Question about bike fitting?

L

Lindsay S

New member
I bought a mountain bike a few weeks ago and have a question about adjusting it. I've been researching online about how to correctly adjust the seat, handlebars, etc. I know that at the lowest point, your legs are supposed to be almost straight but slightly bent, that the handlebars are supposed to be the same height as the seat, and that when you are straddling the bar thing there's supposed to be like 2-5 inches or so, right? My question is does it really matter how high the seat is compared to me when I'm standing on the ground? My legs are slightly bent at the lowest point, but it seems like the seat is too high. Does that matter? I'm kind of a short person. About 5'1".
 
You are right about the clearance on the frame - for road riding you can go with less, for trail riding you'll want a little more.

For the seat, it depends on your riding style. For smooth riding (paved) the seat is best up so that your leg is almost, but not quite, straight. At this point you will probably only be able to reach the ground with one foot, and it might feel to high, but it isn't.
If you do more off roading, you should lower it some more so you don't get yourself in the groin. It will also give you a better position for downhills.

Handle bars are a personal preference. Some people like them lower so they can lean over aerodynamically, others like them higher for a comfortable riding position. The seat most certainly does not need to be at the same level as the bars, it's just a good starting point.
 
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