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Southern California Message Boards

 Mongoose XR100 Tech question
I just got this bike for Mother's Day (bless my family) however, they brought it home without an owners manual. Even with the seat all the way down, the handle bars are too low for me. Do they adjust? If so, please describe how. I certainly don't want to damage anything by trying to move them without some input.

Thanks so much.
CJ
Posted by Carolyn J32 a 32 year old riding a Mongoose XR100 from Utah on 05/11/03


Responses: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Post Reply
  •  Re: Mongoose XR100 Tech question
    Is this flame BAIT??????????
    1. XR100's don't come w/ owners manuals..well they technically do but the people who build them, throw them away.
    2. The size that you have is a medium. If you are under 5'5" or abouts, its too big for U. They dont make XR100's in small or large. Only medium.
    3. You can adjust the bars by buying a higher-rise handlebar at a local bike shop. However, as I said, the bikes' too big for you.
    4. Nice gift....uh...can U take it back?
    Posted by FatCat on 05/12/03
    Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
  •  Re: Mongoose XR100 Tech question
    Is this flame BAIT??????????
    1. XR100's don't come w/ owners manuals..well they technically do but the people who build them, throw them away.
    2. The size that you have is a medium. If you are under 5'5" or abouts, its too big for U. They dont make XR100's in small or large. Only medium.
    3. You can adjust the bars by buying a higher-rise handlebar at a local bike shop. However, as I said, the bikes' too big for you.
    4. Nice gift....uh...can U take it back?
    Posted by FatCat on 05/12/03
    Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
  •  CJ, what a great present!

    Your family must think a lot of you. Giving the gift of riding is THE best possible present, as I'm sure everyone in this forum will attest to.

    The first thing to do (which you are smack in the middle of doing), is to get comfortable on the bike.

    First adjust the seat height to a comfortable level (you can always fine tune it later). Then ride it a bit to get a sense of where you want the handlebars to end up. As you mentioned, they seem too low. There are two things you can do.

    First, as 'Cat mentioned, you can try a different handlebar. You can find them in all different shapes and styles - check at your local bike shop (LBS) for one with a high degree of rise (even 4 or 6 inches).

    Second, you can also buy high-rise stems (some are adjustable). I'd highly recommend that you let your local bike shop perform the swap though. Stems and even handlebars are tricky to install (and safety is paramount here!). You might even have to have your cables lengthened depending on how much rise you add to the handlebar.

    I specialize in customizing bikes to find the ideal fit for the individual rider. No formulas and no "kits" can do this. It is accomplished through experience and working one-to-one with the individual. Sorry I can't help personalize your bike for you here, but I know that if you work with your shop (LBS), you can find your sweet spot.

    It may not be totally perfect (with this bike), but remember the important thing is to just ride. Your heart and your kids will thank you.

    Sky

    Posted by Skywalker riding a bit farther than I did yesterday on 05/12/03


    Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
    •  Re: CJ, what a great present!
      Thanks for all the info. Yes, it's a great present. I have been riding all over! I forgot how much fun it is to ride!
      I think we've decided that I'll ride it for another few days, and then if I don't think it's a good fit, My husband will ride it and we'll go get another one that's a little smaller.
      Again, thanks for all the input.

      CJ
      Posted by CJenkinson on 05/14/03


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  •  Re: Mongoose XR100 Tech question
    The best way for you to get the right handelbar height is not to adjust the seat really low, although this is a common mistake. Here is what should really be done for a proper bike "fit".
    1 - First you need to adjust your seat height properly. Sit on your seat with both feet flat on the pedals and have one of your legs fully extended to the bottom of the pedal strok (at the 6:00 O'clock position). You should have only a slight bend in your extended leg, to the point where you leg is about 95% extended. A common misconception is that you should adjust your seat height so you can touch the ground when on your seat but this is not true. You want to adjust your seat so you get the best leverage and mechanical advantage from your legs.
    2 - adjust your handelbar height (and length if necessary). The only way to adjust the height of your bars and the distance the bars from the front of the bike it to use a different handelbar stem. Stems are made in a variety of lengths and angles. The best height and length is really a personal preference but common misconception is that most people want a really high bars. Your best bet is to visit a local bike shop and have someone help you through choosing the correct length and rise stem. The most important thing is to get the seat height correct first, and then move on to selecting the correct stem.
    Posted by JB a 32 year old Cross-Country riding a Schwinn Homegrown / Mtn goat whiskey town racer from Orange County, CA on 05/15/03
    Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
    
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