16 I General User Manual9.2.4.3 With a suspension seatpostSuspension seatposts reduce vibrations caused by unevenroads thereby reducing stress on the spinal column.If you need to adjust the suspension elements in the seat-post, consult your specialist cycle shop.Suspension seatpost9.3 Adjusting the handlebar positionTighten all screws to the prescribed torque as other-wise screws could shear off and components couldcome loose or detach altogether (see ➠ Chapter 30"Technical data").You can also influence your riding position by changingthe handlebar height.The lower you set the handlebar, the further you will haveto lean forwards. This increases the strain on your wrists,arms and upper body and you will need to bend your backfurther.The higher the handlebar is, the more upright your ridingposition will be. This increases the stress on your spinalcolumn due to jolting.You can determine a handlebar height that best suits yourbody size as follows:› Sit on the bike saddle.› Ask another person to hold the bike steady ifrequired.› Bend your upper body towards the handlebar untilyou have found a position that is comfortable foryour back.› Stretch out your arms towards the handlebar.› Note the approximate position of your hands andset the handlebar at this height.9.3.1 Adjusting / aligning the handlebarheight with a conventional handlebarstemTo release the stem shaft in the head tube, proceed asfollows:› Release the stem expander bolt to loosen the han-dlebar stem. Turn it anticlockwise by two or threerevolutions using an Allen key.› Clamp the front wheel between your legs to pre-vent the bike fork from turning with the stem shaft.› Holding the handlebar by the handles, turn it fromright to left and vice-versa.› If it is not possible to do this, tap lightly on thestem expander bolt with a plastic hammer to loos-en the clamping fixture inside the stem.› Set the handlebar stem to the required height.› Align the handlebar so that it is exactly at rightangles to the front wheel.› To secure the stem shaft again, turn the stem ex-pander bolt clockwise using an Allen key until it istight (see ➠ Chapter 30 "Technical data").
