How to Fit a Mountain Bike

Mountain bike fit is largely an exercise of preference rather than science, however, there are a few tips that need to be kept in mind when purchasing a new bicycle. Learn how to select a bicycle frame size and then fit that bicycle based on personal riding style and stature.

Things You'll Need

• Mountain bike

Instructions

1. Decide what type of riding you will be doing. Tight, technical trail riding demands agility and ease of motion so buy a smaller, more aggressive frame if you do this type of riding. Buy a more slack, downhill frame that is built for speed if you will be doing free ride or downhill mountain biking. Ask a bike shop attendant to give you suggestions on frame types if you are unsure.

2. Decide on an actual frame size based on your height. Ask a bike shop attendant to help you determine how the bike is sized as bike manufacturers label their frames in terms of inches. There are some manufacturers that label their bikes as small, medium or large. Buy a 16-inch frame if you are between five feet three inches and five feet, six inches, a 17-inch frame if you are five feet, six inches to five feet, nine inches, and an 18-inch frame if you are five feet, nine inches to six feet.

3. Adjust a few things on the bike to make your ride more comfortable. The seat should be adjusted high enough that when your pedal is at the bottom of the pedal stroke, your heel just touches the pedal itself, ensuring that you will be fully extending your legs to maximize efficiency.

4. Adjust your handle bar position so that you are leaning forward slightly, but not enough to make your lower back hurt. Finally, adjust the brake levers and shifters so that you can easily reach them from both seated and standing positions. Always wear safety gear and use lights on your bike when you ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Professional bike shops will always help fit you for a new bike and will normally perform minor maintenance on it for a year free of charge.

Resources

• Mountain Bike Magazine!