{"id":2862,"date":"2022-08-23T09:45:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-23T09:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=2862"},"modified":"2022-08-23T09:46:14","modified_gmt":"2022-08-23T09:46:14","slug":"are-handlebar-risers-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/are-handlebar-risers-safe\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Handlebar Risers Safe?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Handlebar risers, sometimes known as stem risers or stem extenders, are handy in raising the handlebar. Generally, these tiny bars allow you to match your handlebars with your height. But are handlebar risers safe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Handlebar risers are safe as long as they aren’t fitted onto carbon steerer tubes as the tubes are weaker and therefore likely to snap out. They are also safer when used casually on smooth roads and not aggressively on rough roads. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But overall, the safety of handlebar risers depend on their material strength, riser length, amount of force, and how aggressive you ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ll explain all these factors to help you understand their impact on the stem riser’s life and user safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ll also explain how these stem extenders work, how to install them, and how you can find the safest option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, I’ll talk about the effects that handlebar extenders have on bike handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Are<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Are Handlebar Risers Safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While some manufacturers make stem risers for mountain bikes and BMX, I wouldn’t recommend them for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The riser is likely to weaken and snap out when you continually perform heavy jumps and go over rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those bars are not designed to tolerate aggressive use or too much force. So, they are a NO on a rough road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are, however, best for casual riding on smooth roads. So, I recommend them for commuter bikes, fixed-gears, road bikes, comfort bikes, beach cruisers, and city bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But overall, the safety of handlebar riser extensions depend on the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.  Material Strength<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, you’ve to consider the steerer tube material. Generally, carbon steerer tubes are not best for fitting handlebar risers as they can snap out and break when under stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, avoid carbon steerer tubes and consider other options such as aluminum and steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other consideration is the riser’s material. It also has to be stronger and stress-resistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, handlebar risers come in different material choices, all performing differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An option like the Origin8 Extra-Lift Stem Riser <\/strong>comes in an aluminum alloy construction to guarantee strength and at the same time save on weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While aluminum alloy is a top consideration, Chromoly steel is another safe choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, aluminum and Chromoly steel are not a safety concern as their tensile strength and fatigue resistance is higher. They can take on most abuse without bending or breaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Length of the Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it’s tempting to get the longest stem riser and fit it, it’s never a good idea if its integrity is questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The longer the bar, the likely it is to snap when you apply excessive force or ride aggressively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides, a more extended bar makes handling tricky as it interferes tremendously with your center of gravity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Force Applied<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Generally, the chances of the riser snapping out are higher when you put too much force on the handlebar. So, if the strength of the riser is questionable, you shouldn’t exert too much power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. How Aggressive You Ride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, I don’t recommend stem risers for mountain biking or BMX racing because they are not best for aggressive usage. They are safe for casual cycling on smoother roads.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

How Handlebar Risers Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Handlebar risers are designed to raise your handlebar and draw it near to your body as much as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, just like their name is suggesting, they give your handlebars a rise. Handlebar risers usually are small metal bars that fit onto the steerer tube to lift the handlebar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you have to set them at your preferred height before bolting the handlebar in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can raise your handlebars by 20-30mm (the benchmark) or anything higher, depending on preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But for ease of riding and user safety, it’s advisable to start with the benchmark. If you go higher, there is always the danger of interfering with the handling considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, you compromise the integrity of the steer tube and the stem riser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Find the Safest Handlebar Risers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the things to consider when you want to buy the safest stem riser:<\/p>\n\n\n\n