DieselnDust Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 Had an issue with bar width when I got into MTB a year ago. Did an awful lot of research, paid for bike fitting etc. finally got it down to a couple of points.(I have a broken neck and other issues that make a good bar width absolutely essential) Firstly, bar width relates to shoulder width. I found that doing a comfortable pushup gives a good indication of required width. Do a pushup with a tape measure between your hands. Distance between the outside your hands approximates a good bar width for comfortable width. Second issue is the stem length. Assuming your seating position is good for you, a good start position relies on the nose of the saddle. Put the point of your elbow on the nose of the saddle, extend your arm and hand towards the handlebar. The furthest point you can reach with your fingertip whilst keeping your elbow in contact with the saddle nose is where your handlebar should be. Sounds a bit simple, but its about a good seating position that keeps your hands, back and neck in the most stable and comfortable position. I went from 640mm bars and 90mm stem to 780 bars and a 35mm stem. Also no more hand and back pain. We used that fitment back in the 90's and some of my older club mates say it was how they fitted their bikes in the 60's and 70's
Grease_Monkey Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 We used that fitment back in the 90's and some of my older club mates say it was how they fitted their bikes in the 60's and 70'sJa nee, those methods can't be trusted anymore. So dependent on the type of bike, type of riding you do, and handling characteristics you want. I'm comfy with a long stem and 760 bars on the one bike, 800mm bars and short stem on the other. The short and the long, get a few second hand stems and bars and play around - they are cheap items and can always be flogged once you find the ideal setup.
Dicky DQ Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 seriously doubt that I am borderline between medium and large. I went with a large, it's only an inch longer in seat tube than my previous medium but more reach and longer wheelbase.Everything is lekker comfy with no pain just think the bar could be even wider.Damn gonna be a bit tight in the singltracks
DieselnDust Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 seriously doubt that I am borderline between medium and large. I went with a large, it's only an inch longer in seat tube than my previous medium but more reach and longer wheelbase.Everything is lekker comfy with no pain just think the bar could be even wider. wanting the bar to be wider tells me you are hankering for more reach. Longer stem maybe
Me rida my bicycle Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 wanting the bar to be wider tells me you are hankering for more reach. Longer stem maybe had a longer stem and got back pain. I have a rather big upper body chest, shoulders, arms. Just wanna try a 800+ to see if there's a difference.
Me rida my bicycle Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 Damn gonna be a bit tight in the singltracksmost of Tygerberg trails are open. Stellenbosch/dirtopia might be a bit tight and Rhebokskloof 1 or 2 places.
Grease_Monkey Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 Damn gonna be a bit tight in the singltracksPretty much everyone I ride with incl myself use 780-810mm bars, no issues on any trails at all.
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