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Are you having knee pain while mountain biking? Back pain? Hands hurting or going numb? There may be an easy solution. Your mountain bike may not fit you properly.
A poor mountain bike fit can cause a lot of problems and discomfort while riding. When buying a mountain bike, it is important to make sure that the frame fits you properly and then the components like the seat and handlebars can be adjusted as needed. Many stores offer a fitting when you buy a mountain bike, but some fittings are very basic, while others may involve extra cost, which is why it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge of how to know if a mountain bike fits you well.
If you are having pain in your hands, back, or knees while mountain biking, the solution may be as simple as making some slight adjustments to your mountain bike saddle and handlebars.
Hand Numbness or Pain?
If your hands are going numb or hurting while riding, you may be putting too much weight on your handlebars. It's important to stay light on the handlebars while riding. If you feel like you are sliding off the seat and have to hold yourself up with your arms, try tilting the front of the seat up slightly so it is level with the ground from front to back.
Incorrectly adjusted handlebars could also cause hand or wrist pain. If your hands feel like they are at an awkward angle on the handlebars, try rotating the handlebars slightly or adjusting the position of the shift and brake levers.
Knee Pain?
A common cause for knee pain while mountain biking is an incorrectly adjusted saddle. If the front part of the saddle is tilted down, it can cause a lot of stress on the knees. Try adjusting the saddle in a neutral position that is level from front to back and then make very slight adjustments as needed.
If your seat is too low or high, this can also cause knee pain.
Back Pain?
If your back hurts when riding, check to see if your mountain bike seat height is adjusted properly. If the seat is too high, it can cause your hips to rock, which causes strain on the lower back.
Another reason for back pain could be too long of a reach to the handlebars. Raising the handlebars may be enough to shorten the reach, but if the reach is still too far, you may need a shorter stem.
For tips on how to select a mountain bike frame that fits properly and how to set up your mountain bike to fit you properly, please visit http://www.mountain-bike-buzz.com/mountain-bike-fit.html
Mary Blomquist is a mountain biking enthusiast who lives in Colorado and is the founder of http://www.mountain-bike-buzz.com/, a site that is full of information and tips for mountain bikers and includes a free eBook on riding techniques.
