How to Replace a Bicycle Stem - Threadless

This video covers everything you need to know about removing and installing a threadless stem from a bicycle, including choosing compatible components, proper spacer orientation, and final centering and headset adjustment.

Questions or comments? Leave them below!

Video contents:
00:00 Preliminary Information
03:07 Removal
04:21 Installation

➤ Tools & materials used:
• Toe Straps/Zip Ties
• Rags

➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?

➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

➤ More Bars & Stems Repair Help:

[dlloyd]

If you don't have a micrometer to measure diameter on the parts, take a crescent wrench, adjust to the tube you are measuring, then place that over a ruler to gauge the diameter. Upvote this comment to help people!

[OrientEspresso]

Migrating from a quill stem bike from '98 to modern steering tube assembly. This is perhaps the best instructional video I've ever seen on youtube about anything... terrific and comprehensive job!

[jimqpublic]

I stopped riding 23 years ago when kids arrived, now my son and I are back into it- with old school and new bikes. Now a lot of the tech has changed- but Park Tool is still on top of it! I appreciate the great tutorials.

[DavydovAlex]

Really appreciate this series of professional bike maintenance videos from Park Tool! So hard to find a source of reliable expert information on the subject these days.

[marchaywood]

Hi, thanks for this, really helpful for me as a beginner maintainer at 53! You are helping prove it’s never to late. The format, structure and commentary is ideal.

[NeilWNC]

I recently purchased a bike with this kind of stem and had NO idea how it was put together, nor how to adjust things. This great video is so helpful, thorough and really well presented. Many thanks!

[hafizabbas]

evergreen tutorial for newbies like me...planning to buy stem extender to make my handle bar higher, but after watching this i just install the stem in down position..simple & save my money!

[Ceremony]

Fantastic tutorial videos. Seriously, every question that pops up always get answered at some point in these videos. Top notch content!

[mypojam]

I know everyone have been praising this video, but I still need to leave a comment praising it. What a perfect tutorial video! Bravo team

[tewsrus]

Thank you for this video. It is just what I needed as a beginner on this topic. Very understandable with the dialogue and visual together.

[davidholmes]

The ruler is genius struggled for years with this not anymore keep the good work up

[m.pantazis]

Great tips! Toe straps as holders/restraints is brilliant!

[floriankronert]

Thank you so much for your tutorial videos. Thanks to this one I was able to shorten my stem on my own - now my Cannondale CAAD 4 fits me way better.

Of course I used Park Tool tools for doing it, they feel great!

[kennethhowell]

Thank you! You saved the day for me, and my bicycle is still in one piece!

[yuukiokazaki]

Saw the email notification, jumped right into the video. Anyone else planning on binge-watching Park Tool videos this week?

[JackSmith-iglg]

You guys are awesome I can’t tell you how much your videos has helped me thanks for your effort with your videos

[tomarobert-marian]

thank you for your work in this material !

[MatyasLemberTutorials]

Thanks a lot for doing these videos! So helpful with the visuals

[khairulkhai]

Thanks for the videos. It really helps me when i changed my stem and handlebar position. 👍👍

[danfuerthgillis]

Many road bikes do not use the small 5 mm spacer under the top cap. The reason is the expander plug is put in and the extension bar then slides up 3-4 mm pass the top of the plug metal head. This allows for the bottom of the expander plug to protect the carbon steerer on the bottom and top bolts of the extension bar. Always use a 4 cm expander plug this way you can the 5 mm spacer, a smaller expander plug is really for slammed stems, also check the inside of the extension bar and make sure it is smooth and has no rough edges on the clamp hole area. I have seen tons of high end road bikes where there is a 4 mm gap on top and the cap tightens with no spacer underneath it.