Repair guides › Cockpit

Set BMX bar angle and stem bolts

Tall U-shaped bars with a crossbar, 8–10 inches of rise. Clamped by a 4-bolt top-load or front-load stem. Rise and backsweep change how easy tricks like manuals and bar spins feel.

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Tools

• Ball-end hex key set (1.5–10 mm): Park Tool HXS-1.2 Professional L-Shaped Hex Set ($$)
• 1/4" click torque wrench (about 2–17 Nm) + bits: Pro Bike Tool 1/4 inch drive click torque wrench set (2.2–16.9 Nm) ($$)

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Steps

1. Loosen the 4 faceplate bolts.
2. Set the bars so the upsweep lines up with the fork angle (a good starting point), or roll them back a little for more lift.
3. Tighten the 4 bolts in a cross pattern so the gaps are even.
4. Check the steerer bolts, then stand over the front and twist the bars hard: they must not move.

Torque

Signs it needs doing

• Bars slip in the stem on hard landings
• Bent crossbar

Problems this fixes

• Creaking when climbing or pedaling hard