How to Easily Raise Handlebars on a Mountain Bike: A Guide to Threadless Systems
To raise the handlebars on a mountain bike with a threadless headset, first determine the maximum height the stem can be raised to without exceeding the maximum insertion line marked on the stem. Loosen the stem bolts and remove the top cap and spacers from the steerer tube. Add or remove spacers to achieve the desired height and reassemble the top cap and stem, tightening the bolts evenly. Finally, adjust the headset bearing preload if needed. Test the bike to ensure the handlebars are secure and steering is smooth.