READY FOR YOUR PAWS
Bar & Stem set up
 

Tips
On cable brakes don’t make excessive adjustments at the lever’s barrel adjuster, set the brake up correctly and use the barrel adjuster for fine tuning
Stems come in various lengths and rises so fit one that suits your riding position.

1. Install bars
Most stems are front loaders so bar fitting is relatively easy, yet it’s important to ensure all the bolts on the front clamp are tightened to an even torque and there’s an equal gap between the top and bottom edge of the clamp and stem body. Grease the stem bolts before fastening. Make sure the bars are centred to the clamp and positioned at an angle you’re comfortable with. There’s no need to over tighten. Around 5-7 Nm is sufficient for most stems.

2. Brake levers
Ensure the stem is true to the front wheel before going any further. Loosen the brake levers and shifters so they can move freely on the bar. Sit on the bike, move the brake lever inboard or out so your first two fingers can comfortably reach and operate the lever. Adjust the angle so an imaginary straight line runs from your shoulder, hand and through to you’re finger tips (see above picture). This is the angle you should set the brake levers.

3. Lever reach
Most levers are designed so you can operate the brakes with two fingers. Sit on the bike and squeeze the levers. Ideally the brake should engage when the bend in your knuckles is at 90?. For cable brakes make adjustments at the barrel adjuster until you achieve this angle. The lever reach can usually be adjusted using the grub screw located in the lever body. Turning clockwise will move the lever toward the bar, anticlockwise away from the bar.

4. Shifter position
Loosen the shifters and move them into a position that that feels natural. The levers should be set so the gears can be operated without having to move your hands off the bar. Once you’re happy fasten the shifters in place. Try to avoid over doing the tightness of the brake levers and shifters. Ideally you want them to move in the event of a crash to avoid damaging them.

5. End plugs
Ensure the ends of the bars are fitted with end plugs. These prevent the ends of the bars getting damaged in the event of a crash. But more importantly they protect your body. If left out the open end of a bar can quite easily take chucks out of your body if you were to fall on the exposed end.
Most races in any discipline [XC, DH, 4X] now wont let you compete without bar end plugs

6. Replacing grips
Remove old grips by either cutting them off with a sharp knife (taking care) or by sliding a thin screwdriver or spoke between grip and bar. Then spray in some WD40 to ease the old grips off the bar. Once removed fit end plugs before installing the grips. Touch up paint or lacquer is the best way to secure