Peloton Bike: Add a Handlebars Adjuster to Move the Handlebars Closer

Welcome to the 694th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a dressing room right off of my master bedroom. Many years ago that room was a 5th bedroom but the first owners of my home walled off the door in the hallway to that room and cut a big opening in the master bedroom wall into the bedroom next door.

View of Worn Velvet Green Drapes During the Daytime

 

I sometimes wonder if/when I move one day, if the future owners of this home will turn that room back into a bedroom. Probably not since it gives the master bedroom a lot of usable closet and drawer space.

Peloton Bike in Dressing Area off Master Bedroom

 

This room is also where my Peloton cycle lives. I really enjoy taking spin classes and guided scenic rides on this bike. Lately, I’ve been trying some of the other classes they offer, although the spin classes are still my favorite.

Handbag Art for Dressing Room or Closet

 

If there’s one thing I’ve always wished I could modify on this bike, it’s the distance from the seat to the handlebars. If you are a taller woman or man or you don’t mind leaning forward into the handlebars when you bike, you probably don’t notice how far away the seat is from the handlebars. This bike is sort of a one-size-fits-all, although it is possible to move the seat of the bike forward a bit–and the height of the handlebars can be adjusted, too.

Even with the seat as far forward as it will go, I’ve always wished I didn’t have to lean forward as much as I do in order to reach the handlebars. I would like to be able to sit more upright while taking a spin class. My daughter-in-law who is a few inches shorter than I am doesn’t mind leaning forward at all–so I guess it’s just an individual preference thing. Anyway, I started wondering if someone had come out with an attachment that could be added to the handlebars for those of us who would prefer to sit more upright when biking.

Peloton Bike

 

Surprisingly, I ended up finding something even better! It’s a device that can be added to the vertical handlebar stem of the bike that allows the handlebars to be moved several inches forward or backward, whichever is needed. The handlebars adjuster is the horizontal piece you see there in the center of the photo below.

Handlebar Adjuster for Peloton Cycle Bike

 

Since returns were free if it didn’t work out, I decided to give it a try and ordered one. I would not have ordered it if it required disconnecting any of the wires or the electronics on the bike, but in watching the installation video prior to ordering, I could see that wasn’t going to be necessary at any point during the installation. All that was needed was a Hex Wrench, aka Allen Wrench, which came with the adjuster.

Peloton Bike Before Adding Handlebar Adjuster

 

To install the adjuster, I needed to unscrew 4 screws on this vertical column on the bike: the two you see facing forward (behind the cable) and a screw located on each side. You can see one of the side screws in this photo below. Those screws must have been put on with an electric screwdriver because they were on really tight. At first, I couldn’t get them to budge.

Peloton Bike, Install a Handlebar Adjuster

 

I remembered a hex wrench set with a ratcheting handle I had purchased a few years back when I had some deck furniture to assemble. It worked great and gave me the leverage I needed. Using one of the hex wrenches with the handle attached, I was easily able to loosen and remove the screws. If you find you need to use an Allen wrench from time to time, this set makes assembling anything that requires an Allen wrench much easier/faster. (Hex Wrench set is available here: Hex Key Wrench Set.)

 

After loosening and removing those four screws, I lifted the monitor off the vertical post of the bike and gently placed it in a chair I had pulled over to hold it.

Remove Peloton Handlebar, Monitor to Install Handlebar Adjuster

 

Then I placed the handlebar extender/adjuster into the opening on the vertical column that had previously held the handlebars/monitor. See that oblong hole/opening on the top of the adjuster–that’s where the handlebars fit back onto the bike.

Installing Handlebar Adjuster on Peloton Bike

 

Once the handlebars were back in place, they are held tightly in place atop the new handlebar adjuster with 4 screws that came with the adjuster. You can see one of those 4 screws on the left in the photo below.

Peloton Cycle, Steps to Install Handlebar Adjuster

 

Here’s how the handlebar adjuster looks in place. I hopped onto the bike, loosened the handle on the extender, slid the handlebars toward me, and then turned the handle to lock the handlebars back into place. I have to say, I absolutely LOVE this thing! I can now sit fully upright while taking a spin class–no more leaning my weight forward onto my hands/wrists to ride. I also love being able to look directly at the screen without my neck canted upward to see it. The extender in no way blocks the ability to stand up on the bike when the instructor calls for that and it doesn’t interfere with how anything else functions on the bike. The only adjustment I made to my previous settings was to lower the height of the handlebars by a couple of inches since the adjuster adds a couple of inches to the height.

Handlebar Adjuster for Peloton Cycle Bike

 

You can see in this photo how the adjuster let me move the handlebars 2-3 inches forward–definitely a game changer!

Handlebar Adjuster for Peloton Cycle Bike

 

Here’s how the adjuster looks when looking down on it. You can see all the different levels it can be adjusted forward and backward.

Peloton Bike, Bring Handlebars Closer for Shorter Riders

 

I’m not sure how long this device has been available but I wish I had known about it way before now! It was super easy to install, took me about 15 minutes. If you have a Peloton Bike and find the handlebars are further away from you than you would like when riding, I very much recommend this device. It’s not super inexpensive, but it feels nice and heavy/sturdy, and it does exactly what it claims to do. I also love that it’s made right here in the U.S. (I purchased this handlebar extender here: Handlebar Adjuster for Peloton Cycle/Bike.)

Handlebar Adjuster for Peloton Cycle Bike

 

Looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for this week’s Met Monday! Pssst: Did you know Between Naps On The Porch is on Instagram? You’ll find me on Instagram here: Between Naps On The Porch.

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Comments

  1. Debbie Taylor says

    I love reading your articles and I have bought some great stuff per your recommendations. We enclosed a patio and I am in love with yours however I am not as lucky to have one quite that large. I have a question regarding wicker furniture. I have been looking for over a year and just not sure who sells quality. I am wanting gray wicker swivels. I do not have room for a couch so was thinking either four swivel/glider or swivel rocker chairs or a couple plus a loveseat. Can you suggest reputable companies to buy from? I have looked at Wayfair and it is hard since you cannot try them out and I have never ordered from them so no idea about quality. I appreciate any help or suggestions.

    • Thanks, Debbie! It’s been so long since I purchased wicker furniture. I bought my swing from a company that had “Cape Cod” in the name…ordered it online. Just now when I did a search for the company, I couldn’t find it. The white wicker seating group on my porch came from Pier 1 so I was able to try it out before purchasing it.
      I know it’s scary ordering furniture online because it can be really expensive to return if you don’t like it once it arrives. I would lean more toward trying to find it in person like at Lowes or HomeDepot, if possible…or an outdoor patio furniture place. We have a few shops like that here in the Metro Atlanta area. Do you have any stores that sell outdoor furniture in your area–or a large city nearby that may have those kinds of stores?
      You may also want to check Amazon because at least you can read reviews before ordering.
      I had a very negative experience a few months back when I ordered from Wayfair. I ordered a bright, sunny yellow book cart from them and when it arrived, the color was nothing like it had appeared online. In person, it was a pale yellow. I was so disappointed. They don’t make it easy to do a return, you have to call them and beg for it pretty much. I called and the person I spoke with refused saying they don’t allow returns based on the color not being accurate. I asked to speak to a manager or supervisor who told me the exact same thing. I even sent them a photo of the cart they had shipped and they were still refusing, even though the color online was totally different.
      I was going to fight it through Amex (open a dispute) and told the manager that I would be doing that. She ultimately changed her mind and decided to let me return it. I told them I would never order from them again and I have not. I will not order from a company that won’t accept a return when the product is a different color than what was shown online. So, I don’t feel comfortable recommending ordering from them after my experience.

      • Debbie Taylor says

        Thank you so much for the advice. I have seen sets online at Home Depot, Lowes and Living Spaces but unfortunately not in stores. It is very frustrating but will keep looking.

        Thank you and Pam for your help.

    • Susan, I’m glad you were able to fix this issue for yourself. I know Peloton is a very popular brand, so I’m surprised they have not done a better job of accommodating those who are on the shorter side.

      Debbie, about 10-11 years ago I ordered an outdoor patio set (dining table and chairs) from a large, local outdoor furniture store. The brand was Adagio. I have to say, I’m impressed that it has held up this long. It IS showing some signs of wear, but they’re not too bad. I would suggest keeping it covered with patio furniture covers during the winter or harsh weather season. Just fyi. Good luck, I hope you find something you love. Oh, and I also wouldn’t recommend Wayfair. Just my 2 cents.

      • I think they’re on their 3 version of the bike, so maybe by now, they’ve addressed that…not sure. My dil and I have the first one, I believe. I know on the newer models, the monitor will swivel around so you can see it while taking one of their exercise/yoga/strength classes.

    • Oops, Debbie. I just remembered you have an enclosed patio so you probably wouldn’t need the furniture covers. Anyway, I hope you find something great. Good luck.

  2. Susan,
    Thanks again for hosting this lovely party every week! I know how much time goes into doing so and I want you to know that it is greatly appreciated!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

  3. Thanks for a great post….glad you will be more comfortable when you exercise. Thanks for hosting each week!

  4. cheryl sinks says

    I love the bedroom and dressing room just the way they are-otherwise the 2 bedrooms would be too small

    • Thanks, Cheryl! The other bedroom is actually bigger than it appears. They added all the built-in cabinetry and dressing table, plus two more closets with bi-fold doors down the other side. All that makes it look and feel a lot smaller than it was originally. I agree, though…the master would feel a lot smaller if it weren’t open to the dressing area.

  5. I could hug your neck! It never occurred to me to look for this type of device and I think it will be a game changer for me and my bike. I have a newer version and I have to say that while I love riding it and the exercise I get, it is not the most comfortable for the very reason you mentioned. I am 5’1″ and the seat doesn’t come forward quite far enough for me to ride without feeling like I am falling forward. I am so excited, I have already “added to cart” and will complete this purchase pronto as soon as I make sure Peloton has not resolved this issue with something of their own. Thanks again!

    • I was so hoping this post would help someone else with this issue…you made my day, Jen! I absolutely love it, definitely a game changer! Besides being awesome when sitting, my favorite way to cyle while standing now is to hold onto the arched part of the handlebar. It makes it so easy to ride/pedal that way now. Enjoy!

  6. Kathleen says

    You are always so helpful!

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