Folding handlebar stem

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   Apologies for what is no doubt an obvious question to those of you with more experience of recumbents.  I recently acquired a rare 'Aerobike' recumbent.  Two wheeler, long wheelbase and designed as a comfortable touring bike.  There were only about 40 of these made, in Edinburgh, in the mid 1990's.  I am re-assembling the bike and updating it with some modern components.

This includes a handlebar stem and bracket that enables the stem and bars to fold down.  My question is about how much tension there should be on the bracket.  If the retaining bolt is tightened up, the stem holds itself at whatever height / angle it is moved to; but moves easily up and down if any pressure is put on the handlebars.  Or should it be so loose that I need to hold the bars up while cycling?

Thanks in advance.

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Velocio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Visitor (new) Joined: 14 September 2017 Location: North East Status: Offline Points: 31	Post Options Post Reply Quote Velocio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Folding handlebar stem Posted: 14 September 2017 at 3:30pm
	Apologies for what is no doubt an obvious question to those of you with more experience of recumbents. I recently acquired a rare 'Aerobike' recumbent. Two wheeler, long wheelbase and designed as a comfortable touring bike. There were only about 40 of these made, in Edinburgh, in the mid 1990's. I am re-assembling the bike and updating it with some modern components. This includes a handlebar stem and bracket that enables the stem and bars to fold down. My question is about how much tension there should be on the bracket. If the retaining bolt is tightened up, the stem holds itself at whatever height / angle it is moved to; but moves easily up and down if any pressure is put on the handlebars. Or should it be so loose that I need to hold the bars up while cycling? Thanks in advance.

simon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List BHPC Member Joined: 16 September 2011 Location: CRAMLINGTON Status: Offline Points: 54	Post Options Post Reply Quote simon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 September 2017 at 7:31pm
	I have two bikes with pivoting stems one is loose but has a stop so it can fold up and down ,the other is tight but can be adjusted on the move ,I can't imagine holding the handlebars up in position for long as it gets very tiring just holding your arms up So you either need them tight or fix a stop somehow
	SIMON

Velocio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Visitor (new) Joined: 14 September 2017 Location: North East Status: Offline Points: 31	Post Options Post Reply Quote Velocio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 September 2017 at 3:05pm
	thanks Simon - I'll try them tight and see how it goes.
	Velocio