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Too far forward... MTB


The Ghost

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So as I mentioned in another thread, my saddle is as far forward as I dare have it (carbon rails) and when Im measuring on the bike the plumb line seems to be in the right place; the problem is that when Im riding I always find myself too far forward on the saddle.

 

What would the solution be?

Do I get a shorter stem (currently on 70mm)?

If I do, how will that affect the handling / climbing?

 

I've heard it said that a shorter stem is worse for climbing, is that in relation to how far back the rider is, or to the front end of the bike?

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Sorry I didn't hear/read a word you said avatar distracting me.... Can't talk .... blood rushing....to.....

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A shorter stem will most definitely help. Unfortunately it could affect climbing as you will have less weight over the front wheel, but the bikes handling in the technical stuff will improve.

What you can try is to get a shorter stem, but then play around with your head set spacers (stem stack) to get the bar position lower.

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Im 1.75m tall and its a 48cm I believe.

 

Top tube length = 595mm

Seat tube angle = 73

Head tube angle = 69

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One option to get the seat forward is to lower the seat.

 

Knee bend for mtb is supposed to be 25 to 35 deg, so you have a fair range of motion that will work.

 

Had the same problem on a GT i-Drive frame.

 

Edit: but the main thing is to get your centre of gravity right, and for that, you need to get a proper fit.

Edited by davetapson
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I am going to have a fit done soon, I just cant stop stressing that Im in for some big money for a new frame.

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I am going to have a fit done soon, I just cant stop stressing that Im in for some big money for a new frame.

BodyBikeFit will make it work best he can, you will be in good hands!
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I'm already riding a small frame (Scwinn Moab) but felt a little 'stretched out'. Didnt want to move the saddle and mess with leg angles so installed a 50mm stem and a backswept riser bar. made an enormous difference to my comfort and the bike's response on the singletrack

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I am going to have a fit done soon, I just cant stop stressing that Im in for some big money for a new frame.

Nah - will just set you up best for the frame you have. Likelihood is that it will be the right frame anyway.

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Richard, two things from me - whatever weight that may carry.

 

I'm a bit shorter than you and my ergofit effective top tube length on my mtb comes to 59 - so I don't think you need to worry too much about a new frame! (since you've got 595mm now) Relax and go for the fit!

 

Secondly - it may be a habitual thing. No matter how perfectly set up I am or what saddle I ride, I very often find myself on the tip of the saddle as soon as I'm "working hard". I am at the moment concentrating on working on that, but this may also be the case for you that it's not a fit thing, just a habit.

 

Go get the (proper!) fitting. It'll easy the mind and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes. And, like many people said, a good fitter can make a frame that is not perfectly sized work (obviously withing limits).

 

Good luck and hopefully you can go out there and just enjoy the ride soon without worries! :thumbup:

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hmm, also check that your seat is level. if it's tipped a bit downward you could be sliding forward

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Sorry I didn't hear/read a word you said avatar distracting me.... Can't talk .... blood rushing....to.....

 

I must admit.... That is one fine pic

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