Tools necessary for correct installation :
- Allen keys 3/4/8mm
- Torx key 25
- Torque wrench with Allen heads size 3/4/8mm and Torx T25
- Assembly grease
Mount the stem on the steerer tube of the fork and make sure the top of the stem is above the top of the tube by around 2 to 3 mm. You can adjust the height of your stem on the tube by adding headset spacers. http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/ride-alpha-3x5mm-spacers-top-cap-alloy-bolt-black-c2x16199192
Grease the steerer tube top cap screw (head + thread).
Tighten the top cap screw with an 8mm Allen key until you start feeling some resistance.
Remove the 4 stem bolts with a 4mm Allen key.
- Position the handlebar together with the stem
- Use a 4mm Allen key to tighten the 4 stem bolts with the handlebar attached but without tightening them too much for now
- The machined area ensures better grip between the stem and the handlebar
- Choose the right position of the bars by using the laser marks. The stem must be mounted exactly in the middle of the bar
Once you have chosen the right position of the handlebar, check the stem bolt torque with a 4mm Allen torque wrench. It has to be 6.5 Nm.
You can modify the position of your brake levers and gear shifters after loosening the clamp bolts (Torx T25 for SRAM, 4mm Allen key for Shimano). Use the specific laser marks on the handlebar to get it right.
- The mounting area for the brake levers, gear shifters and grips has also been microblasted. It allows for better grip between these components and your handlebar so there is no need to exceed the recommended bolt torque.
- You can tighten the clamp screws to 3 Nm using the Torx T25 torque wrench tool.
Now it's time to mount the grips. The lock-on clamps have placement markings that match with the bars so that their position is perfectly symmetrical.
The RIDE APLHA grips are also ergonomic and should be mounted in a specific way. You will find the LEFT/RIGHT labels on the clamps to help you.
Adjust the position of the grips, so that the inside of your thumb can rest comfortably on the flat zone of the grip.
Tighten the clamp to a torque of 3 Nm using the torque wrench with a 3mm Allen bit.
You can now align the stem according to the position of the front wheel and tighten the bolts (2 x 4mm Allen screws on the side of the stem) to a torque of 6 Nm using the torque wrench with a 4mm Allen bit.
