Bike Handlebars not controlling the wheel?

Question: My bike is broken. I went to class, locked my bike up, and when I got back, the handlebars do not control the front wheel at all. Before this, the handlebars could move off to the sides a bit, so they looked crooked, but it still controlled the wheel. I was able to pull the handlebars out quite far, because I was just looking around to see If I could find the problem. It's a magna mountain bike.. I don't really have any idea what the problem is, any ideas? Someone said I just might need to tighten the handlebars? But there is no control over the wheel at all..

Answer: I think your bike, like most Magna bikes, is equipped with a quill stem. The stem is that part that clamps to your handlebars, and connects to the steerer tube of your fork. The steerer tube is the part of the fork that goes up through your frame. A quill stem inserts into the steerer tube. With your description of symptoms, your stem is loose in its fit with the steerer. There should be a visible bolt head on the top side of the stem, right over the part that inserts into the steerer--either a standard hexagonal head or an Allen-wrench type. Rotate this bolt clockwise to tighten, while clamping your front wheel between your legs, and holding the stem with your other hand so that it is parallel with the front wheel. Some quill stems have the bolt in a recess that is covered by a plastic cap. Pry the cap off and you'll see the Allen-wrench head. Still, your stem may be the type that clamps directly to the steerer tube (or even to an adapter tube). Tighten the bolts. This should solve your problem. If it doesn't, it would be best that you go to your local bike shop.

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