You can replace handlebars yourself with basic tools in 30 minutes

Replacing bicycle handlebars is a straightforward job that does not require special skills or expensive equipment. You need an Allen wrench set, a screwdriver, and possibly a wrench — tools most people already own. The work takes about 30 minutes once you have the new bars in hand, and the hardest part is usually removing the old grip tape or grips without damaging the bar underneath.

The reason to replace handlebars ranges from wear (cracked bars, bent bars, or grips worn smooth) to fit (bars too wide, too narrow, or positioned wrong for your riding style). New bars cost between $20 and $150 depending on material and brand. Doing the work yourself saves the $50 to $100 labour charge at a bike shop.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove the old grips by cutting them off or sliding them off after loosening the grip shift, then unscrew the stem bolts that clamp the bar to the fork.
  • Slide the bar out of the stem, then slide the new bar in and tighten the stem bolts in a cross pattern to avoid twisting the bar.
  • Measure your old bar width and rise before buying new ones, because bars come in many sizes and the wrong size will feel wrong to ride.
  • Transfer the brake levers, shifters, and any other controls from the old bar to the new one before installing it on the bike.

Gather the right tools and parts before you start

You will need an Allen wrench that fits your stem bolts (usually 4mm, 5mm, or 6mm), a screwdriver to remove grip shift collars if you have them, and possibly a wrench for the stem bolt on the opposite side of the bar. Have a rag nearby to wipe grease off your hands. If your old grips are glued on, a utility knife or old chisel helps cut them off without gouging the bar.

Before you buy new handlebars, measure the width of your old ones from the outside of one grip to the outside of the other. Also note the rise — the vertical distance from the stem clamp to the top of the bar. Bars come in widths from 580mm to 800mm and rises from zero (flat) to 100mm or more. Buying the wrong size means a second trip to the shop or an uncomfortable ride.

Remove the old grips and controls

Start by removing the grips. If they slide on, loosen any grip shift collar or throttle collar by turning the set screw counterclockwise, then twist and pull the grip off. If the grips are glued, cut them lengthwise with a utility knife and peel them away. This takes patience but avoids damage to the bar itself.

Next, remove the brake levers and shifters. Most modern bikes use a single bolt per lever — loosen it with an Allen wrench and slide the lever off the bar. Older friction shifters may have a collar that slides along the bar; loosen the set screw and slide it off. Keep all bolts and small parts in a cup so you do not lose them.

Unbolt the stem and slide out the old bar

The stem is the metal piece that clamps the handlebars to the fork. It has bolts on the front (facing you) and usually one on top. Loosen the top bolt first — this is the one that keeps the stem from rotating. Then loosen the front bolts in a cross pattern (top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) rather than all the way around one side. This prevents the stem from twisting as you loosen it.

Once the front bolts are loose enough, wiggle the bar side to side and slide it out of the stem. If it is stuck, do not force it — spray a little penetrating oil around the clamp and wait five minutes. Forcing a stuck bar can crack the stem or the bar itself.

Install the new bar and tighten the stem bolts

Slide the new bar into the stem, positioning it so the rise and angle feel right. Most riders prefer the bar level or tilted slightly up. Once it is positioned, tighten the front bolts in a cross pattern — this keeps the bar centred in the clamp. Tighten them snug but not hard; you are aiming for firm enough that the bar does not slip, not so tight that you crack the bar or strip the bolt.

After the front bolts are tight, tighten the top bolt. This bolt prevents the stem from rotating around the fork. Tighten it until you feel resistance, then stop — it does not need to be cranked down hard. A good test: try to twist the stem with your hand. It should not move.

Reinstall the brake levers and shifters

Slide the brake levers back onto the bar in their original position — usually angled so your fingers rest naturally on them when your hands are on the bar. Tighten the lever bolt snug. Do the same with the shifters. If you have grip shifters, slide the collar back on and tighten the set screw.

Check that the levers and shifters do not hit each other or the grips when you turn the bar fully left and right. If they do, loosen the lever bolt and rotate it slightly, then tighten again. This takes a few tries but is worth getting right.

Install new grips and test the fit

Slide new grips onto the bar. If they are a tight fit, a little soapy water on the bar helps them slide on. Once they are in place, tighten any grip shift collar or throttle collar by turning the set screw clockwise until it is snug. Do not over-tighten — you only need enough pressure to keep the grip from rotating.

Before you ride, grab the bar with both hands and check that everything feels right. The bar should be level or tilted slightly up, the levers should be within straightforward reach, and the grips should not slip when you squeeze them. Take a short test ride in a safe area to confirm the bar is find and the brakes and shifters work smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size handlebars do I need?

Measure your old bar width from the outside of one grip to the outside of the other. Common widths are 620mm, 660mm, 700mm, and 760mm. Wider bars give more control on rough terrain; narrower bars are lighter and easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces. The rise is the vertical distance from the stem clamp to the top of the bar — measure this too, as it affects your riding position.

Can I reuse my old brake levers and shifters?

Yes, in most cases. Loosen the bolt holding each lever or shifter, slide it off the old bar, and slide it onto the new bar in the same position. If the new bar is a different diameter (most are not), the lever may not fit — but standard bars are all 25.4mm or 31.8mm at the clamp, and most shifters and levers fit either size.

Do I need to remove the handlebars to replace them?

No. You can replace the bar without removing the stem from the fork. Just loosen the stem bolts, slide the old bar out, and slide the new one in. This saves time and means you do not have to re-adjust the stem height or angle.

What if the new bar does not fit in the stem?

Handlebars come in two standard diameters: 25.4mm (older bikes and cruisers) and 31.8mm (most modern bikes). Check your stem or measure the hole with a ruler. If you bought the wrong size, the bar will not fit. Return it and buy the correct diameter.

How tight should the stem bolts be?

Tight enough that the bar does not slip when you explore force, but not so tight that you crack the bar or strip the bolt. A good rule: tighten until you feel firm resistance, then stop. If the bar slips during a ride, tighten the bolts a quarter turn more and test again.