handlebar and head stem fit

[Jazzle]

just read the 'saddle angle' thread and decided to create this thread.

how do you know what is the optimal handlebar height, length and head stem angle and length for you??

i'm a noob to this whole bike fitting thing, i have ridden a lot of bike since i was a kid but i always just ride the bike as is, never paid attention to all these details until now.

i know it's probably a personal preference thing, but i'm thinking what feels comfortable to me might not be a 'proper' way

NOTE: aiii,, sorry, wrong section, could the mod please move it to the general bike discussion please?

[Justin Fox]

There are places that offer bike fitting at a cost. Personally I just use trial and error, first with what I've got, then if I reach the limits with what I've got I'll buy stuff (which is the expensive way).

Many bikes generally come set up for newbies. That's usually the most instantly comfortable position (bars right up, brake levers angled up, stem at the very top, saddle down = upright position). The main thing is that as you become more experienced on the bike you'll want to adjust your bike to suit your style of riding. It's all a pretty natural progression.

I suggest that you just keep riding, and start with getting your saddle height right first. That then will dictate whether or not your bars need to be raised or lowered. As for bar width. Run out and buy some lock-on grips. You can then slide these further in, simulating a narrower bar. If you like it further in then you can simply cut the bar down to size.

[Jazzle]

thanx justin, great advice there