Archive for category: Dynamic MTB fit

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How long should your MTB cranks be?

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Optimal crank length is proportional to leg length, which is generally proportional to height. Exceptions abound, but this logic — smaller people need smaller bike parts — is sound.

The height difference between 5’0″ and 6’8″ (a full size run) is 33%.

The length difference between 165 and 175mm cranks (the broadest common range on stock adult MTBs) is 6%.

If you’re shorter than the stock range, you’ll benefit greatly from shorter cranks. If you’re taller, run what came on your bike; there are handling advantages to running shorter than Zinn’s number.

Get all the details at the LLBMTB school.

What do y’all think?

About handlebar rise

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Our friend and fellow LLBMTB member Sarah sent an interesting question about straight vs curved bars.

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Measuring RAAD on a bike

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Hi Lee,

I’m enjoying the book Dialed: the secret math of a perfect mountain bike setup and really appreciate the MTB specific and rider-centric approach to bike fitting. I was wondering if you can guide me toward how to accurately measure my RAAD? There’s plenty of info in the book on how it should be set, but I’m not clear on the best way to measure it. Any recommended tool? Protractor devices and angle finders are generally not very long and would likely lack precision if trying to measure from the center point of the bottom bracket.

My RAD is prefect, surprisingly, with a fully stock bike (Large 2021 Epic EVO), so I’m afraid to tinker with the wrong adjustments and just end up messing up my RAD by trying to dial in my RAAD. Any tips on accurate measuring would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Matt

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What size Nukeproof Mega 290 should I ride?

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Hey Lee!

I’m going to be getting a nuke proof Mega 290. I’m kinda a outlier. I’m 6″4″ 260 lb. I’m in shape and lean. Just a big dude. Most of my height is in my torso with a 36 biking inseam. 32 pants inseam. How can I measure for my torso correctly?
I am enduro racer with weekend all mountain. I am registered for big mountain enduro races this year. My goal is to beat all the 20 year olds and take the podium from the masters class 🙂 and be a racer even at 45. It’s my dream!
Cheers!
BTW- thank you for your program and skill sets has made a world of difference!!!!

Scott

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Has the bike industry forgotten smaller riders?

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Hello Lee,

I am a new member of the Lee Likes Bikes MTB School but have followed you for a while and  read your book probably close to 8-9 years ago. Still have it and review it from time to time.

I am  55, and have been riding for most of my adult life (MTB/Rd/Tri).

I have been wanting to buy a new mountain bike for years, but at 58 inches tall and 95 lbs, I have been challenged and frustrated.

The last bike I purchased, which is my current one,  was in 2010 or 2011; a Pivot mach 4 in XS ( yes 26″). I purchased it sight unseen. At the time I felt it was too big, ( compared to my hard tail Mojo – which I LOVED).

In the last 5 years or so, I have attempted to test ride different rigs. Out of the handful I have tried (availability being the primary issue), none feel like they fit. Has the industry forgotten about shorter statured riders, or is there something out there?

I keep looking online at various manufacturer’ sites, but what looks like a possibility on paper,  may not always the case.

Would I be able to find a resource on your site that would lead me the right direction?

Not really sure how to start. I appreciate your time,

Marlene

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