How High Should My Mountain Bike Handlebars Be

Bikes with handlebars that are too high can make it difficult to reach the ground, which can cause accidents. The handlebars should be high enough to allow you to comfortably touch the ground while still being able to sit on the seat.

Should handlebars be higher than seat on mountain bike?

Your handlebars should be about 1 or 2 inches higher than your seat as too high can also cause problems. So it should be high enough that you can go downhill without stress, but still low enough that you can climb without leaning forward too much.^[1]

How high should handlebars be compared to seat?

In general, most recreational riders will do well when the handlebar on their road bike is 1-2 inches below the top of their saddle. Remember, your hands will most likely be resting on the brake hoods, which are a bit lower than the top of the bar.^[2]

Should my handlebars be lower than seat?

As a general rule of thumb, you want the top of the handlebar about as high (or higher than) the saddle, unless you’re a sporty rider looking to ride fast. Try touching your elbow to the nose of the saddle and reaching forward towards the handlebar with your hand.^[3]

How do I know if my handlebars are too low?

When a bike’s handlebar is too low, you’ll know about it. Symptoms include tingling and numbness in the hands, aches and pains in the shoulders, neck, and lower back, and soreness or numbness in the nether regions. The same problems can result from the handlebar being too far forward.^[4]

Why are mountain bike handlebars so low?

Generally speaking, a lower handlebar height reduces your centre of gravity. By placing more weight over the front wheel, you increase traction. Additionally, a lower bar height provides a more centred position between both wheels to improve bike control, especially during climbing.^[5]

How high should a MTB stem be?

The standard size for most modern mountain and road bikes, with typical lengths of between 35mm and 80mm for MTB stems, 80mm and 100mm for gravel bikes and 90mm to 140mm for road bikes.^[6]

How high should my bike stem be?

Also pay attention to the height of your bike stem, which should be about an inch below the top of your saddle. This will make it easier to use the drops of your handlebars without discomfort. Typically the ideal configuration is to have zero to 20mm of spacers and a stem that is 90mm to 120mm.^[7]

How do I know if my bike seat is too low?

Your foot is flat on the ground. Knee pops or clicks. Knee pain. Lack of pedal power.^[8]

Why are some bike seats higher than the handlebars?

The saddle of some bikes is higher than the handlebar to put the rider in a more aerodynamically favorable position. A low handlebar allows the rider to lean forward more, which reduces the drag. This makes a measurable difference at 16 mph (25.5 km/h) and above. This is called an aero position.^[9]

Are your feet supposed to touch the ground on a bike?

The height of your saddle is important for the most comfortable position and safe riding style. When you sit on the saddle, both feet should reach the floor and the balls of your feet should be touching the ground.^[10]

How low should MTB handlebars be?

The old rule of thumb that your handlebars should be level with your seat (at full climbing height) to 3 inches below your seat (at full climbing height) is a great place to start.^[11]

Does raising handlebars reduce reach?

Raising the bars gets them closer to you. When you raise your stem, it travels along that angle not just up, but back as well. So a shorter stem that also has rise to it, is going to not only get you less reach by being shorter i, but also, the additional height will also translate into reduced reach.^[12]