MOUNTAIN BIKE HANDLEBAR FORMULA | The Body to Bar ratio

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In " Mountain Bike Handlebar Formula" Alex and Lee unpack the mystery of handlebar width. Mountain bike handlebars are a compromise between 5 elements of fit: Pushing; pulling; range of motion; stability and joint health. The ideal compromise is different for every rider but there is simple place to start and all you need is your height.
Chill on instagram: @brogusky
More about handlebar nuance at leelikesbikes.com or @leelikesbikesofficial
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0:00 LEE'S HANDLEBAR RANT
0:32 INTRO
1:19 HANDLEBAR HISTORY
2:38 FIVE HANDLEBAR FUNCTIONS
3:19 PUSH WIDTH
4:22 PULL WIDTH
5:27 WIDTH FORMULA
6:55 STABILITY
7:40 RIDE TWICE CUT ONCE 30MM SHORT IS WONDERFUL
8:07 CUT SOME BARS
9:00 LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!

Опубликовано:

7 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 1,2 тыс.

@edstewart367 3 года назад

Use a plumbers pipe cutting tool. They are cheap and you get a nice cut every time.

@thesaltlick4057 3 года назад

Just not for carbon....

@dontbelieveeverythingyouth8173 3 года назад

@@thesaltlick4057 Ok if it's done gently.

@edstewart367 3 года назад

@@thesaltlick4057 If you use it for Carbon bars you will be very disappointed with the result.

@gillesmatheronpro 3 года назад

For "carbon", it all depends on which process was used. And you can change absolutely every little aspect of a composite item production to your exact liking. I had the chance to do a report at Look factory (frames, pedals, outer soles, aero handlebars, etc.), and those folks confirmed it : "We can make frames a thousand different ways, composite ends up being what you want... there's no obligation.". So... unless you know exactly how this composite tube was made, just don't cut it. Don't. No ! Or ask the factory, and most times they'll reply : "Don't... the end tips participate into the structural properties of your handlebar. If you cut them, you risk weakening... then breaking, possibly.". Unless specific inserts were used, and you receive the OK to shorten them.

@MrAnimal1971 3 года назад

Using a pipe tool gives the edge a bevel which CAN punch through your bar end in a severe accident and cause major damage. Just beware of that. At the bike shop we always use a hacksaw and a the park tool SG 7.2.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

COUPLE NOTES: The 4.40 calculation is based on a male of average proportions with an upper arm angle of 20 degrees for optimal shoulder joint health and push/pull strength. This provides an estimated MAX. Going a bit narrower always works and provide more pull strength and more range of motion. If you are over 6'2 or 188cm run whatever you like as long as it feels good. Females of average proportions may find more accuracy using a multiplier of 4.26

@davidchkhartishvili9845 3 года назад

Lee recommends to go 5% less in his Pinkbike article, which dates back to 2018. Is this recommendation still applicable? Thanks!

@yorgosk2938 3 года назад

I was actually wondering if different skeletal structure and size (shoulder bone to shoulder bone) also play a role to the bar width. For example, I measure 22 inches shoulder to shoulder, which is also the distance from the middle of one palm to the other if I set my arms by my side.

@michaelhoulden9018 3 года назад

Terrific, thanks for the female ratio. We’ve been trying to figure out where to cut my wife’s bars. She’s 5' and developing a spine hunch.

@morganw8258 3 года назад

As a female rider, I do appreciate that you include recommendations for females here in the comments, but it would be really awesome if you could include this in your videos as well! If all these details are so critical to successful riding, please don't treat women as secondary or an after thought. Most mtb content defaults to males and it is challenging to figure out if it applies the same to women given our different body proportions. Where I ride it is 50/50 males/females on the trail, so please include everyone! Anyway, really appreciate the content!!

@aarons4180 3 года назад

Didn't lee learn his lesson about arbitrary fudge factors to height with the RAD measurements? Also, it wouldn't even be 4.4, just use 0.44 so you don't even need to think about units. Looking forward to the video in a couple of years when he admits again he was thinking about it all wrong, but we should believe him now.

@kmazzanti 3 года назад

YOU GUYS ARE THE ONLY ONES DOING THIS KIND OF CONTENT!! My MTB has changed my life, your information has changed my riding!! Keep the sizing stuff coming please and thank you!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Bikes are magical.

@wrongusername Год назад

These videos are really great! I think i have searched 10's of times for information on determining handlebar width and now i came across this by chance through one of your other videos. I'm glad i did. Great video and great channel!

@emaramify 3 года назад

Thank you for your videos. they are very educational. I'm 47 yrs old. and I ride the trails about 2X a month ( family and Dad stuff) I'm very exited to try your tutorials on all of this . I get exited and go outside about 9pm and just try the things you put on RU-vid. Thank you. Working on my bunny hop and I'm trying the Wheelie how to video.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

That is awesome!

@sethharmon9075 3 года назад

Alex and Lee are the best MTB RU-vid creators right now. Your videos have translated into more JOY for me on my bike! Thank you!

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

Thank YOU!!!

@glaabaglooba 2 года назад

These are so informational, and funny and well produced all in one package. I always seem to gravitate to these, and think "why dont I watch more of these". Big up!

@kparmley12z 3 года назад

You two are really providing great content based on new lines of thinking and science. I really enjoy watching and learning from your videos. Old dogs can learn new tricks (skills)

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Our pleasure!

@David-bw7is Год назад

Came from a hardtail with narrow bars, never had any aches, bought a new bike a few months back with 780mm bars. For the first month of riding I had wrist ache and my inner thumbs felt "Bruised" and I would subconsciously move my hands right to the inside of the grip and I wouldn't realise until I went to change gear and had to move my hand. Came across this vid, did the formulae, I'm only 5' 6"-ish and my width came to 740mm, cut the bars down to that, and even though it's literally only an inch off each end, it's became a lot more comfortable to ride, I'm more upright, cornering feels better and I feel more in control at lower speeds...Thanx Guys.

@umfilmmaker8253 Год назад

Thank you! I’ve been doing my own thing for decades. Forget the trends, do what’s best for your body mechanics.

@thechamp8971 3 года назад

I'm loving your work guys. I have been making good progress on my hops. Which I used to think were unbelievably complicated, until you put me right. After watching your RAD videos and this handle bar video. I now know why I find hops easier with my older shorter reach and narrower handlebar bike.

@roebbiej 3 года назад

My god, you guys are amazing. I'm having trouble fitting my mountainbike and you are helping me on the journey! I'm not there yet but this is a great recourse!

@MattJVideos 3 года назад

Lee: "He's always wondered why I'm so frickin strong" Alex: "I've never wondered that once" LOL

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

I've wondered a lot of things about Lee but that wasn't one. But that's not to say he isn't strong. Pretty much a beast. : )

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

That was funny.

@b-vk8441 3 года назад

I watched this several times - it is a great video. After some experiments I left my LEVO sl at 760 (my calculated for 180 cm is 790) but then I started looking at my xc bike I have for 10 years. It has 690 bars but it has at least 30 mm longer stem compared to levo and still feels good after all the experiments. For sure this video helps in optimizing the bars and knowing why. Thanks

@Tom-pe3lo 3 года назад

Roadie just picking up the MTB thing, this is by far my favorite channel! Thanks for all you guys do, keep it going!!!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Welcome to the dirt!!

@cajames1 3 года назад

Really enjoying your work. You are doing a great job presenting a lot of the same topics I see on other channels. But describing them in different ways that is truly letting me learn more about my riding.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Appreciate that! We're trying to put more "why" in the mix. : )

@elvyskennethmiguel8817 3 года назад

Your formula is accurate for me. I am running 760 but unconsciously moving my hands inwards. I am 168x4.4=739.2 but i think i'll leave it there. I will adjust my brake lever inwards. Always great content! Keep it up! Thank you.

@styleyK 3 года назад

Great video guys. Hit 50 this year and I have ordered my first modern mtb (haven't ridden for years). Used to be a personal trainer focusing on rehab and biomechanics, and I switched to pulling/pushing narrow because it doesn't hurt my bad shoulder (better mechanics) I'm also stronger in that position. My bike will have 800ml bars, so your advice and the calculation is a must for me. Thank you 🙏🏿🇬🇧🇦🇬

@jrose92081 3 года назад

This channel deserves all the subscribers in the world. Such a joy to watch. I'll be 40 this year and just got myself a nukeproof scout 290 comp and I'm recently getting back into trail riding. The 800mm bars feel ok (I'm 177 cm) but I struggle to control the bike fully. I am going to move my controls and make adjustments until I see what's best. Thanks for all the info you guys are putting out there.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

You bet. We love our subs!!! We got the best ones. : )

@nivek29 Месяц назад

Best description of handlebar width I've seen on YT yet. Super helpful. Thank you!

@traviswoyen2243 3 года назад

I was watching this between sets of working out, and decided to measure my estimated bar width (792) compared to my bench press and military press grips. Appropriately enough, it landed right in the middle. Another thing for shoulder health I think about is sometimes I see "attack" positions that have the elbows up so high that the shoulder starts getting into internal rotation, which can cause all sorts of problems. Be kind to your rotator cuffs, they're little and wimpy, but essential.

@bicycleremedies4391 3 года назад

Doing such good work boys. Love it

@ChinoZ32 2 года назад

Thanks guys, subbed, glad I found you. I was riding an older "all mountain" bike and I felt like a more competent rider, and rides were more enjoyable then. The bars on that bike had 760mm. I have upgraded to a new larger bike and haven't found riding as exciting and just realised now, upon measuring, that is is 790mm. I recently purchased a hardtail for different riding and for some reason I prefer riding that bike, that is with a 695mm bar. Now I know geometry is going to be a variable as well, but as someone who is 168, it sounds like I will cutting my bars. I'll go down from 790mm to 760 as a starting point and see how we go from there. Thanks again!

@georgek1518 3 года назад

I have been watching some of your other videos and was blown away by the info in this video. Always wondered why my shoulders were hurting with wider bars and now I know. I can go back to the other video on selecting the correct bar sweep now that I have the formula for correct (starting point for the widest bar I should ride). Thanks for this eye opening info.

@stovernbss1 3 года назад

Thanks Alex, this is perfect(kind of like your frame sizing video saved my butt) timing! I just received my new carbon bars when this video came out, I was assuming I would be at 780, but after doing the calculations and testing I’m at 760 and living it!! Thanks again for all you do!!!

@Caedo01 11 месяцев назад

I don't get why the formula is based on height, what if the person is tall but has narrow shoulders or vice versa? Or if the person has long or shorter arms

@SHYFER161 29 дней назад

Yeah it doesn’t make sense. I’m 194cm tall and my max bar width is supposed to be 853.6mm. I’m currently using 780mm and I’m thinking about making them more narrow

@anselmbuder 22 дня назад

Because it's obviously just a rough estimate, and body height is easy to measure. Much more so than to find the middle of you shoulder joints to measure their distance. Also, while obviously there are different physiques, ROUGHLY shoulder with DOES go with body height. Also, the formula is mentioned give you the MAXIMUM bar width.

@kresnawan93 3 года назад

man, I love your videos, I'm so lucky to find your channel before start a mountain biking. Lee is a gold!! keep it up man, 🤘🤘

@deltroid 3 года назад

You've offered some great advice, guys! I'm a total amateur, but anything I get into, I like learning as much as possible about it, and this video was pure knowledge. Thanks for that!

@chrisdavis2474 3 года назад

Dead on once again. Next up, you should do a segment on stack height

@MoyMacGill 3 года назад

I’d like to see that paired with this video

@B1KER 3 года назад

I'm in on that too! I'd love to hear their take on that.

@TheStryder400 3 года назад

Very very interesting. A great video. I'm probably too wide as I'm getting twinges in my shoulders, will be checking bar width out this weekend.

@michaelblurry6559 2 дня назад

Watching this today.. three years later. So refreshing to see someone say "hey it's all we knew at the time and its no longer the best way". cool human beings! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

@METEORA_47 3 года назад

i really love and appreciate this channel.keep it up guys...good work 🤘

@rpark44 3 года назад

Great content as usual. I've been playing around with bar width recently, and the points you discuss make great sense.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Glad to help!

@chemicalburn6749 2 года назад

One thing worth considering and a great addition to your formula would be where TOO NARROW starts to happen. I don't suffer from stability but I do find that I get a bit of elbow pain on a bar that isn't adequately wide.

@seanharrison2898 2 года назад

Probably the best video I've ever seen on this subject. Well done!

@McD09Msa 3 года назад

Epic work, fellas! You guys are the Simon Crafar of the mtb world! Genuine, informed, no BS. Tops!

@clintsuttonillustrationani1461 3 года назад

This is great. I have been riding 780 for a while now. I am 6.1 with quite a long arm reach and wide shoulders, so I followed the trend and went with the widest bar I could find. I have been feeling like my bike is not working properly, balance was way off whenever I got air time. Cornering was real sketchy. Something always felt off. I never questioned my bar length, and kept trying other things. I thought it was just me trying to get back into mtbing at 49 years of age, and kept pushing myself to just get it right. Funny thing happened the other day. When I first got my bike about a year ago, I had a pair of bars that I cut down from 800. I was trying to get them to 760, but I messed up and cut them to 740. So I shelved them as rubbish, and bought another set, 780, that I kept. The other day I thought, lets try swapping the 780's for my old 740's. I swapped them out, and rotated them a bit more forward than I would normally run. What a difference!! I cannot believe how good the shorter bars feel now! Bike feels way lighter and poppier. More balance in the air. I feel so much more confident in cornering as well. Such a small change but such a massive difference. Loving my new setup!

@dangerouscookie4790 Год назад

Good comment.

@pearana 3 года назад

gotta tell ya guys... i took this advice and cut my bars down. my izzo came w/ 760's. which is acceptable for a M frame. at 66" or 167.64cm i came up with 737mm bars. i rounded up to 740mm. just that little cut w/ an 8° sweep made a lot of difference. mainly, less fatigue and cramping in my hands. now both my bikes are running 740's and it feels pretty solid. thanks again!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Right on!

@vincyboy999 Год назад

I still use this video over and over again. Still never saw anything more relevant so far. Thumbs up forever

@charliehauser9403 3 года назад

Bought a bike last year. Really wish I had found this channel before, but luckily it turns out the bike almost fits me perfectly when I bought it... No wonder I like it so much! Probably could use a slights smaller stem to fit my RAD measurement better. Keep up the great work!!

@tonyg3772 2 года назад

Upgraded my XC mtb and noticed handle bar width was 780 mm, up from 700 mm on previous bike. As a lifetime time weightlifter, the closer grip feels more comfortable and stable, and from experience, open shoulders lead to injuries. I cut the bar to 720 mm. Feels great!

@Whatsthe_411 2 года назад

My XC MTB came with 680mm and I went and put on some 800mm today and it was not comfortable at all. It lost its responsiveness. Did you notice the same thing?

@RosClan97 Год назад

How tall are you?

@petercook7502 3 года назад

A couple of years ago I brought Lee's book Dialed and got my bike setup as close as I could to his recommended dimensions with a different stem and spacers that I had already and a new bar and it all feels great especially when out the saddle and 'hinged' into some trails... so I would advise anyone to try what's in this video and the previous one covering fit. It sort of goes against what magazines and other sources seem to be saying but in all honesty it works... and bar width not being stupid wide is even more crucial when you're 56 like me 👍

@joshsmith3775 3 года назад

Nice work guys. I find this topic very interesting. Thanks for the video

@JTkayakanglersweden 3 года назад

Damn... your channel is my new go to for all things MTB related. Started riding again last year after many years out of the sadel. I am soon 45 and I find your video koncept to suit me perfect. Got a new Kona Process 134 last friday .

@gsusmorales 3 года назад

Big big thank you guys, I am just seeking for changing my old 620mm bar, and I am 181cm tall so... R.A.D was incredible and now perfect video at right moment with greatest people?, Man..., F*..ing awesome, regards from Spain

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Thanks Jesus!!

@graugans 3 года назад

Hey Jesus, you may also consider to reduce the stem length. Which gives you a more direct control of the bike, which comes with the cost that it gets more flutter on gravel. Depends on your preferences

@hahamasala 3 года назад

The other benefits to narrower handlebars are that you can squeeze between trees better on the trail and get your bike into and lay your bike more easily on its side in your hatchback or SUV cargo area.

@Eric-xx3mb 3 года назад

Wow! This is awesome. I was wondering if my 800mm bars were too wide, but now I know they're not. I'm 185.5cm tall and that works out to about a 816mm bar max. It gives me confidence in my equipment choices. Thanks!

@LemonySnicket-EUC 9 месяцев назад

That was sick dude ! I stay in some Airbnb's right across the highway from there and will be bringing my new bike next time I come over. Thanks for your video.

@elsorichard 2 года назад

When I've switched to a new set of grips without "outer clamp" (Bontrager XR Trail Comp instead of Lizard Skins Charger), immediately noticed that it feels like I'm riding a wider bar. After a few rides, decided to cut the bars, and get the same "grip distance" as before. It was just 5mm per side, but noticable difference. So I'd also add that you need to take into account what grips you are going to use, as some might get your palms to a different position...

@JaredHoff 3 года назад

This immediately went way deeper than I expected. Classical music and math 😳

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Hahaha. And you forgot to mention Vitruvian man in the thumbnail. : )

@JaredHoff 3 года назад

@@JoyOfBike just noticed that. I clicked on the vid before even checking out the thumb 😂

@fasterwheels 3 года назад

Thx guys! Now...to the garage! To measure ALL the bars! 🤓🤙

@JaredHoff 3 года назад

@@fasterwheels Cool idea to use your front brake rotor as your profile photo🤘🏻

@smillley21 3 года назад

Awesome like the rest : I especially liek all those videos on size/fitting, this is so much helpful !

@sarahmartin7838 2 года назад

Super helpful. I just got a new bike. After my second ride yesterday my upper traps and back of shoulders were noticeabley sore. But I had zero idea where to begin with proper width. Thanks for the helpful and well explained info.

@pauls3616 3 года назад

Thank you guys. My last bike came with 800mm bars. I had never used such wide bars but wanted to try them out. They felt ok just riding around the neighbourhood but as soon as I got on the trail I hated them. I left them alone to see if I would get used to them. A few days later I went to a trail system about 40 mins away and on one of the trails I ride often I got stuck twice trying to ride through the trees. I went back to the car and cut them down. I brought a hack saw just in case. No more knuckle dragging.

@s0ckeyeus429 3 года назад

Since pulling is the main power move involving the bars, I like running my bars at 760mm, even though my calculated max is 810. Feels awesome.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

I’m in philosophical agreement with this. Too much focus on width and to what end?!!

@exhausteddog819 3 года назад

This with the bike sizing video are absolute gems. I appreciate that the focus is ensuring the bike is set up according to the biomechanics of the rider. For cutting bars, pipe cutters from a hardware store are a good option too. I recently got a my first FS bike and had an anxiety inducing moment when I nervously went to see if it was properly sized (used the lying on my back method). It was (direct-to-consumer, they had me submit multiple body measurements when ordering). Now I'm interested in handle bar width as well. I like the suggestion of narrowing the grips and brakes/shifter and then cutting. Would be easy to do on trail with a multi-tool as well. Keep up the great content. Seriously, when are we going to get a Patreon? You guys are absolutely killing it.

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

I'm working on the Patreon!!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Appreciate you!!! I don't think I will do one. Buy a shirt perhaps? Lee will be doing a Patreon for himself.

@emanuelalongi2940 3 года назад

Thank-you Lee and Alex for a definitive guide to handlebar length. I will be cutting the 800s to 770s. I already have a 770 setup on one bike and it works great!

@tashitopgyal3452 Год назад

My height 5.7inch handle size?

@promodsteve7882 3 года назад

I am 6' 2" and did the push up method years ago and came up with 740. I have been riding 740 ever since and love it.

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

Great!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

You wound up in a good spot!!

@thecount1001 3 года назад

i'm 6 5 (194cm) and have gone down to 770 in the last few years. it's perfect. optimum control, optimum comfort.

@hambo76 3 года назад

6'5" is just over 195cm - I hate it when people take 1cm off my height!

@valeraanovsk1468 2 года назад

Interesting, since formula from this video suggests your max is 860mm

@JAFO. 2 года назад

Yep, see, you prove my point! - Height in CM x 4.00000000

@tehalexy 2 года назад

similar: 6'3 here and i do have 800 and im thinking of 780mm to test out. 800 feels "apey" to me

@Moo-Ray 2 года назад

@@tehalexy 6'3, 275lbs, 820mm, feels beautiful.

@dimimtb 3 года назад

Thanks for the great series of videos, very helpful and so well explained.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Glad you like them!

@monkeymikemoves 3 года назад

Another great video packed with stuff we should know, but don't! I'm personally a little sick of how wide my bars are on my newest bike and based off the formula I'm running at least 20mm too long. I am more used to the handling by now, but at first I had a really tough time with bike control. Now I just dislike how often I come close to clipping the bars on trees and stuff on narrow parts of my local trails.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Intuition and math coming together. Time to make a cut. Measure twice!!

@greggwatson4799 3 года назад

Thank you, I’m 5’9” and was riding with 800mm bars. After watching this video I cut them down to 770mm. It feels so much more comfortable to ride now.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Great to hear!

@Dopeassbikevids 3 года назад

Did u measure your handle bars before you cut?

@Whatsthe_411 2 года назад

I'm 5-9 as well and my Cannondale Scalpel came with 680mm and today I put on 800 to test and it felt very uncomfortable and the bike lost its responsiveness. It will have to cut them for sure. The formula shows 770. I will start from there... What was the outcome on your bars?

@greggwatson4799 2 года назад

@@Dopeassbikevids no I did not. They were pre marked at specific lengths so I trusted the measurements on them

@greggwatson4799 2 года назад

@@Whatsthe_411 770 feels good and my arms don’t get sore anymore so I stayed at that width.

@greasemonkeyguitarshop 2 года назад

I’m 5’ 9 and I just cut my bars down from 780mm to 740 right before watching this video! I was having too much trouble getting in between the trees in the trails with the 780s… clipped a tree and ate dirt on my last ride! Great video! Just subscribed!

@ericpmoss 3 года назад

I'm glad to see thought put into this. Too many reviews are of the "super-wide for super-ride, dude!" variety, and they just sound like ads to buy new stuff that they KNOW will need to be replaced at some point. This applies to all kinds of components -- it used to be "you gotta go super narrow rims" then "you gotta go super wide rims". Same for tire pressure. Same for number of gears. Same for ultra-small cassettes that wore out, but then we got over that nonsense only to get pushed back into it with 1x setups. And so it continues...

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Much of it is MTB fashion for sure. I'm glad bars are available in wider sizes than years past but it's funny the way riders are focused on width and pushups and willing to sacrifice pull/hops/range of motion. I think it's because the number one fear is OTB and they don't realize most OTBs happen right after a mistimed push!!

@steveindorset 3 года назад

I went back from 780mm to 760mm bars as they felt much more comfortable. My hands sit about 15mm in from the ends. I did the calculation = 727mm so absolutely spot on! Lee really does know his stuff!! 👏 👏 👏 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@seik101 Год назад

Spot on? 760-12= 745 against 730. We talk about centimeters, so I think 1,5 cm is quite a difference.

@steveindorset Год назад

@@seik101 Dude did we fail maths at school? Obviously so, as it’s 15mm in PER SIDE!! 15+15=30. Tadaaaaa! 😂😂😂

@seik101 Год назад

@@steveindorset true. And yes and no. I failed Not in Mathe particularly, but in school generaly 🤷

@steveindorset Год назад

@@seik101 then maybe you should double check your maths before posting such a contentious comment? Have a great day buddy. 😉👍🏻

@seik101 Год назад

@@steveindorset contentious ? It´s just wrong. I made a mistake. Happens...

@NoBrakes23 3 года назад

Scary how well that calculation works. I've been on 720s, 740s and 760s over the past decade, (and up to 820 on demos 😮,) but the calc says my max is a skosh over 780. Sure enough, the 780s I've been running the past few months are the best feeling I've had. Bend and sweep make a difference as well. Renthal's relatively shallow backsweep feels outstanding, whereas some of these 10 and 12 degree bars, (BMX freestyle is really bad about this,) feel horrible to me.

@mikecowan7305 2 года назад

Great video guys. Have a new carbon bar and was looking for details on better for your body bar widths. Good stuff! 🙂👍🍺

@trailrunnah8886 2 года назад

I'm 5'9 and run 680s on my trail bike. Love them! In my area there are a lot of tight trails with narrow gaps between trees, the short bars are great for dealing with that.

@JaredHoff 3 года назад

My max is 820mm (using the formula) and I have always felt comfortable on 800mm 🤘🏻formula seems legit 🤘🏻

@brandonreimer184 3 года назад

Yep same here formula says 800 and I like to run 780

@JaredHoff 3 года назад

@@brandonreimer184 awesome👌🏻

@rupedog 3 года назад

Think about it...2 people same height=same bar width, right.... wrong. They could have totally different shoulder width and arm length, and the reach and ETT on their bike differ. The formula is, with any common sense, utter nonsense.

@erich8258 3 года назад

This was really helpful. I've been on 780s for a couple years, and though I'm 6'1", they've always felt a little too wide. Now that you've addressed the long bike and wide handlebars trends and how they impact riding and fit, how about head angle? It feels like we're being told that slacker is always better, but I'm skeptical, especially because of the narrow, twisty, undulating trails in my area.

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

We'll probably get into that. But slacker isn't better -- it's different. It behooves us to pick bikes that fit our bodies, riding styles and terrain.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Slacker is ALWAYS better!!! (That was my April fools joke for this year)

@waynesmith1895 3 года назад

You are my favourite go to MTBing on RU-vid. Many thanks guys you’re Awesome!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Wow, thanks!

@ramonmonit 3 года назад

great videos, i started with RAD then again this caught my attention, as a newbie everything in mtb is confusing especially with the proper bike and body geometry, thanks to you guys, very informative and enlightening.

@neilburns7381 3 года назад

Holy hell, i'm 5'7" and ride 780mm. Time to work my way down, new to riding but not new to shoulder surgery. Thanks guys!

@archetypex65 3 года назад

5' 7.5", running 720 mm bars. Started out at 740. Will probably go down to 710 due to rotator cuff injuries.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Some real benefits to narrower are stronger and FASTER pull. And more range of motion. Bring on the table tops!!

@neilburns7381 3 года назад

@@JoyOfBike i hope so, i'm just learning to jump and am able to clear some sm/med tables! Been working on my row, anti-row :)

@NealKernohan 3 года назад

Man, I'm also just over 5'7" and switched over to a 45mm stem and 800mm bar last October. Not twitchy enough IMO; resulted in 2 titanium plates, 4 screws and 5 pins in my left wrist later that very same day! I just got back on the bike last week. Will pull the controls in and try again!

@energ8t 3 года назад

There are other factors - riding style and terrain; being able to fit through tight tree sections. I went from 800 to 780 and was better off. Also, besides just height, I find shoulder width is important to consider.

@brandihodges9548 3 года назад

Shoulder width is DEFINITELY important. I'm 5ft but due to playing football (US) I have very broad shoulders.

@harshrealm Год назад

I would imagine shoulder width is THE measurement to base things off of. Perhaps there's some rough correlation between increased height and increased shoulder width, but it's not like we all have the same proportions. Otherwise I wouldn't be so high on the ape-index. :D Also, I'm 6'2" which is 188cm, and I absolutely shouldn't be on 827mm bars. :P

@marianochvro 2 года назад

thx so much for this work! Keep it up

@michalwiktorow2188 Год назад

Subbed! That is BIG, one of the 1 per 365 days vids that is actually INFORMATIVE! WOW! Great!

@sixate 3 года назад

Awesome video. I stepped up to 785 about 2 years ago and it feels perfect. But at 203.2cm I should be running 894mm! Lol I'd never make it down the trail running that wide. I can barely squeeze through some trees as it is.

@freeatlast1810 3 года назад

I'm 198cm. What sort of stem have you got? I'm trying to decide if I need to swap mine out. I ride a Whyte Hardtail

@sixate 3 года назад

65mm length, but recently changed to 60mm riser bar. The riser bar has been game changing for me to get my fit right

@freeatlast1810 3 года назад

@@sixate I just put a Renthal 40mm rise bar. They are 800mm. Feels much better. But I feel I need to do one more tweek

@barnholbol1262 3 года назад

I'm 195. My brand new Trek EX8 XL has 780mm bars and I've been getting wrist pain, so considering reducing 10mm or so. The sizing factor started here makes my ideal size 860mm?

@stevesim1196 3 года назад

Just a thought, given everyone's body proportions are different, how about any equation based on shoulder width instead since it dictates push / pull comfort. Great content Alex and Lee, cheers!

@SoCalkiteflier 3 года назад

Also ape index will be different too..

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

The multiplier assumes average shoulder width, upper arm length and hand width. There are more detailed ways to assess optimal bar width, especially if you have special proportions. Learn all the details about bar width (and way more) at www.llbmtb.com. Enjoy a free month with the code JOYOFBIKE.

@stevesim1196 3 года назад

@@lee_likes_bikes Thanks Lee. btw I have your book Mastering Mountain Bike Skills and smiled when you referenced the pushup test in the video. I'm a fan of your teaching, thanks for the joyofbike trial.

@Dopeassbikevids 3 года назад

That's what I'm getting at

@MarWid81 3 года назад

And again... great job guys!

@VermontCA1864 3 года назад

Very informative info!!! IT's exactly what I need to know. Thank you guys!!!!!

@WinstonFord 3 года назад

How bout a bar length formula based on shoulder width ( jacket size)? Also, the sweep angle needs to be part of the formula. If a bar was straight, it could be equal in length to shoulder width, but each degree of sweep allows for a longer bar. This is so dang important! Thanks for the vid!

@TOPMOSTPOP Год назад

I am th worldleader &king of kings in all aspect bicycles. Lol no i dont have videos. I explain it all HERE: (But people wont buy it, they cant) Handlebars, bikes ergonomics engineered by Lucifer. He HATES free energy. 95% humans Lucifers kids, tares. They are not humans. They subscribe, perpetuate false reality stupidity in all things. They are cmputer cntrolled hive mind. But they dont know that. Handlebar must be 29 or 30" 4average adult 5'9" 2 reasons. A front basket HANGING BY STRAPS FROM BARS is how 2transport up2 70lbs. Bicycles are MADE 2COMMUTE STRAIGHT LINE &CARRY THINGS. PERIOD &safety, stability handling. Those are your parameters. Revolve around those. Period. Bars wider then shoulders ONLY. 2 reasons. This forms a stable TRIANGLE required4 stability handling especially once u add weight front basket. Secondly, wide bars allow u carry wide objects like 5 2x4 wood resting on bars strapped 2waist. U can also carry things on long bars such as 5gallon buckets bar ends. Wide bar DRAMMATICALLY improve stability. As does LOWERING LOWERING LOWERING thseat. U must use heaviest ULTRA STRONG STEM. Bicyclists can not be taught. Bcuz they are pharisees. Know it alls. Regarding seat height. Most humans are NOT HUMANS. They are poisonous cmputer programs. Seat height. Lol ypur knees can bend pedaling &efficientcy functions just fine low seat. Lol satan teaches place head 6 feet from pavement, give tiny bars so now u a sky scraper &taller they are thmore easily they fall. Lol. I taught people how 2sit on bike 1980"s. Graeme Obree built bike matching my specs &30 guys broke hour record using my specs. Lol my seat is slammed down as LOW AS I CAN GET IT. This raises your bars essentially. So u NOT bent over but LOWER TO THGROUND 4ridiculous STABILITY &AERODYNAMICS. U will realize 1.5 mph at 21mph top speed electric motor as such even tho u upright but head several inch lower.. WIDE BARZ LOW SEAT, SEAT FORWARD, BARS IN CLOSE 2U PERIOD. Worlds best basic e bike bicycle design is used by me exclusively. This will not see production &not1 person will ask 2c it in comments. Wide would they? They are pharisee tares. Computer animations. Know it alls. Fact. All E bikes are absolutely deploreable contraptions built by Lucifer boys. All manufacturimg &non humans are controlled by Satans BEAST cmputer. That computer revolves around me as its epicentre arch enemy. Meanwhile, all thworlds problems can be solved in thgarden. And 4godsakes sell your stable of 230 horses.

@poldekker Год назад

I agree. I am quite short but have wide shoulders so the length based formula doesn’t work for me. Another thing I missed was twitchiness can be adressed with a longer handlebar stem.

@darrinkulyk9560 Год назад

I have found its Basically Your Inseam ..... is For Me Anyway 😎

@_systemd Год назад

@@darrinkulyk9560 for my it's a d1ck length basically

@romdavis2050 3 года назад

Hi Guys, How do you get the numbers that you use to calculate R.A.D (2.5) for bike sizing and now 4.4 for bar width? Just curious. I have used the RAD calculation and it works. I am really curious to see if the bar calculations will work for me. A year ago I changed my bar length from 760 to 780. A few months after I developed headaches after my rides, about 2 hours after riding to be precise. I never thought it could be because of my bar length. I am going to shorten bars and see if it makes a post-ride difference.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Great question. The handlebar calculation is based on average proportions and an upper arm angle of 20 degrees with the hands directly in front of the elbow.

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

The multiplier assumes average shoulder width, upper arm length and hand width. There are more detailed ways to assess optimal bar width. Learn all the details about bar width (and way more) at www.llbmtb.com. Enjoy a free month with the code JOYOFBIKE.

@dragrace1989 3 года назад

Very informative video. Alex and Lee making some more great content, keep it up!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Thanks!!!

@thedudefromla Год назад

Great Job! I found the information very useful. Thanks.

@menemismix 3 года назад

First!!!! Edit. Just finished watching. Hands down your videos are all about maximizing fun and optimizing ride. Kudos to you both

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Thanks Mike!!!

@Windband1 3 года назад

I think a simple way to look at bar width is to look at the "direction" your forearms are pointing when standing on the pedals in a moderately aggressive "ready position", which you would be in descending. Optimal width your forearms are pointing relatively straight forward. You can see Lee in this position on his homepage near the bottom, when he's on that berm. Too wide and your forearms point "outside", which is a weaker position and hard on your shoulders, too narrow and your forearms point "inside" and your elbows are really bent, which is also weaker. Cheers.

@trkoo 3 года назад

I love this video so much... Subscription and like wasn't enough so I had to comment as well.. great quality technical info. Thank you!

@stevendanielson8104 3 года назад

Such a helpful video to augment the information on your site Lee. I should be at 770 mm, just got my new bike that came with 800. Gonna start sliding my controls inward and ride the same tech trail to experiment.

@JasonFoxLCB 3 года назад

Loving these sizing videos. According to Leetonian calculations, I should be able to go up to an 820. I ride a 720 because I've always preferred narrower bars. Must be my inherent beanpoleishness.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Wow. You are a handlebar unicorn. Consider experimenting with 750-760

@JasonFoxLCB 3 года назад

@@JoyOfBike Well, the bar I replaced was a 755. Maybe I'm just weird. I'm used to it. Being weird, that is.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

@@JasonFoxLCB Weird just means not following the crowd. I'm a fan of that! I ride 680 ish on my BMX!

@JasonFoxLCB 3 года назад

@@JoyOfBike That's one reason I went into advertising. If only advertising still wanted the weirdos. But I digress. Back to the trails.

@AustinShockSS 3 года назад

I’m the same way. 5’10” and run narrow. My bike now I increased to 720. Feels odd like my control is slow motion.

@bestbeginnerpiano 3 года назад

After sharing this my friend texted “Great vid. Although, knowing just a tiny bit about biomechanics, it's my opinion that bar width should be calculated according to shoulder width instead of the person's height. Someone who is 6'5" can have the same width shoulders as a 5'9" person. Using overall height seems an over-simplification. Kind of like going with BMI instead of measuring body fat. It just doesn't take into account different body types. That is all...” 🤔

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

@bestbeginnerpiano 3 года назад

@@lee_likes_bikes Thanks for the incredibly FAST and excellent reply. And thanks again for showing me HOW to HOP for the first time in 25yrs of riding after just 20 minutes trying at age 68!

@todddennehy804 Год назад

THank you for affirming what we already kinda knew! Good video!

@joeward8199 3 года назад

Greatness. Creative use of music and different quirky sounds in the editing to keep my attention. Making it funny and light.....greatness. Great content.....teaching an old rider new methods, useful content. Ur the B Crosby and Bob H of MTB.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Wow, thank you!

@michaelhoulden9018 3 года назад

Awesome stuff!!! I’ve always believed max wide didn’t make sense. How could it possibly? Oh back up. Ten years ago wide bars were 720 and that was an awesome shift. Now that’s considered narrow and bikes come with 800mm bars and stickers that say “designed for properly wide bars” wtf? I have short people come for lessons and they look like they are spread for a pat down! All that to say, I’m 174cm and have 720mm bars and pretty comfortable. I’ll try slightly wider at some point but I won’t be shamed into keeping them wider if I don’t like it!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

This estimates a MAX for shoulder health. Keep with what you have if it's working.

@michaelhoulden9018 3 года назад

@@JoyOfBike oh absolutely, that’s what I was acknowledging!

@kswsquared 3 года назад

If I had a dollar for every time I've seen a short (like around 5'6" and lower) rider spread-eagled over an uncut 800mm flat bar, I'd be able to afford a really good dropper post by now...

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Indeed!

@Ispike73 3 года назад

I'm 5'-5" and my bike came with 780s that I ride uncut. I ride with my hands all the way inboard on the grips which gives me an effective length from the outside of my hands that is well under what is recommended in this video. The difference between an 800 bar and the size of the bar recommended in this video for someone 5'6" is 30mm on each hand which is impercevable to anyone but the rider (and barely perceivable there). You're not seeing anyone 'spread-eagled' over anything.

@ABC-wr2yu 11 месяцев назад

Yes!!! Thank you. My bar is 30 inches and I’m 5’5 causing so much strain on on my shoulders and rotator cuffs. Coming from road biking, this sucked. I just bought 23 inch bar. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the video, still applicable 2 years later!

@GOTCHAPARK 3 года назад

Great info. Thanks for sharing it ! I will recheck my width right now .

@jaredtopilko1313 3 года назад

183x4.4 is 805. I started with a fatbar at 800 and progressively went down to 760.

@danielribas1109 3 года назад

Im also 183 and currently riding (XC) with a 690mm bar, I bought a used bike and this bar came into it. I'm looking for a new bar in the past two weeks, I'll go straight to 760 once you said it, I've ridden a friend's bike with a 780mm bar and it felt veeeeeery awkward (due to the lack of twitchiness) but kinda good at the same time (the feeling of riding with my chest open), maybe 760 will work nice for me too

@jaredtopilko1313 3 года назад

@@danielribas1109 I have a 750 bar with a different rise that I also use.

@believe8263 3 года назад

Pro Tip: Use a pipe cutter for perfectly flat handlebar cuts. Takes a bit longer but you never have to correct it and requires less filing afterwards.

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Not a bad way to go. I love a pipe cutter. used to be my fave method but I've become an angle grinder guy.

@Chris-de2qc 3 года назад

I purchased a $30 cut saw guide to clasp onto the bar/stem and then cut with hacksaw.

@believe8263 3 года назад

@@Chris-de2qc That's what a lot of guys use and it's faster but more messy. The pipe cutter is, precise, cheaper and cleaner but takes about a minute or two more.. Almost no filing needed afterwards.

@Chris-de2qc 3 года назад

@@believe8263 I saw a video of a guy using a pipe cutter and it took him forever so I was afraid to go that route lol

@stefhirsch6922 2 года назад

@@Chris-de2qc the cutting wheel on a pipe cutter will get dull with use. Those wheels are able to be sharpened as well as replaced. Dull cutting tools typically don’t do a good job when trying to cut things.

@SethNeal 3 года назад

This channel is kicking so much ass! Thanks for the great content!

@JoyOfBike 3 года назад

Heck yeah!!!

@oceanworking9456 3 года назад

Love the vids, guys... keep em coming! I'd like to see a backsweep/upsweep video like this one as it relates to muscles worked and possible shoulder pain at different angles.

@lee_likes_bikes 3 года назад

Good idea!

@mackturtle82 3 года назад

is there some reason why almost every handlebar on the market as a 8-9° backsweep bend? That could be a discussion for another video. more sweep= shorter reach, most of the time.

@Antweak83 3 года назад

Deity is 9 degree backsweep, Pnw range bar is 10 degree, and renthal bars are 7 degrees. But most are 8 and 5. I feel thats the sweetspot. But I still prefer renthal bars.