and crank systems, freehubs replacing screw on freewheels, and indexed gears with integrated brakes / shifters

As you're discovering, aheadsets allow relatively little adjustment of bar height, so getting the right size frame is even more important.

Wooliferkins

You could fit one ofthese. It's a little fiddly balancing doing up the clamp and preloading your headset correctly but it's doable with patience. It's not the prettiest thing but you don't see it covered with spacers.

John.T

They work well but are rather heavy. I have one on my green Trek. It may not fit in some alu steerers. you need to measure the inside diameter.

garrynolan

Thanks to everyone for all the advice - will let you know how I get on. The comment on the frame size is true. However, when you have legs as short as mine a small frame (50cm) is a necessity. Any bigger and I couldn't straddle it! Generally I'm an odd shape - stumpy legs, short upper arms, shortish torso - it's a wonder any bike fits! C'est la vie. Ta. G.