Correct Height For Bike Seat and Handlebars

Correct height for bike seat and handlebars

Cycling should be enjoyable, but if your bike is not comfortable it might become a nightmare and make you stop cycling. Don't struggle with a seat that's too low and handlebars that give you an aching back. Check out how to set them up in our newest video on the correct height for bike seat and handlebars so that you have a sweet ride that is efficient and comfortable.
Be aware that in comparsion to the correct saddle height the correct height for the handlebars is a very personal choice as there are so many factors such as type of bike being used, physical characteristics, type of riding (leisure, competitive, etc.) cycling with a kit such as rucksack or without. To summarise, the correct height for handlebars equals the most comfortable height for you right at this moment (as when you get older your physical characteristics may change and you will need to change the height again to get rid of the discomfort).

00:00 - Start
00:07 - Introduction
00:22 - Why it is important to have your handlebar and saddle height right?
00:42 - Tools required to adjust handlebar and saddle height
01:01 - Setting up saddle height
02:21 - Minimum insertion marks on a saddle
02:30 - Setting up handlebar height
02:39 - Setting up handlebar height - threaded stem fitting
03:27 - Setting up handlebar height - threadless stem fitting
04:53 - Setting up handlebar height - flipping the stem around
05:27 - Setting up handlebar height - stem raiser and adjustable stem

Today we are looking at the correct height for bike seat and handlebars. Having your saddle and handlebars set at the wrong height can make your bike uncomfortable, inefficient and off putting. A saddle that is too low can cause knee strain and a saddle too high can cause hip pain. If the handlebars aren't set up to suit the rider then back and neck pain can occur.
Tools needed for adjusting correct height for bike seat and handlebars.

To adjust the height of your saddle and handlebars, you will need some or all of the following tools:

1. Metric Allen keys- Normally 4, 5, or 6mm.
2. Spanners- If you have a nut and bolt for loosening your seat post it should be 12, 13, or 14mm.
3. A wall or an assistant- This is so that you can sit on your saddle with both feet on the pedals.

[PreferHibrn]

what a video! I have never seen anyone do such a thorough video as this. Top stuff!

[marcushaliwell]

Thorough and clear with no silly "entertaining" jokes and clips from tv programmes, no constant distraction from hand gestures because the pictures and words sync perfectly. Well planned, well edited.

[RCPrepping]

I bought a electric assist bicycle in March 2022 as an alternative means of transportation. My alternate is now my main. I only drive my truck if my wife and I have to go somewhere together or if the weather is not favorable. I also lost 36 pounds in four months.

[augustlandmesser]

Stem with adjustable angle is a great add-on for handlebar position adjustment, particularly during one ride that include long uphill and downhill parts.

[craigmiller]

Well thank goodness for that, finally found a video that was straight to the job in hand and very informative step by step.
Thank you

[Hassan-kpcu]

It would be better if they say what's the right height for the handle bars as they said for the saddle. Thanks anyways for the video.

[David-puhx]

This helped a lot . My handle bars took 3 tries to get it right. It made a huge difference in how long I can go. Originally just 50 minutes then my back hurt. Now 3 hours and I feel real comfortable after.

[ChrisTobinSingerGuitarist]

Many thanks! Easy instructions, that's what I need these days!

[colldollm]

Totally figured out my seat was too high and how to adjust it from watching your wonderful video...thanks so much! ❤

[maryamory]

Thank you. I haven’t ridden my bike in awhile and, after recently moving, I noticed that the movers moved my handlebars sideways ( in line with the tires ) They were locked in place.
This video was helpful.

[nathantw]

Thank you. You went right to the heart of the matter without the background stuff we didn’t need. You answered the questions and showed how to do it better than the 3 other videos and text directions I saw.

[barrymayes]

Great video! I’ve watched loads of others. This is the FIRST video that explained how to lower the bars without cutting the stem. Just MOVE a spacer. I’ve not seen that advice elsewhere. Thanks!

[lafamillecarrington]

Nice clear video.
I think that I am odd, in liking both a relatively upright flat bar position and a very low tribar position. Getting the saddle type, height and angle right for a comfortable ride in both these positions has been pretty much impossible!

[kashmiricyclist]

Excellent tutorial, , no long introduction or hand waving, , , there are so many experts who just confuse everything, , , as you say riding ", , , 🚴🏽

[jenfleming]

Lovely clear instructions thank you. Can’t wait to look at it in the morning and see what I can do. Getting intense wrist pain and hand numbness in my new e bike.

[robowen]

Recently bought new e-bikes for myself and my wife so have been scouring YouTube for help/guidance and content. This is the first of your videos I came across and I couldn’t be happier. This is what good informative and helpful content should be like. No inane shots of coffee making or trying to claim that freebies sent to you are not influencing your presentation, I hate the term influencer. Just subscribed and will work through the channel as soon as I’ve adjusted our handlebar heights now I know how to. Thanks.

[stevenwilgus]

I didn't see where you explained how to determine the handle bar height.... the seat was excellent and I will check mine tomorrow.

[Nifty-Stuff]

BRILLIANT! It wasn't clear about the spacers below AND above the stem!! Thank you!

[robenavz]

Short video but lots of knowledge input on the subscriber. Thank you madam

[brittweir]

Over the years I’ve had many a bike fits but recently dealing with some lower back issues. I am going to put the stem extensor on until I work out my back issues or regain core strength thank you for the awesome video.❤️