How To Set Up a Mountain Bike | Seb's Easy 7 Step Guide

Seb Stott - BikeRadar's resident Aberdonian and mountain bike tech nerd - is back for this easy seven-step guide on how how to set up a mountain bike.
Whether you've just taken delivery of a brand new shiny mountain bike or if you want to perfect the setup of a faithful old bike, there should be something for everyone to learn in this easy-to-follow guide.
0:32 - How to set saddle height on a mountain bike
1:21 - How to set the saddle angle on a mountain bike
2:36 - How to set handlebar height on a mountain bike
3:48 - How to set the handlebar roll (angle) on a mountain bike
5:21 - How to set brake levers on a mountain bike
7:08 - How to set tyre pressure on a mountain bike
7:48 - How to set up your mountain bike suspension
If you're looking for a more in-depth look at how to set up your mountain bike suspension, check out Seb's ultimate guide from 2018 - • Advanced MTB Suspensio...
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[@bikeradar]

Do you have any top tips of setting up your mountain bike? Let us know in the comments!

[@joseruivo5215]

Knee Over Pedal Spindle - KNOPS - is the proper way to setup your saddle fore/after position, for best power and knee safety.

[@MarkoWolfStrmljan]

I run 29-33psi in the rear and 27-31psi in the front, depends on how much gear i bring on my ride and whats the trail condition.

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

i run 18 psi front 15 on the back but yeah i'm not weighing that much hehe

[@TheMrFelin]

Nice and detailed video! Thanks so much!

[@josereneducharme142]

This video is at the same level as the suspension setting video. Stratospheric.

[@matteo.ceriotti]

Adjusting the handlebar height requires tightening the headset cap until the steering is smooth and tight. The video skips this important step, which requires some judgement also.

[@hellojrod]

3:40 he does that.

[@sebstott3573]

Good point that could have been more thorough - the headset needs to be just tight enough to eliminate play. Thanks for flagging this up.

[@bogdanpopa67]

Hi. What tools/ manufacturer are you using? Seem like some kind of bike multi tool.

[@Brandom]

Park tools is awesome.

[@tenkonk]

I tought its olle when first time i see the presenter

[@Acceleronics]

As a mtb noob, all of the "how to set up your bike" videos omit a crucial fact for me: what does correct seat angle / tire pressure / handlebar angle / tire choice / etc. feel like, and what does incorrect feel like. Videos typically provide a useful starting point, but then advise to experiment with variations. I'm down with that, but what am I looking for?

[@Zzyyxx22]

Acceleronics incorrect feels either painful or uncomfortable. If it feels fine then it’s almost certainly right.

[@HarryKuloh]

All those things you mentioned largely come down to style and what feels right to the rider

[@kleinkurti]

A perfect tire pressure is as low as possible for perfect grip, but high enough so you don't have rim strikes. Also go tubeless 🎉

[@tamasvarga67]

Acceleronics If you feel happy with the starting point then you are done... you don’t have to change anything just for the sake of change. When your riding evolves or more specific you will make changes accordingly if you feel it necessary. All those riding scenarios that might require adjustments were mentioned in the video - if you often ride steep climbs push the saddle forward and point its nose a little bit down etc.

[@mtbboy1993]

7:16 unless you are a very tall muscular person

[@antoinebs]

Setting saddle setback regarding where you ride ??? Saddle setback and height should be set in order to have the correct position on the bike (meaning your ankles, knees and hips are working with good angles when pedaling, there is topics about that, leg stretch with heel on pedal is a start but still approximative, proper body fitting is really a good idea if you ride a lot). How a professionnal channel can give such advice to people who might put their saddle forward and get knees injuries just because they have uphills to ride ???

[@emily9587]

Yès

[@EPoel-vg8ci]

the tip with the sadle back or front is wrong. You gonna damage your knees when you put it in wrong position

[@joejuan5022]

This bike looks so small underneath Seb.

[@edwin7150]

lmao full suspension carrera

[@johnelvincabahug3109]

Second

[@HarryKuloh]

Loser

[@mtbboy1993]

that bike does not look like a good bike, geo is way off, I now have a Geometron G1 size large( 515mm reach), I lvoe the geometry,sizing, it makes sense, I am 181cm I have saddle tip of the Fabric scoop shallow race saddle above the BB, I use mid foot position with Catalyst pedals. 33mm stem.