CrowSeph

Hello , i'am looking for an article or a specific rule to set up my mtb.
In the specific topic i want to know if the stem lenght and the handlebar height.

thanks

Eric F 

I’m not aware of any specific rule of guideline for MTBs. Like fitting any bike, it’s mostly about personal preference, riding style, and what is comfortable for your body. I have good spinal flexibility and ride a lightweight XC hardtail. I prefer my bars a couple of inches lower than the seat, and the stem length putting the bar in a location that it obscures my view of the front hub. On a different style of MTB bike, or for a rider with less flexibility, this might not work at all.

veganbikes

You might see a fitter.

I am sure someone has come up with silly rules and maybe that is your shtick but no you don't need any rules you need a fitter if you have fit issues. Otherwise ride your bike and enjoy it and don't worry about some idiot on the internet writing odd rules that may work for them and a couple other people. Fit is not a rule, fit is a way to adjust your bike to make it work for you.

staehpj1

I'd suggest that some basic stuff is the same for any bike. I'd say start with some of the basic cockpit stuff being the same as a road bike and go from there. Back in my racing days I set up all may bikes as pretty close to the same aggressive setup as my road race bike. I had take great effort in getting that bike the way I wanted it, so I'd take a tape measure to it and duplicate the measurements on new bikes when setting them up. That included my rigid MTB race bike and even my touring bike. I still ride that MTB in that same setup these 30+ years later at age 71, but I also have a 29er hard tail that has the bars set up a good bit higher than the saddle that is my daily ride these days.

The basics of getting power to the pedals dictates where the saddle is relative to the pedals some of the other stuff may vary with how you intent to use the bike.

c_m_shooter

There is more variability in setup in mountain bikes due to geometry, handling, and riding styles. Starting with a fairly neutral fit with the same reach from saddle to controls as your touring road bike is a fairly good plan for an XC bike. Downhillers and dirt jumpers will want a shorter, more upright setup.

2old

For me, set the seat height (determined by placing my heel on the pedal and raising the saddle and pedaling backward until my knee was straight). Then I'd sit on the bike with it balanced against something, close my eyes and determine where to put my hands when I felt comfortable. This resulted in a slight crouch with my elbows slightly bent. The other more expensive, more scientific way is to get a fitting at a bike shop.

LJR69

There is quite an informative cockpit set up video from GMBN Tech. I can't link to it as I don't have 10 posts apparently. However, if you search YouTube for 'How To Find A MTB Cockpit Set Up That Works For You' you'll find it easy enough. It goes into more (some might say unnecessary) level of detail, but is an interesting watch if nothing else.

Kapusta

This has all the info you need:

MTB Fit Guides

Misti

Cool, thanks for this. I've never put time into setting it up at all I just ride Looks interesting.

CrowSeph

Update. i talked with an expert and told me that my bike frame is a bit big for my measure.
But i can use anyways , just had to swap the handlebar (switching from a low rize to a fully flat one) and also from a -7 to a -20° stem.

georges1

Before cutting the fork steerer, make sure that you don't cut it too much and see how your arms are positionned and that your back isn't too low. Also if you have long legs, think about longer cranks.