Raise Your Mountain Bike Handlebars: A Simple Guide

Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Jaxon Mike

You can make your mountain bike handlebars higher using a few simple methods. The easiest way is to adjust your stem’s height by adding or removing spacers beneath it. This is a quick fix that can make a big difference in your riding comfort. If that doesn’t give you enough rise, you might need a stem with a higher angle, or consider handlebars with a taller rise. We’ve found these options are the most effective for achieving a higher handlebar position.

Raising your handlebars can significantly impact your comfort and control on the trail. Many riders find that a higher handlebar setup reduces strain on their back and wrists. It can also lead to a more upright riding position, improving visibility. We’ve seen many riders benefit from these adjustments, especially those who experience discomfort on longer rides. It’s a common and understandable goal for many cyclists seeking a better fit.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Adjust stem spacers for easy height changes.
• Consider a stem with a steeper angle.
• Look for handlebars with a built-in rise.
• Proper setup improves comfort and control.

Ready to get your bars up where they belong? Let’s walk through exactly how to make your mountain bike handlebars higher, step by step.

Raising Your Mountain Bike Handlebars for Better Comfort

You’re likely looking to bring your handlebars up a bit for a more comfortable ride. It’s a common goal for many cyclists. A higher bar position can make a big difference in how your body feels after a long day on the trail. Let’s look at the most effective ways to achieve that perfect handlebar height.

Adjusting Your Stem Spacers: The Easiest First Step

This is the quickest and most straightforward method. Your stem connects your handlebars to your fork’s steerer tube. It often has “spacers” – little rings – above and below it. These spacers dictate your handlebar height.

Understanding Stem Spacers

When your bike is built, a bike mechanic places these spacers. They stack them on the steerer tube. The stem then sits on top of some of these spacers. If you want your bars higher, you can move spacers from the top of the stem to the bottom. Conversely, putting spacers from the bottom to the top will lower them.

How to Move Your Spacers

You’ll need a few basic tools: an Allen wrench set and possibly a torque wrench. First, loosen the bolts on your stem where it clamps to the steerer tube. There are usually two bolts on the back of the stem. You’ll also need to loosen the top cap bolt. This cap holds everything snug. Once loose, carefully lift the stem off the steerer tube. Now, you can rearrange the spacers. Move the ones from above the stem to below it. Then, re-seat the stem. Ensure it’s straight. Re-install the top cap and tighten its bolt. This preloads the headset bearings. Finally, tighten the stem’s steerer clamp bolts. Many experts suggest tightening these to a specific torque setting (Park Tool recommends 4-5 Nm for most components). This prevents slippage and damage.

How Many Spacers Can You Move?

The steerer tube has a finite length. You can only move the spacers that are currently above the stem. You can’t add spacers that aren’t there. So, if your steerer tube is already topped out with spacers, you might not have much room to go higher using this method alone. You can often get about 10-20mm of height adjustment this way. It’s a good starting point to see if it solves your comfort issues.

Considering a Stem with a Higher Angle (Rise)

If moving spacers doesn’t give you enough height, or if you have no more spacers to move, a different stem might be your next best option. Stems come in various “rise” angles. This angle dictates how high the handlebars sit relative to the steerer tube.

What is Stem Rise?

Stem rise is measured in degrees. A 0-degree rise stem is essentially flat. A higher degree rise, like 35 or 45 degrees, will push your handlebars up much higher. You’ll see stems advertised with specific rise angles. For example, a “6-degree rise” stem is common, but you can find stems with much steeper angles to gain significant height.

Choosing the Right Stem Angle

Think about your current riding position. Do you feel too stretched out or too low? A steeper rise angle lifts the front end. This often results in a more upright posture. We found that a 35-degree rise stem can offer a noticeable increase in height compared to a standard 6-degree stem. For even more height, some brands offer 45-degree or even 50-degree rise stems. Always check the clamp diameter for your handlebars and the steerer tube diameter to ensure compatibility. A compatibility chart is often available on the stem manufacturer’s website.

Potential Downsides of Steep Stems

While a higher rise stem is effective, it can change your bike’s handling. A steeper angle can make the front wheel feel lighter. This might make steering feel a bit twitchier, especially at speed. Many riders find a balance they’re happy with. Testing different angles can help you find what feels best for your riding style. For most trail riding, a rise between 30 and 45 degrees is a sweet spot for many.

New Handlebars with More Rise

Your handlebars themselves can have a built-in “rise.” This is different from the stem’s angle. It’s a curve engineered into the bar itself. Your handlebar themselves can have a built-in “rise.”.

Understanding Handlebar Rise

Handlebar rise is usually measured in millimeters (mm). Common rises include 10mm, 20mm, and 30mm. A 20mm rise handlebar will naturally place your hands higher than a 10mm rise bar. This is a simple way to gain a bit of height without changing your stem at all. If you already have a stem with a good angle and have used all your spacers, this is a great next step.

Choosing Your Handlebar Rise

If you’re looking for a significant increase, consider a handlebar with a 25mm or 30mm rise. This can add a comfortable amount of height. You’ll want to make sure the width and sweep of the new handlebars also suit you. These factors also play a role in overall comfort and control. Many handlebar manufacturers list the rise prominently in their product descriptions.

Combining Methods for Maximum Effect

Don’t forget you can combine these methods! You might choose a stem with a moderate rise, use all your available spacers, and then select handlebars with a bit of rise. This layered approach allows for fine-tuning. You can achieve a very specific handlebar position that feels just right for your body. We’ve found that a combination often yields the best results for riders seeking a truly custom fit.

A Quick Checklist for Adjusting Your Handlebar Height

Ready to get started? Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you might take:

• Check how many spacers are above your stem.
• Consider moving those spacers to below the stem.
• If more height is needed, research stems with higher rise angles (30-45 degrees).
• If you’re still not there, look for handlebars with more built-in rise (20-30mm).
• Always ensure new parts are compatible with your bike.
• Tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

Conclusion

You have several effective options for raising your mountain bike handlebars. Moving stem spacers is the easiest first step. If that doesn’t provide enough lift, consider a stem with a steeper rise angle. For a more integrated solution, handlebars with a built-in rise can also help. You can even combine these methods for a perfectly tuned setup. Remember to always check for compatibility and tighten bolts correctly. Now go out there and enjoy a more comfortable ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will raising my handlebars affect my bike’s handling?

Yes, raising your handlebars can slightly change how your bike handles. A higher bar position can make the steering feel a bit more responsive or “quicker.” For most riders, this is a welcome change that improves control on descents. We found that a moderate adjustment is usually best.

How high can I actually make my handlebars?

The maximum height increase depends on your bike’s specific components. You’re limited by the length of your steerer tube and the number of spacers available. You can typically gain around 10-20mm by moving spacers. A new stem or handlebars can add another 20-50mm or more.

Do I need special tools to adjust my handlebars?

You’ll typically need a basic set of Allen wrenches. A torque wrench is highly recommended to ensure you tighten bolts correctly. This prevents parts from loosening or getting damaged. You can find these tools at most bike shops or online.

What’s the difference between stem rise and handlebar rise?

Stem rise refers to the angle of the stem itself, measured in degrees. A steeper angle lifts the handlebars higher. Handlebar rise is the upward curve built into the handlebar, measured in millimeters. Both contribute to your overall bar height.

Is it better to adjust spacers or buy a new stem?

It’s usually best to start with adjusting spacers as it’s the quickest and cheapest option. If you need more height or are out of spacers, a new stem with a higher rise angle is a great next step. Handlebars with more rise are also a good option if you don’t want to change your stem.