Adjusting of Cockpit Roadbike

So that you find the optimum position on your bike, your cockpit needs to be adjusted to suit you. Here are the key steps you should follow:

Stem height

The stem height is an important criterion in the areas of comfort and performance.

A lower stem improves the aerodynamics and the transmission of power. On the other hand this lower position on the bike requires stronger upper-body muscles because these are the muscles which are needed to maintain a static posture. Picture 1

A higher stem on the other hand guarantees much greater comfort and control as well as a high level of safety. However, in this position the wind resistance is greater. Picture 2

TIP: The rider’s own anatomy has a decisive effect on stem height. Riders with relatively long legs and a short upper body need a higher stem than “giants” with longer bodies and shorter legs.
What possibilities do we have to alter the height of the stem? Thanks to the so-called spacers, which are fitted as standard on all Canyon road bikes, the rider can make limited adjustments to the stem height. If the spacers are placed below the stem, then the handlebar is raised. If the spacers are fitted above the stem, then the rider achieves a lower riding position on the bike.

Thanks to the Canyon i-Lock headset system adjusting the height of the stem is child’s play. This is how it’s done:

1. Slacken the rear stem bolts with an Allen key, however not with a torque spanner.

2. The top cap on the stem should now be loose. Pull off the cap. Picture 3

3. Now you can remove the stem still fitted to the handlebar from the fork steerer. Picture 4

4. Now fit the spacers either under or above the stem as shown. Picture 5

5. Slacken the i-Lock bolt, Picture 6 stick the top cap back on Picture 7 and ensure that the handlebar/stem is completely straight. The stem and front wheel should be exactly in line when looking down from above.

6. Now tighten the stem bolts up again using a torque spanner. Picture 8 Ensure while doing so that the bolts are tightened to exactly the torque indicated on the front of the stem.

7. Now adjust the play on the headset by turning the grub screw on the i-Lock.

You can turn the stem round on all Canyon bikes. The combination of turning the stem round and spacer tuning allows the rider to alter the height of the cockpit by several centimeters.

Handlebar position

The fine adjustment of the handlebar is dependent on your riding style and personal taste. If you often ride on the top of the handlebars, you can then position the handlebar somewhat higher in order to be able to rest better on the brake hoods.

As a rule of thumb please remember that the lower flat part of the handlebars should run parallel to the ground. This can be best checked by using a spirit level. Picture 9

Warning: The handlebar is fixed by four Allen key bolts. Tighten all four bolts equally and diagonally and ensure that you tighten to the correct torque. For this you’ll need to use the Canyon Torque Wrench supplied with your new bike. Markings on the handlebar show exactly where the handlebar should be positioned.

Adjust reach

The reach can be adjusted on many types of brake levers. The smaller your hands are and the shorter your fingers, the closer the brake levers need to be to the handlebars. Reach is normally adjusted by means of a little Allen key or Philips screw driver located near the pivot of the brake lever. Some models of brake lever require you to remove a little cover cap to reach the relevant screw. .Picture 10 Picture 11 In the case of Ultegra STI varying reach adjustment is achieved by inserting shims, which are available as accessories, between the lever and the body.