The correct adjustment of your mountain bike is crucial for your riding experience. An incorrect seating position can not only lead to pain and fatigue but also affect your health in the long term. The saddle height and tilt, as well as the position of the handlebars and grips, play a significant role in correct bike set up. Here are some reasons why you should adjust your MTB correctly:

• Avoiding pain and discomfort: A saddle height that is too high or too low can lead to knee, back, and hand pain.
• Efficient power transfer: A correct sitting position allows for optimal power transfer to the pedals.
• Better control and handling: Properly adjusted handlebars improve bike control and increase safety.

If you want to learn more about this topic, you can take a closer look at our ergonomics website, where everything is clearly explained. Both our MTB saddles and grips are designed for precise ergonomic posture and sitting position on the bike.

The saddle height is one of the most important factors for a comfortable riding experience and efficient power transfer. It is crucial for an efficient pedaling motion and to avoid knee problems. Here’s how to adjust it:

1. Measure your inseam: Stand against a wall without shoes and measure from the sole of your foot to the crotch. The best way to do this is by pushing a book up between your legs. The top edge of the book is your upper measurement point.

2. Calculate saddle height: Multiply your inseam length by 0.883. The result is your saddle height.

3. Adjust the saddle: Set the saddle so that the measured distance corresponds to the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top edge of the saddle. On our new saddle models, you will find the so-called Biomechanical Reference Line (BMR). It determines the measurement point on the surface of the saddle.

Our Bike Ergonomics channel also has a video on adjusting saddle height for you. Everything is explained concisely and clearly there.

The horizontal position of the saddle influences your position in relation to the bottom bracket and handlebars. Here's how to find the right position:

1. Feet on the pedals: place the cranks parallel to the ground and sit on the saddle.

2. Check your knee angle: Your knee should be above the pedal axle. You can achieve this by dropping a plumb line down from the kneecap. The plumb line should fall through the pedal axle. This is best checked by an assisting person. (You can also find a plumb line in our Fitting Box , which you can use to adjust your bike ergonomically). Move the saddle forwards or backwards until you have reached this position.

In addition to adjusting the saddle height, we have also produced a video on how to fully adjust the saddle. It clearly shows you how to make all the necessary adjustments.

The saddle tilt affects the pressure distribution on your buttocks and hands. To adjust the optimal saddle tilt, follow these steps:

1. Align horizontally: First, set the saddle horizontally level.

2. Fine-tuning: Adjust the tilt in small steps until you find a comfortable position. If you feel uncomfortable pressure in the perineal or genital area, tilt the saddle nose slightly downward.

The handlebar height and position affect your sitting posture and riding comfort. Here’s how to adjust the handlebars correctly:

1. Handlebar height: The handlebar height should be set so that your arms are slightly bent. A higher handlebar provides a more upright sitting position, while a lower handlebar offers a more athletic posture.

2. Handlebar width: The handlebar width should match your shoulder width. A wider handlebar offers more control, while a narrower handlebar reduces wind resistance.

3. Handlebar tilt: Adjust the handlebars so that your wrists are in a neutral position to avoid overloading. If you’re unsure, start by setting the grips horizontally. If necessary, you can then adjust the angle of the grips so that there is only a very slight angle or bend from the arm to the back of the hand.

Also, check out our video on adjusting the handlebar distance. The video on the correct cockpit adjustment can serve as both a reference and a check for the correct settings.

For precise adjustment of your MTB, there are various tools and aids:

• Fitting-Box: We at Ergon have developed together with experts, professionals, and bike fitters, not just one but several fitting boxes for different types of bikes. If you are reading this article, you will be particularly interested in our MTB Fitting Box. An overview of all our products can be found on our prodcut page.

• YouTube videos: Our in-house YouTube channel for bike ergonomics is a reliable reference for all questions about the correct adjustment of seating and gripping, as well as questions about adjusting pedals on the bike – the contact points of the body with the bike. Comfort and efficiency do not have to be mutually exclusive; in fact, they complement each other in bike fitting.

• Individual bike fitting: This is the gold standard of adjustment and usually comes with higher costs. However, a bike fitting can be compared to a personally tailored suit or dress. Nothing else fits as well right away. In this sense, it may be worth the higher investment.

The correct adjustment of your mountain bike is crucial for comfort, performance, and health. By optimally adjusting the saddle height, saddle tilt, horizontal saddle adjustment, and handlebar position, you can significantly improve your riding experience. Try our tips, take test rides, and find the ideal setting for you.

For more information and detailed instructions, visit our websites on bike saddles, grips, bike fitting, and other relevant topics. Good luck and have a comfortable ride!