Handle bars......how can i tell they are bang on straight??

Rigga
Rigga Posts: 939
edited January 2011 in The workshop
Been out on the bike today and dont know if its my eyes playing tricks on me but the handle bars looked a knats bollock to the right. Im talking maybe a degree or two and even now i cant decide if they are or not? Ive just mounted my computer on my stem and was wondering if its some kind of optical illusion due to the comp been slightly off set or something?
So i was wondering, is there a 'trick of the trade' way of checking that the bars are 100% bang on square to the stem? How do the bike shops do it? Is it just by eye or do they have some kind of device?

Thanks in advance

Rigga :D

Comments

  • Philcho
    Philcho Posts: 57
    Erm i'd say just get down eye level with it and see? If not try a spirit level perhaps if you can get the bike stood dead straight that is
    MTB
    Project
  • Blue Meanie
    Blue Meanie Posts: 495
    When a bike's in a workstand the handkebars are at eye level, much better to judge.

    Most handlebars have markings in the centre, simply ensure it looks staight. If it's a handlebar swop, you can even use a measuring tape!

    Common mistake is to tighten one (or two) bolt(s) futher than the other (two), so that the faceplate doesn't sit evenly - closer at the top than the bottom. This is potentialy dangerous because uneven clamping forces can cause handlebars to fail, and sometimes handlebars' warranties to fail too.
    FCN16 - 1970 BSA Wayfarer

    FCN4 - Fixie Inc

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