|   Seat/Bar Height????? | Stone
Oct 31, 2001 6:02 PM | | I have read that your handlebar should be 2" or less below your saddle height. I am running an Easton 120mm 0 deg stem with Easton riser bar and the bar is about 3 inches below the seat height. I was using a 135mm 15 deg stem, but it felt too long.. I am only 5'11'..
Is it just a matter of preference???? I do mostly XC....
Thanks,
Stone |
| I may just be Talkin' Out My Ass....But | T O M A
Nov 1, 2001 6:19 AM | | on my ss i like a more upright position, i've got a 15° rise 120mm stem and an azonic 2" riser bar. the bar levels out just above my seat, this allows me to shift my weight forward and aft, side to side a lot easier. this also helps to keep the weight back when descending mammoth log ramps and tall drops. The only time i would want a lower bar position is when climbing steep stuff. but with a ss, if it's so steep that my front end starts hunting, i'm going to be out of the saddle anyway!
of course, it's all about what you're comfortable with!
TOMA |
| It is riding style and personal preference | shiggy
Nov 1, 2001 9:40 AM | | In general, higher bars work better for steep downhills and riding over/down drops and other obstacles. Lower bars are better for climbing and other "power" riding (the position is better for applying power to the pedals.
I am 6-feet tall and the top of my bars are about an inch below the saddle and the drops are about 6-inches lower than the saddle (and about the same place I would have straight bars). I have been using this setup for over 13 years. I do not ride big "stunts" but I have little problem riding down steep slopes, 18+ inch drops, over logs and rocks (I had a great time riding Galbraith Mt. and the Black Diamond Tr. with the Bellingham crew). On the flats and climbs I just motor along. Riding on the brakes hoods (~3 inches below the saddle and farther forward) is a good cruising position for the flats and some climbing. Any higher than this and I feel like I am sitting at the dinner table and can not apply much power to the pedals. |
| Trail-Pimpin' comes in all sorts of flavors... | T O M A
Nov 1, 2001 10:41 AM | | from Drop Bars... to Risers...
....to...
"The Dominator" |
| It is riding style and personal preference | SS Kevin
Nov 1, 2001 10:58 AM | | Agreed. Lower bars are better for out of the seat power climbing. I have short legs. So I've never had a bike that has handlebars lower than the seat. Most of my bikes have the handlebars and seats at the same level. The most important thing is that you're comfortable. |
| re: Seat/Bar Height????? | bill/sjca
Nov 1, 2001 4:52 PM | | if it feels good do it.
try different setups, and flip the stem to get more drop, or rise as needed.
I find +/- 2 inches works for me. My SS is level, and my gear XC bike is about 1" lower at the bar.
for steep downhill stuff, most like a higher bar. For stem lenght, if the handelbar blockes the view of the front hub, it is close to correct lenght for the type of riding I do. When it fits and feels good you will know it. |
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