Finding a mountain bike with a perfect fit is often a case of trial and error especially for first time riders. Frame geometry differs from brand to brand as does the combination and sizes of key bike components fitted. The result is that the same frame “size” from two different manufacturers can feel very different.
A rider who discovers that his or her bike is quite literally a pain in the neck or back after several rides and much discomfort has the choice of swapping the bike for a new one or carrying out some upgrades to improve fit and ride comfort. There are three main bike components to consider.
Mountain Bike Component Upgrades
The Bike Stem
A stem is the small tube of metal that attaches the fork steerer tube to the handlebar. Mountain bike stems come in lengths from 50mm up to 130mm and longer stems are also available in different angles so it can be tricky choosing the right stem for the job.
Manufacturers usually fit a stem of around 90-100mm on bikes across the size range as this fits the average profile and it is cheaper to fit all sizes with the same component. A 100mm stem, however, will cause a rider with short arms and a short torso to overstretch, potentially straining neck and back muscles. Likewise, a tall, long-limbed rider may need a much longer stem to prevent being hunched up when on the bike.
Women’s specific bikes are often fitted with shorter stems to better fit the female form but the same fit improvement can be achieved by fitting a short stem to a unisex bike.
Bike Handlebars
An alternative to changing the bike stem is to either shorten handlebars that are too wide or upgrade from a straight bar to a riser bar where the downward central curve takes the stem lower but leaves the wrists elevated for a more comfortable riding position.
It may be necessary to upgrade both stem and handlebar for a perfect fit.
Bike Saddle
Saddles with gel inserts, available for both sexes, improve comfort dramatically and women’s saddles usually have a ventilation hole or indent in the saddle body to alleviate pain in delicate places.
Also review carefully the position of the bike saddle. Up to 2cm of additional reach can be achieved by shifting the saddle backwards or a short person can reduce overstretching by moving the saddle forwards.
Other Bike Component Upgrades
Upgrades to other components can be made such as adding shorter brake levers for small hands or longer cranks for tall riders, but customising a bike with stem, handlebar and saddle upgrades usually does the trick. Wherever possible, try to get upgrades done when buying a bike. The more the bike costs, the easier it is to get a bike shop to change components free of charge!
Other Ways to Improve Ride Comfort
Review riding posture and technique on the bike if still having problems with comfort and fit. If all else fails, visit a good local bike store to get a custom fitted bike.
Ultimately, a perfect fit is down to a combination of factors but inexpensive bike upgrades to stem, saddle and handlebars usually results in a bike more suited to an individual rider’s body shape and riding style.
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