Home / Tips / Bike Fit & Setup

Mountain Bike Fit & Setup

A person measuring the bottom bracket of a black Pivot mountain bike while another individual observes, inside a bike shop with various bicycle accessories displayed in the background.
MTB Tips
I thought bike fits were for roadies. Then I had one.
A close-up view of a bicycle seat being measured with a yellow tape measure. One hand is holding the tape measure against the seat, while the background shows a wooden fence and fallen leaves. The measurement indicates a length of approximately 27 inches.
MTB Tips
Have you ever had a professional mountain bike fit?
Close-up of a black WTB Solano bicycle saddle mounted on a seat post, set against a blurred background of trees and greenery. The saddle features subtle texture and branding details.
Saddles
How did you choose your mountain bike saddle?
Close-up of a bicycle saddle labeled "BEL-AIR III," mounted on a black seat post with a visible leveling tool on top. The background features a blurred, lush green forest setting, indicating an outdoor cycling environment.
Saddles
MTB Seat Angle: Nose Up, Down, or Flat?
  14
A mountain biker in a red shirt and helmet is riding on a dirt trail surrounded by green grass and wildflowers, navigating a curve. In the background, trees and a winding road can be seen.
MTB Tips
Longer Bikes Could be Giving us More Hip and Back Problems
  15
A person wearing a camouflage long-sleeve shirt and dark pants is riding a purple mountain bike, positioned beside a garage door. The bike features thick tires and a sleek frame, highlighting its suitability for off-road terrain.
Suspension
This is How to Set Sag, for Real
  1
A close-up image of a person's hand holding a digital caliper measuring a metal component, showing a measurement of 33.31 mm. The background is dark, highlighting the metallic object and the measuring tool.
Drivetrain
How to Find the Right Bottom Bracket for Your Mountain Bike
A close-up view of a person's hand gripping the handlebar of a mountain bike, with a focus on the brake lever and textured grips. The background features a grassy area. The person is wearing a black digital watch on their wrist.
Brakes
How to Perfect Your Mountain Bike Brake Lever Setup
  1
A mountain biker performing a mid-air trick above a dirt jump in a forested area, surrounded by trees and lush greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and is captured in action with the bike's tires off the ground.
Suspension
How to Dial in MTB Suspension from Sag to Rebound for Every Trail
  1
A vibrant purple mountain bike parked on a gravel path surrounded by red rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
Hardtail bikes
A Mountain Biker's Quest for a Ride with the Perfect Geometry
  5
A smiling man in a workshop holds a bicycle wheel and a tool, wearing a black apron over a light blue shirt. The background features various bicycle repair tools and equipment, with natural light streaming in from a window.
Tires All
Lennard Zinn on the Physics of Mountain Biking, Bike Fitting, and Fitness
A close-up image of a piece of cardboard with handwritten measurements and markings. The cardboard is laid over a black surface, with a metallic ruler positioned above it. Two circular marks with a cross inside are visible on the cardboard, along with some scribbled notes indicating measurements, including "4½ 11mm." A black Sharpie marker is also partially visible in the foreground.
Saddles
How to Measure Your Sit Bones for the Perfect Saddle Fit (It's Easy)
  3
Close-up image of a bicycle hydraulic brake caliper mounted on a bike frame, featuring a metallic rotor and black components. Green leaves are visible in the background, providing a natural setting.
Brakes
How to Properly Bed In MTB Disc Brakes
  8
Close-up view of a vibrant red bicycle chainring with an intricate design, placed on a textured, blurred background featuring warm orange hues. The chainring has a metallic sheen, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship.
MTB Tips
Arm Pump, Saddle Tilt, Oval Chain Rings, and Cleat Placement for MTB
  2
A child riding a mountain bike down a dirt trail, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background. The image captures the motion and speed of the ride, with a cloudy sky above.
MTB Tips
Sizing Up or Down Based on Riding Style Can Work, Except When it Doesn't
  18
A black mountain bike with sleek lines, positioned on rocky terrain with a scenic landscape in the background. The setting sun casts a warm glow, highlighting the bike's frame and tires.
Saddles
Why Different Bikes Call for Different Saddle Angles, Shapes, and Positions
  1
A person stands in front of a large screen displaying bike measurement data while a child rides a light green bike in the foreground. The setting is a workshop with tools and bike equipment in the background.
Kids Bikes
Reach is Too Long and Seat Angles Too Slack on Kids Bikes, According to Retül Bike Fit Analysis
  5
Close-up of the sole of a cycling shoe featuring a metal cleat attachment. The shoe has a textured rubber surface with a prominent traction pattern. The image is set against a blurred grassy background, indicating an outdoor environment.
Clipless Pedal Shoes
Why Cleat Position Matters for Mountain Bikers and How to Find the Right Spot
  6
Close-up image of a bicycle's head tube featuring a branded logo. The image captures the handlebars and cables, with a blurred background of greenery and gravel.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
How can I Prevent and Repair Paint Scratches on my Frame? [Quick Question]
  3
A person wearing casual clothing is working on a mountain bike parked next to two SUVs in a campground setting. The bike features a bright blue frame and orange fork. Various tools and items are spread out on the ground, and the background includes trees and camping tents.
MTB Tips
Bikepacking Precovery: Pro Tips for Avoiding Pain and Injury on Long Distance Rides
  2
A close-up view of a mountain bike leaning against a textured wall with colorful graffiti. The image focuses on the handlebars and front suspension of the bike, showcasing its sleek design and components.
Handlebars
What Are Riser Handlebars Good For?
  7
A mountain bike with a black frame and red front fork rests on a debris-strewn ground. The bike features branded tires, a visible gear system, and is surrounded by scattered bricks and rubble, set against a background of earthy terrain.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Would You Rather Ride a MTB That's Too Big, or One That's Too Small?
  19
Alt text: The underside of a cycling shoe resting on a wooden log, featuring a patterned sole and a metal clip for attaching to bike pedals. Surrounding greenery is partially visible in the background.
Clipless Pedal Shoes
Clipless Cleat Experiments: The Fore and Aft of It
  4
A top-down view of a mountain bike's handlebars surrounded by colorful autumn leaves, with the bike's frame partially visible and a wooden fence in the background. The scene captures the vibrant colors of fall foliage.
Handlebars
How Wide is Too Narrow? A Season of Handlebar Width Experimentation
  12
A mountain biker climbing a steep, leaf-covered trail in a wooded area, lifting the front wheel of the bike off the ground while wearing a blue shirt and a helmet.
MTB Tips
Riding Tall: A Mountain Bike Fit Guide for Tall Riders
  4
Close-up of a purple bicycle frame featuring a Race Face crankset and pedal. The image shows the crank arm, pedal, and part of the bike's chain and tire. The background is a textured surface with some scattered leaves.
Cranksets
Are MTB Crank Arms Too Long? Here's Why They Might Be Slowing Us Down
  47
A person measuring the frame of a mountain bike with a tape measure, positioned near a brick wall. The individual has visible tattoos and is wearing sunglasses, while a backpack is visible in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
How Important is Geometry When Buying a Mountain Bike?
  1
A muddy mountain biker smiles broadly while pointing, showcasing a face and jersey covered in dirt after a challenging ride. The background hints at an event setting, with spectators visible.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike Fitting Tips with 5X US Collegiate National Champ Hannah Finchamp
  1
Close-up of a metallic connector partially attached to a coil of blue wire, set against a light gray textured surface.
Drivetrain
Internal Cable Routing Tips for Mountain Bikes
  1
A mountain biker in an orange and gray jersey is crouched down next to their bike, inspecting a damaged tire. Another person is pointing at the bike while holding a water bottle. The scene is set in a wooded area with spectators in the background. The surrounding environment includes trees and a dirt path.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Pre-Race Mountain Bike Prep: Check Bolts, Pressures, and Fluid so You and Your Bike Are Equally Prepared