How do I adjust the angle of the handlebars on my Giant RS Tourer bicycle?

SOURCE: 20'' Mongoose BMX - How can i adjust handlebar height?

You need to unscrew the circular nut like thing on the stem all the way off and pull up hard on the bars and it should come up, try spraying some lucricant on the stem to loosen it if needed.

SOURCE: adjust height of bicycle handlebars

As a rule the Allen screw center front of you on the back of the bars must be loosened several turns you may have to bang it down with a rubber mallet as to non hurt the finish.That will loosen them raise to height and re tighten.

SOURCE: need to adjust height of handlebar

Most bikes use an allen key to adjust the height of the handle bars. Typically 6mm. But be careful most bikes do not have much adjustment that can be done to the height of the handle bars. The handle bar stem will have a line on it of the "minimum insertion". That line must be below the top of the head set nut for safety reasons. Look for the line as you adjust the height.

SOURCE: cna't remove front wheel from my giant cypress bicycle

your wheel is either held on by a nut on either side of the fork or a quick release. In the case of the nut, you simply loosen both sides using a wrench and then the wheel will come off (the axle may have rusted to the fork so you may need to "persuade" it a bit with a rubber mallet). If you have a quick release, you unlock the release lever by pulling it towards you...you may also need to then unscrew the nut on the other side before the wheel will release.

SOURCE: raise handlebars reaction bicycle

From looking at photos; it appears as though that bike uses what is called a "quill" type stem. This makes it much easier to accomplish your goal.

When you look at your bike - the part that connects the handlebar to the frame is the stem. The vertical portion of the stem should be a cylinder: no bolts or clamping mechanisms. At the top of the vertical portion that goes into the frame there should be the head of a bolt. This bolt usually requires a 6mm allen wrench to adjust and is the one bolt that secures the stem to the frame.

Putting an appropriately sized wrench into the head of this bolt and turning the wrench to the left should loosen the bolt. Turning it far enough that the stem becomes movable will allow you to raise the stem. However, carefully note this one thing:

There will me a line - solid or hashed - about 2 inches from the bottom of the stem quill. This is the minimum insertion line. The stem needs to be inserted into the frame to this point at a minimum - no less. If this line is already showing before you attempt to raise the stem, you can go to higher with this stem.

Furthermore; if this does not provide enough vertical adjustment to satisfy you; replacement of the stem with one that either has a longer quill or more vertical rise will be necessary. This is where a trip to a local bike shop will be required to identify the proper size and dimensions of stem to solve your problem.


The bolt at the top of the stem may not turn and may be seized in the stem or frame. Penetrating oil like "PB Blaster" or even WD-40 may help. Surrounding the area with ice in a bucket or bag to cool it and then using a blow-dryer or heat gun on high can help to free the seized parts too.

If your stem does not look like the description above, but instead has bolts or a clamping mechanism around the cylinder; it is a threadless stem and cannot be adjusted higher. A new stem with more vertical rise is the solution and can usually be purchased starting at about $20-$35.

Good luck-

Matt @ roadragecycling.com