• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

What’s the Correct Handlebar / Saddle Relationship?

QUESTION: I notice that lots of riders have their handlebar height much lower than their saddle height. What’s the right way to determine this relationship? — Dwayne C.

RBR REPLIES: There isn’t a single best handlebar/saddle-height differential that works for all riders. The correct relationship depends on a number of factors, including the length of the rider’s arms and upper body, flexibility, riding style and the use for which the bike is ridden.

Many pro riders have their bars very low for better aerodynamics. Pros are young, flexible and talented, so this position works for them. They also look extremely cool, which is why many recreational riders imitate their bike setup. Too often, the result is back and/or neck discomfort.

In general, most recreational riders will do well when the handlebar on their road bike is 1-2 inches below the top of their saddle. Remember, your hands will most likely be resting on the brake hoods, which are a bit lower than the top of the bar.

The best way to arrive at this key factor for comfort and performance is to have a professional bike fit by a good shop, qualified cycling coach or physical therapist who works with cyclists.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • Newsletter Issue No. 1053
  • Can you use Shimano rotors with SRAM brakes? (Or vice versa?)
  • 16 Tips for Increasing Your Annual Cycling Mileage
  • Intense Exercisers Have More Plaques but Fewer Heart Attacks

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 1053

Newsletter Issue No. 1052

Newsletter Issue No. 1051

Newsletter Issue No. 1050

Newsletter Issue No. 1049

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...