HOW TO: Handlebar Position | The Perfect Cockpit Set Up

[@MILTONATOR]

It’d be cool if you could do a part 2, Aaron. Stem, spacers, overall stack height. Thanks for this.

[@dingusmagee3326]

length spacers and stack height are all going to be personal to your body type, preferences, and frame and size of frame. this information would literally be useless to 99.9999999% of viewers

[@MILTONATOR]

@@dingusmagee3326 bro, his personal setup in this video is also “personal preference” 🙄 but ok 👌

[@dingusmagee3326]

@@MILTONATOR he's providing general setup tips, and you're asking for precise measurements that will not translate to your setup whatsoever. sure the numbers might be interesting, but looking into them in great detail is a waste

[@patbarraza5943]

I think it would be interesting to hear his process behind changing stack height, stem length, etc. I’m sure he it changes per track and conditions. We could all apply his processes of when and why change set up to our own bikes.

[@roryswann6166]

@@dingusmagee3326 In this video he’s talking about his process for setting up cockpit to achieve your own specific position. There is literally no difference if he did the same process of explanation but for a different aspect of fit/setup. All of the factors you mention as being problematic are irrelevant to both, as you follow his process which accounts for these factors (he even says that in the video). Durrrrr!

[@RichardUttingSharpshootingUK]

I thought I was the only one who cared so much about these little details ! Love it ! Thanks man. Super interesting, in-depth vid for sure 👍🏼

[@ericrollins4607]

Saw 18 mins, thought WAY TOO LONG. Ended up watching the whole thing -- very helpful.

[@GwinnerTube]

Haha thanks! I try to make the videos as long as I need to get all the information out that I feel is valuable and no longer. 👊🏼

[@GnarlyBearMTB]

Aaron, this video was a game changer for me. ESPECIALLY the tip on handlebar roll and aligning it towards your head angle. I adjusted my bars, went out for a ride, and noticed an immediate difference. I felt way more stable over chunk, and my bunny hops were much more powerful. I also felt more centered over drops. Before, I would always lean forward a bit on drops. I think it's because my handlebars were rolled a bit more vertically. I can't believe how big of a difference this made.

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

Where do you align it in reference to the bar and head tube ? Lookin at the bike from the side . Am I looking to align the bar ends to be inline with the head tube ? Or am I suppose to align the rising part of the bar to the head tube ?

[@GnarlyBearMTB]

@@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo align the rising part of the bar with your head tube

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

@@GnarlyBearMTB cheers buddy !

[@jokermtb]

This is going to help a lot of riders

[@coreystrong4384]

I have just found your channel and watched this video. Hands down the most informative video on bar set up I have watched. Thank you

[@socaladv2557]

This video has completely changed the way my bike feels, I am so much more planted. Thanks so much!

[@GwinnerTube]

Heck YA!

[@saki04]

Love when pros share their knowledge💕

[@SudoChuckwalla]

I am a simple man. I see Gwin setup video I watch.

[@LagBomer]

The King just issued His decree! That's exactly what we needed. You know who's talking? Man, we all are taking notes. And we all want more of this: Personal, confidential information publizised for all of us down below. This video is not for beginners. It's for those who have years of experience setting their cockpit, and have watched all the youtube existing videos on the subject. This is private information to his teammates. And we all got it!!!

[@LoweredLife14]

Since you've started this video on how to set up a handlebar, you might as well make a series of videos, and the next stop may be sharing your preference of handlebar height, stem, preferred diameter of handlebar, and so on down to every last part of a mountain bike. Also, add some close-up shots of the component to get movement on the video instead of shooting straight from a tripod. Overall, thanks for this excellent video info. Keep it up. The whole world is watching.

[@GwinnerTube]

Great ideas, I’ll work on a follow up soon hopefully. Also, my wife is my tri pod currently. 😂🤘🏼

[@Couffee]

We need more content! Hope all is well Aaron, I’m sure you’re a busy guy! Thanks for all you do!

[@thomasstepat2642]

This was awesome…. Very clear explanation on the setup process!! Thanks!!

[@tonkshred]

Appreciate this.. I had this set up style for years then was told to change it up with my first modern mtb…rolled forward bar and levers up. Hasnt been fun, just knifed bad at kitsuma - fell 4x as much in my enduro race… elbows killing me. Less interest in ride, but the change i guess had to happen so I experienced what it was like. Back to comfort for me!!!

[@bikeninja956]

Great run down. Thanks!

[@STLMTB]

Just wanted to let you know that after your video I went over my entire cockpit setup and made adjustments and what a massive difference it made. Thanks for posting this and inspiring me to take a look at things that I thought were fine, but needed some tweaking.

[@dirtrider77at]

thanks mr.chainless !!!!!!! best ever tuning tips for moto and mtb .........

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Dude, this video is so good!

[@bigdaddy007007]

Great vid. Can't wait to see more content from a true American champion!!

[@miroslavpipa5119]

Like a pro-fessor of MTB. Great lecture.thanks

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

This is a good watch. I do all the things you say here, but still good to know I was doing it right. 👍🏼

[@bonozil]

I'm so glad that I stumbled on to this video, makes a lot of sense to me

[@rumblefishes]

Good vid, super clear, and no one knows better!

[@lucafrancescocontardo9927]

Great mention with Carmichael, nice explanation!!!

[@ivanrybkin9384]

It’s great that you make a direct correlation with MX techniques and set-up, makes more sense for folks that do both

[@lmankj]

Some great tips, thanks!

[@toddgrant6133]

PraiseTheCameraMan! Clear instruction and demonstration with stable picture is just perfect. This is very helpful not only for downhill riders, but also cross-country riders, and commuters riding non drop bars. Everything is straight to the point and provided with perfectly logical reasoning, thanks for the tips.

[@LivingWithTheCoopers]

This was a bit of an eye opener for me, it's super important to have the most ergonomic way of doing anything you spend a lot of time doing. I'm a professional bass player, and a similar video dealing with the ergonomics of how you play got rid of tonnes of issues that reduced repetitive strain, increased manoeuvrability and control in general. The same idea of keeping your wrists straight for the most part is a huge game changer, it will eventually work it's way through your entire arm, through your fingers, up to your shoulders. With the amount of time we can all spend in the saddle these days, with ebikes and generally more places with uplifts, this should be fundamentally ingrained into all of us. Thanks for the video man!

[@hardtailparty]

Great tips, I learned something new (bar roll should be set for downhills, not on flats). I already did that with lever angle, but not bar roll. Thanks for the tips.

[@hambo76]

I set my bar roll for maximum height because no one wants to make a frame with a decent stack height (that's not a Banshee Paradox!)

[@hardtailparty]

@@hambo76 stack heights seem to be getting taller lately.

[@hambo76]

@@hardtailparty That's good to see!

[@mtbboy1993]

I usually set it up on flat first, to get a base to start from, then do downhills, and see if it works. For me a medium back and upsweep works well, I set it up to be somewhere in the middle angle wise too, but that's what works for me. but testing is important. so testing it on the downhill is not a bad idea.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@hambo76 that might fatigue your wrists, and feel weird, I suggest getting a higher riser ba, my bike is tall, but I have a high riser bar. test the different stem height to see which reach fits you better, lowering stem increases the effective reach, rising shortens it, a high riser bar will put you in a higher and more upright and relaxed position. you will be more relaxed, but keep in mind if your bike has too short reach it will still feel wrong.

[@sohaibyounus]

This is exactly what I asked you about in the last video, really glad to see the indepth.

[@mds1422]

Great video. You should do a video on what types of cross training (or skills training) you do with other types of bikes, like pump/BMX track, trail riding, road riding, motocross, etc. Thanks.

[@TheJofrica]

Maybe he takes his handlebars and puts weights on the end of them and bench presses them, since it's already at the optimal strength position. Lol jk

[@antonjellinghaus5514]

very nice video, very informative

[@mtnrush666]

Best bike setup video I've watched. Really liked the optimizing your setup from a strength perspectice.

[@jacobfromerth4589]

Very detailed! Thank you!

[@SergioGarcia39]

You should make a manual and wheelie tutorial 🙌🤙

[@Happyhealthykitchen]

Yes!!!!

[@Dwyeb73]

Devil is in the details as the old sayin goes These tips separate the pros from the casual inexperienced and newer riders. Great tips from a guy who knows his stuff!!

[@useport80]

if you need ideas for the next one, can you discuss how you pick you stem length/height and how many stem spacers you run? many say to run whats comfy, but many of us beginner riders dont know what feels good and lack the proprioception. i'd be curious to hear what a seasoned rider like yourself would recommend

[@GrahamvandeRuit]

I agree, and was about to ask for the same thing. I don't think you need to be a beginner to benefit from good advice on this. I used to think I liked a low stack because otherwise the front wheel felt disconnected when doing manuals or hops, but that was on old 26ers. Now I've found I like the bars a bit higher and it helps with confidence on the descents. But I'd love to hear how you pick your stem length, stack height, and bar height.

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

What “feels good” is OFTEN wrong when it comes to performance ergos On dynamic machines. I hope Aaron will explain his logic as well!

[@riderseyemtb]

Wow! Pretty much spot on with how I do it. Stoked. For some reason I didn't think we would have the same philosophy. Thanks!

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

Super HELPFUL! This is the kind of video I comb the internet for that actually educates me on how to setup my kit for RIDING and not just because it feels good in the driveway when I am setting stuff up. Great Info!

[@gw8390]

Sweet! Nice info!

[@fated6635]

All points explained perfectly Thank you

[@raheemgahelable]

Golden!! 🤘🤘🤘

[@MKABMproduction]

This is the most detailed tutorial for handle bar set up i have watch.. yiiieeww thanks my idol for this free tips 🤘🤘🤘

[@CristianBurr]

Super insightfull, specially bar roll with bodyposition and weight over the bike. I just switch to a shorter stem to get my weight more over the back wheel since I felt I was skidding all over the place when I could have tried rolling the bar back. Def gonna give this a try

[@rider65]

You could also slightly adjust the fore & aft saddle position.

[@thomasamos4055]

This video deserves more likes

[@khenryw]

That was super informative and well described. So much of this was a mystery to me. Thanks Aaron.

[@ChrisJuliano]

Awesome video! Keep them coming learned alot!

[@jonnysnakes5417]

That was cool, Would be sweet to get a vid on suspension setup for different situations like how u might setup for steep terrain or what u would do for really wet muddy rooty stuff n big jumps and drops

[@rebootbfm]

Amazing video, you destroyed some of the myths of the genre !

[@MattGlynn]

Awesome Aaron! keep posting these no pro riders doing this! Really appreciate it thank you.

[@nikoyannaros48]

I was riding 10 years these 7°/5° handlebars, too. It is perfect for me on my old bikes. It doesn't work on my new bike. Longer reach, 9° back sweep, wider handlebars. 👌

[@joshuajames1178]

Thanks! This video is amazing. I’m about to become a new owner of rental bars and Odi grips.

[@mtbmike6414]

Need to set up mine great tips

[@grzegorzporowinski]

Great to know your point of view, great video, thank you! :)

[@tohsrae]

This video is extremely helpful, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge!

[@leonunes9788]

Thank you. Solid tips here.

[@underbikedoverconfident1142]

So much useful information in one video. I too like to grab onto end of the bar so I'll be picking up a set of those grips now I know they are designed for it.

[@tipfi92]

a video on how to setup suspension (DH and Enduro bike) and what it's like to develop a bike with intense, yt or any bike brand you ridden

[@johnrunkel9131]

As others have said a video on what types of cross training you do would be nice. For me specifically what type of resistance training or body weight training do you do that helps you ride better. I know I was best at riding when I was physically strongest so it would be interesting to hear what specific lifts help you.

[@tadejpeckaj1151]

Nice instructions. Cant wait to get a new bike to set it up!

[@fletcherluders415]

Thank you for making this video, it was very helpful! 😊

[@mertMK3]

Great How To Video, keep these Videos coming, I will definitely check my setup according to your advice. Thanks from Germany!

[@erwinalbsone859]

thanks for the guidelines Champ 💪

[@KOM-jh]

Okay so why hasn't anyone perfected a video like this!? Very useful info if I can get this stuff to work! Stem length and seat position? THANKS

[@GwinnerTube]

Thank you! I'll consider covering your additional points in future videos, thanks!

[@danbourne11]

After many many years I randomly tried this the other day. Aligning the bar angle with the head tube angle. I’m going to roll them forward just the tiniest bit but on the whole it made picking the front up so much easier!

[@leezy7201]

Appreciate the time, man!

[@reggieringgoldjr68]

Straight Lines are Strong, and Angles are Weak........🤝🏾🇺🇲💪🏾The Lever Positioning is what I'm getting at Brother. Great Video, and I just Subscribed.

[@joecanuck3751]

You explain well how to approach cockpit setup and I'm totally going to do all your steps. One thing missing is bike-fit reach. Without reach being correct, folks are going to wonder why they aren't hitting their performance/comfort expectations when everything else is correct.

[@jacksondaniels8169]

This is great info.. I to as well spend days getting my setup right on a new bike.. Everything he hit on I agree 💯 with.

[@mtbalpinecounty]

Ahh. Bar roll.. I still try to set up my rides with risers flat turn. Now I get it.. That can account for certain situations that I've experienced in steeps and deep at speed. This one will be a game changer!..

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

I've used grips from Oury, PNW, and Bontrager, but I'm on my 4th set of AG-2 grips now, and won't use anything else. Thanks for all the "pro tip" videos!

[@promodsteve7882]

Great vid and very detailed.

[@bike_somm]

Heck yes.. touch my bars or lever 1mm one way or the other and my bike is now someone else’s bike.. lol, As a golf pro I’m obsessed with everything lining up and being balanced angle wise.. These tips are not to be taken lightly! Playing with the degrees 1 - 2mm at a time makes a huge difference and will help you ride better with & without your hands on the bars! Going a touch over and under sometimes will allow you to calibrate between extremes much better and you’ll find what feels comfortable quicker 🤘🏼 balance is different for everyone so there’s no right or wrong way but touching both ends of the spectrum setup wise will reveal what may work best for you! Awesome tips Aaron and love seeing how much attention to detail you’ve got dialed down to your own science 🧬

[@jsnsanchez]

Great job. Exactly how I’ve done it for… well, forever🤣. A buddy I ride with told me about how the frenchies are riding with their levers totally flat. My response; That’s great if you’re only going down 45 plus degree slopes and your butt is past the rear axle all day, but even DH runs have all sorts of variety. Great descriptions and explanations!

[@calypso2niner]

This was great, thank you! I would definitely like to hear more about stem, spacers as well!

[@MrksGrsh]

Fantastic video. One of the most interesting topics is rebound speeds. Running it fast but not to fast is really tricky.

[@jeremyporterfield1611]

This is really good. I like how you focused on what's driving your decisions - ie what to think about. I also appreciate the outtakes at the end. I think including those as you go forward will help bring not just your skill, but your entertainment factor up. And super props to your wife!

[@stevedouglas8690]

Aaron - thanks for putting this together. Hadn’t considered times I experienced front wheel knifing due to the bar rolled too far forward.

[@Rey_2381]

Really liked the video and looking forward to future content. I think the only thing missing from this video would have been seat height set up? Anyway your the professional and looking forward to more insights in bike setup, riding etc.

[@CaptainTeebsHotels]

Used to always think they should vertical just tried rolling my bars back to inline with forks and cornering is soo much better. Legend

[@davidscullion2379]

Great video. Brilliant explanation of handlebar setup . Thanks👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Ganiscol]

Thats pretty comprehensive cockpit talk and delivered with the confidence of a cockpit puzzler 😁 I had bar roll on my radar but did not put as much importance in it as is probably warranted, given the reasons provided in this video. Will have to revisit that. Looking forward to more insights!

[@martinlloret7995]

Increíble video…. very good explanation Thanks 🤝🔥🚲

[@arnie2103]

I enjoyed this video. Post more videos, especially on technique.

[@gaboleo94]

I once saw this video when I was starting to mountain bike, had my first race a couple weeks ago and didint do too well but i remember about this video and now i get why i was getting so arm pumped :S thanks mr gwin

[@Rambles123]

I'm working on fixing up a "run hard & put away wet" Mongoose Durham 29' and the bars have been my sticking point until now. Awesome info

[@NorminkoDH]

Rotating my grips actually felt really good

[@Skogmtb]

Great tips thank you , made a huge difference on a trail ride this afternoon 👍

[@MattMcNamara]

Great stuff Aaron....spot on analysis of the "why's"

[@tamiperrin7051]

Great video, thanks! Perfect length and amount of info 👌

[@harryls1283]

That is a good advise when it comes to handlebar width. Thanks bro 🤙

[@ElCanaldelNoriega]

Aaron, please make a video for sweet setting suspensions, one thing is having a rideable suspension but another thing is having race setup suspensions, thanks

[@utahjohn5480]

I adjust the grips BEFORE cutting the bars. yes the bars overhang the grips, but for testing it's fine. If the hands are inboard of the grips (when comfortable), try narrowing the grips. Cut last.

[@jeremycox8261]

I’ve just discovered your channel Aaron. You have a very easy way of explaining things. Great stuff

[@waltw8230]

Interesting I wasn’t too sure what angle to run my bars so I’m going to recheck that as for the grips and levers I run it pretty much how you do. Very helpful thanks man!

[@William.Driscoll]

Thank you for bringing this level of breadth & depth of information & perspective. The quality is sincerely appreciated. Wishing you & your team a sustainably successful season.

[@djkram650]

Great vid! Learned something new today thanx!

[@juanpamoya107]

Thanks for the video Aaron!

[@SunSnowGravity]

This was clear and definitely got something to try. I'm quite surprised that so many aspects must be considered on the handlebar but it totally makes sense.

[@RafaelGamer43210]

SIMPLE Y CLARO!!! THANKS... GREATINGS FROM CHILE