5 Tips For Fitting A Mountain Bike

Learn the five tips for fitting a mountain bike and save yourself the pain and expense of an uncomfortable bike. Finding the proper sized mountain bike is more important than all the high tech material, suspension and accessories. Take your time to find a bike that can take you to all the best locations in comfort and style. Visit a bike shop that has a wide selection of merchandise as well as employees who know bikes. Buying a mountain bike from a bike specific store is your best bet when looking for a bike with the exact dimensions you need. This is especially true for tall men or men with different than average proportions.

1. Look at a variety of bikes from different manufacturers. Bikes are generally sized by measuring the seat tube in inches or general sizes: small, medium and large. Frame sizes can vary widely among models and manufacturers, so it is important to size bikes in person.
2. Place your hands on the handlebars. The width of the handlebars is a matter of personal choice. In general, people seem to prefer their hands about shoulder width apart. Try different bikes to see what works best for you.
3. Fit a mountain bike to determine the correct height for the bike seat by sitting on the bike. Place one of your feet on a pedal at the lowest point. Your knee should be at a slight bend. 
4. Check the length of the bike to see if it has a long enough frame. When sitting on the bike, your arms should be slightly bent at the elbow. If your arms are locked, the bike is too long. If they are too bent, it is too short. Move the seat forward or back as needed. If you can't get the right length, consider looking at a different bike. In general, mountain bikes are shorter than a cross country bike. Choose according to comfort. 
5. Take the mountain bike of your choice for a test drive. This will give you the most accurate information on how the bike fits. If on a short test drive the bike seems too small, too long, too short or otherwise not as comfortable as it should, try another bike.