How To Fit a Mountain Bike by Performance Bicycle

[@telephonic]

This is the best tutorial on mountain bike fitting on youtube.

[@davefool6815]

Unlike the football team you support lol.

[@sinerge2832]

This guide is better than the GMBN fit ones on youtube. Thanks!

[@grumpynerd]

I think the traditional road racer plumb bob test is somewhat unreliable, particularly for mountain biking. In isolation, what you are adjusting isn't how the leg puts down power to the pedal, but the fore-and-aft distribution of rider weight, which is both more critical and more variable offroad. I suspect this test might be useful for setting a limit for how far forward to put the saddle, but often you might want the weight a little further back than that. Also testing saddle height by one leg is unreliable because people can be asymmetrical in leg length and hip flexibility. In fact I have doubts about any static test. What you want to do is observe the height at which your hips start to rock as you pedal, and set the *maximum* height a little below that. In practice on the trail you'll often drop the seat quite a bit lower, and *this will also move the seat forward*, which is another reason to set the seat a little further back at maximum seat post extension. Fitting mountain bike is bound to be an iterative process. You can fit two identical riders exactly the same in the shop and what they experience on the trail is going to be different. So a procedure like this is a good way to set a starting point and to establish some limits, but a trail rider is going to have to learn to adjust his fit to conditions.

[@Bicifaidate]

Top video!

[@robertchauval2682]

Very clear straight forward tutorial on bike setup.

[@EndreWinWin]

Awesome how he's talking about beeing relaxed on the bike with that statue of a bike-rider on the saddle. Great video though.

[@sherifYZFr1]

I have a full suspension mountain bike but only use it on the road, any ideas on how to setup this bike to make it better for me? Cheers

[@PandaBearJelly]

andrew sherif You would honestly be better off selling it for a proper road bike. I know that's not what you want to hear but having a full suspension exclusively for road use is not ideal. It is the least efficient style of bike for flat surface riding.

[@gregoryvierra6114]

The proper setup would be for you to sell it and buy a road bike.

[@rjsal246]

I'm just about 5'6 and got a small frame rather than a medium is there any downsides to that?

[@performancebike]

if you can get a proper fit on the small... no, there is now down side.

[@Ivlodded]

The bike is just a tad too small for Eddy in my opinion, but sure that goes down to personal preference

[@BLAKEN910]

Thanks, I learned something In your video

[@beintesaiz08]

Hi that fuji hardtail looks great.. What model? I'm looking for my first mtb. Thanks in advance..

[@performancebike]

Ron Amurao Glad the information was useful. The Fuji in the video is a 2014 Tahoe 1.5 29er. We currently have the 2015 in stock Check it out here: www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1170178_-1_400327__400327

[@Hardcaslte]

lol just sounds funny: As you can see Eddy can't get back off the bike, and that's how we know the saddle height is set appropriately.

[@Create_o_raptor]

is it ok if the stand over height of a dirt jump bike is shorter than what i would require if i would consider a crosscountry bike? i ride to the trail which is like about 11 km frm home

[@n.aminr.7175]

that boy on the bike. He's a robot. lol

[@TWDxKILL3R]

amin roy ... reminds me of the eyebrows kid on We’re the Millers

[@Woogmoog]

I need a little help, I was riding my bike last weekend and we did like 22 miles, but in the middle of the course started a huge back pain along with some pain on the sides of my hip. I know that my bike fit isn't right but I can't seem to find a good fitting with it. My current bike is an old Kona Coiler which is supposed to be more all mountain than DH bike due to its geometry and travel of both suspensions. Ok that said my problem is, with a lower saddle it seems that there's no pain but I lose a humongous amount of power going uphill when needed. With the saddle higher I have more power but still I'm not able to keep up with hardtail bikes. So I'm kind of a little lost on what I need to do here. Thank you guys!

[@performancebike]

Let’s break this down into two parts. 1. Your power/ability to keep up with hardtails. You’re always going to have that on a full suspension bike, due to suspension compression while riding. If your rear suspension has a lockout, that can help. You may also need to adjust your gearing to give you more top end speed. 2. 2. Back and hip pain can be a number of things, and it’s hard to diagnose on the internet. Let us first say that we firmly believe that every bike should be fit to your body, something our Spin Doctors at your local Performance Bicycle store can help with. From your description though, it sounds like your saddle is also likely too far back in the rails, which can force you to have to reach too far to the handlebars and overtax your weaker hip flexor muscles. Try keeping your saddle at the higher height where you have good power, then moving the saddle forward no more than 2-5mm at a time and going for short rides after each adjustment to see how it feels.

[@Woogmoog]

Thank you so much for your input, I'm gonna give it a try but after I've watched this video I actually sat on my bike and did the measurements as you guys described on how to fit properly and I've found out that my saddle was too high and also as you guys "nailed it" it was far behind I've just discovered that by measuring my knee with the pedal but even after that I've got something really odd LOL, it seems to me that the angle of my leg when the pedal is at 6 o'clock is the right angle but I have the same angle when I try to use my heel, so if I raise my saddle up the angle would be wrong again. I still didn't have time to ride and see if there was any improvement but I will do as soon as possible. By the way, unfortunatelly I'm in Brazil so there's no way to reach one of your stores guys although I would love to do that, down here there's no such a thing as fitting when you're going to buy a bike, so it's really a bummer cause you have to learn the hard way. Thanks again, love your channel and I really appreciate the help.

[@PashaRozdestvensky]

Nice video, keep it up! :)

[@memelord2286]

Hello, I am 178cm with a slightly longer than average torso. Would a medium sized Giant Stance fit me?

[@performancebike]

for an correct sizing you will need to fine a Giant dealer and try one out.

[@williamsantiago7303]

I feel like I'm riding on the very top of the bike because my saddle is above the handle bars. I'd like my handle bars to be alot higher than they are and I have a thread less neck and I don't see alot of room to pull them up. When I'm riding I feel like my handle bars are down by my feet and I feel like i'm top heavy.I rode bmx all my life and the set up is totally different. This is going to take time to get use to. I'm 6'2" at 235 on a 26" bike.I need a taller neck and wider bar,any advise

[@performancebike]

William Santiago if you have fallowed the steps in this video and your still not comfortable it’s probably time to head to you local shop for some help. It’s hard to recommend any changes without seeing you and your setup together. Any local bike shop including your local Performance Store can assist you with this.

[@DylanDubstepxXx]

Performance Bicycle dude it would help me out a bunch!!! if you could tell me what's that thing that's holding the bike up so it wont roll off or anything.

[@bn880]

Magnetic bike trainer.

[@alonsodelapava4094]

Great video. Thnks !! I want to ask you something. I do mainly cross country. Should the seat be leveled at the height of the handlebar? I am currently riding a 29er, size frame 19.5 (Height 6.2" and leg measurement 35"), however I feel my seat is way to high compared to the handlebar. is that ok?

[@performancebike]

Alonso DE LA PAVA if you fallow the steps in the video and set your saddle height accordingly and now feel you saddle it to high compared your handlebar, the next step would be to raise you handle bars until you have the proper angel to your back with slightly bent arms. Don’t lower your saddle just because it looks to high compared to the handlebars.

[@andidastv4607]

Hi I'm 5'8 and i got large 19 frame with 27.5er. Do you think medium 17 frame would be better?

[@catbijoux1]

Yes medium frame is better for your height.

[@tahntalus]

Ok so I watched the video and it was a complete fail for me. My left foot rests firmly on the pedal when fully extended. My seat has been raised as high as it will go. Does this mean that my bike is too small?

[@thingsdemystified]

Andre Tosch Or your seat post too short

[@herknork]

Thanks man

[@viajeIectrico]

So frame/wheel size dont make a difference as long as saddle is propperly adjusted?

[@performancebike]

The simple answer is yes. As long as you can get the saddle properly adjusted wheel size and frame sized don't matter... Infarct the point of having different size frames is so you can get a frame that will allow you to properly adjust the saddle. But, saddle position is only part of the fit equation. You also have to have a frame that will allow you to get your handlebars in the correct position as well.

[@viajeIectrico]

I see... Thanks a lot for the info.

[@axegang7787]

hi sir zach! i just want to ask question, i have mountain bike medium size but my height is 5'4 and i feel dis is to big for me is there any solution for this to make it suitable tnx!! awesome video anyway ^^

[@performancebike]

AXe GaNG If you have fallowed the steps in this video and you feel too stretched out you may need a shorter stem. After that, if the bike still feels to big take it in to your local shop and have someone fit you. You may need a smaller frame.

[@axegang7787]

ok tnx sir zach for ur advice it helps a lot john from philippines ^^

[@arti9734]

As a full suspension, downhill rider, do I need to fully extend my leg like the hardtail position?

[@performancebike]

+Arti in this video you should notice that the leg extension on the Hardtail and on the Full Suspension Enduro bike were the same. the difference was in the angel of the back and hips/saddle. Any time you are in the saddle pedaling your leg extension should be the same. That's why Dropper post as so come these days, because you can get correct leg extension on climbs and flats and still get the saddle out of your why when the trail get's technical or steep. That being said on mountain bikes with out a Dropper Seat Post it's OK to lower the saddle a little to give you more clearance on technical trails. As for true Down Hill riding go ahead and slam that post, any peddling your going to be doing will most likely be out of the saddle anyway.

[@danielknauff5905]

Im 6'0 and have a( large 29 in.) I want to purchase. Will this bike be big enough for me

[@5lstar]

Hi i am 6 foot 1 250 ibs i was wondering should get 29 or 27.5 . the 26 felt to small?

[@performancebike]

Wheel size is a mater of choice. It comes down to what feels right to you and your riding style. Once you do decide on the wheel size that's right for you fallow these steps to make sure you get a proper fit.

[@unknownuser1357]

I like the intro

[@MaQuGo119]

How do I know what causes wrist pain and lower back pain?

[@performancebike]

Wrist pain usually is caused by to much pressure on your wrists from leaning to far forward. Lower back pain can be caused by a number of different issues. Your saddle may be at an incorrect height or positioned to fare back. It can also be cause by having to aggressive an position and leaning to fare forward.

[@MaQuGo119]

Performance Bicycle Thanks, hopefully I will solve this.

[@marsrran4922]

how do i install a mountain bike in a trainer stand is so difficult i can't do it

[@hanialzaid8460]

would you recommend using a smoother tyre with the trainer? isnt a mountain bike tyre too noisy? and wouldnt the trainer eat at the MTB tyre?

[@thenerdycanadian7172]

pretty sure it's only on there for the bike fit, but you could put on a slick for using a trainer over winter

[@weasraf]

what brand of bicycle trainer is that..

[@performancebike]

+Wan Mohd Asraf (Wea) that is a Kinetic trainer. You can check out all there trainers on there brand page: www.performancebike.com/bikes/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10052&categoryId=400864&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=400345&top_category=400345&pageView=

[@weasraf]

which model do you recommend if i want to use it on my 29er mtb?

[@performancebike]

+Wan Mohd Asraf (Wea) All the Kinetic trainers are listed as compatible with 29er's and if your mountain bike has a thru-axle Kinetic sells an adapter.

[@A.shoaib]

+Performance Bicycle my length is 172 cm . Should i take a 29" or 27" or other full suspension bicycle ?!

[@ApocaIypse666]

my main problem is saddle it hurts my butt even with paddings im still struggling to find a perfect size for me dude i owned 5 saddles now and they are costly so any tips on how to find a perfect saddle i know that every butt is different i mean is there an easier way to measure and find a perfect saddle thanks

[@performancebike]

Your Saddle issues could be one of 2 things... First, Fit - Yes in this video we outline the basic principles of fitting and how to get your self fitted on a mountain bike, but this really shouldn't be a substitute for a professional fitting. Everyone is shaped a little differently and certified fitter can spot those differences an make the necessarily custom fit changed to get anyone comfortable on a bike. In-fact we just had someone here at the office that was having the same issue. He went to a fitter and they figured out that it wasn't the saddle it was just that the saddle was in the wrong position (they moved his saddle 5mm forward and 1cm up) and now he is pain free. Second - If you live near one of our stores we have the The Performance Saddle Selection System - where an associate will measure your sit bones and riding position to recommend a type of saddle that will fit you best. Check out he video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inqmkIWEdq-IebM

[@OxBlitzkriegxO]

Measure your sit bones. Buy a saddle that's slightly wider than your sit bones. You will then have a good fitting seat. Padding on a seat has very little to do with comfort. Typical widths are 135, 142, and 150mm. There are other widths but those are common. Generally, men fit 135 or 142mm width seats and women fit 142 or 150mm seat widths though it's not a hard and fast rule.

[@ralph3489]

how about fitting into a 29ner bike?

[@thingsdemystified]

ralph3489 The Fuji in the video is a 29er

[@rahimothman3837]

I have one.. I'm 5'2 my weight is.61 my frame size is 26 it's fit for me'..?

[@performancebike]

+Rahim Othman we're really not sure what you are asking.

[@placesaroundus]

Rahim Othman first of all, you weigh 62 pounds?! Second, bikes aren't made in 26" frame size. Third, if you mean wheel size, it kinda doesn't matter.

[@indiobeats6269]

Whats the model is that fuji bike ???

[@performancebike]

+sahin garcia The Fuji in the video is a 2014 Tahoe 1.5 29er. We currently have 2015 Tahoe's in stock. Check them out here: www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchDisplay?searchTerm=Fuji+Tahoe&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&storeId=10052&ddkey=http:mProductDisplayView

[@asheeraukhez9658]

hello am 172cm 8n height, will a 15.5" Trek Scratch fit me?

[@performancebike]

According to Trek's sizing chart the 15.5 inch Scratch will be to small for you. You are between a 17.5 and an 18.5 on there chart.

[@asheeraukhez9658]

+Performance Bicycle ok thanks loads

[@kristoffervergara1982]

Performance Bicycle I'm a beginner and i felt some wrist pain over a few kilometers of ride on the stock straight handlebar of my bike. I replaced it, now I'm using a 720mm hi-rise handle bar and the rise i think is about 25mm-30mm and the stem is about 100mm. I still feel a little wrist pain. Do i have to change the stem or just make some adjustments?..

[@performancebike]

Kristoffer Vergara If you're still having pain with the changes you have already made, it's time to visit your local shop and have someone look at your fit.

[@tyukikiquinchi7367]

Dude my butt hurts when I do cross country because I seat like im seating on a chair

[@jonienglish3231]

i remember when stem lengths were 150 mm -130 mm the norm now top tubes getting longer and stems 50mm the norm or direct mount on the fork also head angle slacker

[@CuriousOne31]

The guy on the bike ("the model") looks a bit...confused, lmao!

[@bebe7C9]

my friend behaved the same way although he's a confident guy and held numerous presentations so maybe it's just normal behavior when given commands and you're concentrating

[@johnedzenguzman2613]

lol

[@williamsantiago7303]

Thanks for the reply bud. I'll do like you said and I'll go to my local bike shop.

[@creekhed697]

No mention of standover height? Isn't that first?

[@performancebike]

No, on modern bikes Standover height in not a factor in how a bike fits.

[@vanjoero9166]

i got one we have the same bike bro

[@dedoderecho5344]

Performance bike on south Blvd in Charlotte has the most rude mechanic. When I went in to have my wheel tried he told me that he was tired of truing wheels for cheap customers like me who could not afford a decent $800 wheel set. I told him he would be out of the job if it was not because of customer so he needed to have his manners check before voice his hate towards those helping him get a check. Then he told me to get over it....the manager was not in according to him. I go to bike source now where people are helpful!

[@performancebike]

+Dedo Derecho Hello Dedo, we are very sorry to hear about your experience in our store. Please send us your contact information, as one of our district managers would like to follow up with you directly about this experience: [e-mail]

[@VitariusLaszlo]

is the bike in the intro have dented wheels ?

[@edhorlickbullecer8564]

seems like a lot of work. can't we just wing it?

[@performancebike]

Sure you can wing it, but riding on an improperly fitted bike means you may not be taking advantage of all your available power, meaning riding could be harder than it needs to be. Also, in the long term it could lead to some physical problems with hips, back, shoulders, knees and ankles.

[@jerechohilot7009]

I have a cheap mountain bike... huhuhu'I cannot fix!!!

[@MP48]

what the heck this is ancient bike set up thinking!!

[@strangelessness]

This video is from 2014. Idiot.

[@josem792]

jajaj real manique

[@JoseDiaz-qj6mv]

Omg...way too complicated.

[@GagiFromTheTribe]

bro u r so wrong...if u lock your knee when cycling you can damage the knees always bend just a little bit then is perfect

[@performancebike]

You are right, if you lock you knee out wile cycling you will damage your knee. What we demonstrated here was a way to get proper 10 degree with out using fitters tools. By placing your Heal on the pedal and locking out your leg you will get a proper 10 degree bend in your leg when you have our you foot place properly (ball of you foot over the pedal axle) on the pedals.

[@randyleblanc3465]

Tay A Pension !