INSTRUCTION GUIDE

SPECIALIZED CARBON ROAD HANDLEBARS

THIS INSTRUCTION GUIDE CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND STORE IN A SAFE PLACE.
Congratulations! The Specialized handlebar you have chosen is among the finest advanced composite products available in cycling. Carbon fiber is a
very special material that requires particular care during assembly, storage and riding. This instruction guide contains instructions and warnings, plus
torque specifications.
WARNING! Please read the following instructions. Bicycle assembly is a complicated task, which requires training and experience. If
you have any doubt regarding your mechanical ability and/or installation of this product, visit your Specialized authorized dealer.
Specialized recommends that the handlebar be installed by a qualified mechanic. Failure to follow this warning may result in serious
personal injury or death.
WARNING! Please read the following warnings. Failure to follow the warnings in this instruction guide may result in a catastrophic
failure, resulting in serious personal injury or death. This phrase may not be repeated in connection with each and every warning.
WARNING! Recommended torques in this guide are specific for this Specialized product. Do not exceed the recommended torque limit.
Refer to the the mating components owners manual for specific torque recommendations. Always use the lower torque recommendation.
PREPARING THE HANDLEBAR

NOTE: Specialized carbon road handlebars are 31.8mm in diameter. Ensure that the diameter of the handlebar conforms to the diameter of the stem.
WARNING! Incorrect sizing interface can result in handlebar slippage and failure, causing serious personal injury or death.
Using a fine grit sandpaper, remove all burrs and square edges from the stem surfaces and brake lever clamp surfaces in contact with the handlebar.
WARNING! Burrs and sharp edges can dig into and damage the carbon surface of the handlebar. Any deep scratches or gouges can
weaken the strength and integrity of the handlebar.
Ensure that the clamping surface is free of any grease. Applying grease reduces the friction that is critical to proper stem/handlebar grip.
TECH TIP: Specialized recommends the application of carbon assembly compound (or carbon paste) between the seat tube and seatpost to
increase friction. See your Specialized authorized dealer if you have any questions.
INSTALLING THE HANDLEBAR

Center the handlebar in the stem and orient the handlebar to the desired angle.
1

Install the stem faceplate and lightly tighten the screws. Hand-tighten the bolts evenly and ensure that the
gap between the stem and the faceplate is even at each bolt location.

Torque the bolts in an alternating pattern (fig.1 for 4-bolt stems), increasing the torque in 5 in-lbf increments
until the specified torque is achieved.
Refer to the stem manufacturers recommended torque settings. Do not exceed Specializeds torque limit for
the handlebar at the stem interface.
4-BOLT STEMS: 40 in-lbf (4.5 N*m)
2-BOLT STEMS: 80 in-lbf (9.0 N*m)

INSTALLING THE SHIFT/BRAKE LEVERS

Remove the metal band clamp (Fig. 2-A) from the brake lever and install the band clamp on the
handlebar.
Place the band clamp in the approximate area where the shift/brake lever will be installed (Fig. 2-B)
and install the shift/brake lever on the band clamp.

WARNING! Do not twist the band clamp to install it on the handlebar. This can result in damage to
the surface of the carbon.

Adjust the shift/brake lever positions so that they are vertically and horizontally level with each other.
Refer to the shift/brake lever manufacturers instruction guide for proper torque recommendations.
Do not exceed Specializeds torque limit of 90 in-lbf (10.2 N*m) for the handlebar at the brake lever
interface.
A

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ADDITIONAL WARNINGS

Installation of aero handlebar extensions onto Specialized carbon road handlebars is not permitted. Any installation of aero handlebar
extensions can cause damage to the handlebar and will void the warranty.
Damage to composite is difficult to visually identify. If the external composite surface is dented, frayed, gouged, deeply scratched,
fractured, chipped or otherwise damaged, the component should be replaced. If a handlebar has suffered a crash or impact, even if no
damage is visible, Specialized or a Specialized authorized dealer should inspect the product.
Specialized carbon handlebars are made to be lightweight, and are not suitable for all riders and all possible uses. The rider weight limit
for this handlebar is 240lb (109kg). Failure to follow this warning may result in a catastrophic failure of the saddle, causing serious personal
injury or death.
For your safety, Specialized recommends that this product be replaced after 3 years of use.

WARRANTY

For the warranty provisions of this product, please visit www.specialized.com.

Related documents: Specialized Multi-Position Stem Instruction Guide (IG0299).

SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS

15130 Concord Circle, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 779-6229

IG0325 Rev.A, September 2010

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Please note all instructions are subject to change for improvement without notice.
Please visit www.specialized.com for periodic tech updates.
Feedback: techdocs@specialized.com