EZ Sport Handlebars

[dlgillen]

Hello Everyone!

I purchased an EZ Sport CX and love it. As with all new bikes there is an ajustment period moving seats, backs bars etc. Well looking at some pics on the internet of EZ Sport ikes I noticed Some have the handle bar neck forward and some have them installed pointing back. My question is...Does it matter? Is there a right / wrong way?
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/dlgillen/sun2.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/dlgillen/sun1.jpg

Thanks,
Dan

[bkaapcke]

Shorter riders who move the seat way forward may prefer the stem pointing forward. It's just part of fine tuning the fit. I had to get longer bars (+4 1/2") made so my arms weren't outstretched while riding. This stopped the pain in my forearm tendons. It takes a while to get them dialed in. bk

[BlazingPedals]

I don't think there's a right way or a wrong way. Whatever orientation gives you the most comfortable reach is fine. If it matters, TourEasys/GRRs typically mount it pointing to the rear.

[dgholmes59]

Mine was turned toward the front when I purchased it like the bottom picture. I am 6' with a 46.5" x-seam so I have the seat as far back as possible. So that I could reach the handlebars better, I turned the stem around facing the back like the top picture and worked alot better. Taller riders may need the stem facing rearward where shorter riders may want it facing forward. I still need a longer stem to put the handlebars back enough for me.

[BlazingPedals]

One thing I see with the bottom pic is that the seat is horribly upright. How can that be comfortable?

[dlgillen]

One thing I see with the bottom pic is that the seat is horribly upright. How can that be comfortable?

That was a pic I got off ebay and the bike was for sale New so I don't guess anyone was riding it.

Thanks for all the input, I will leave my to the rear. seems better.

[megaman]

One thing I see with the bottom pic is that the seat is horribly upright. How can that be comfortable?

Actually, I rode like that for over a year. I was fine with the seat in that upright position. I decided to lean the seat back a bit. Boy, did that take some getting used to! It was 6 months before I felt comfortable again.

[dgholmes59]

I would suggest that anyone starting out on an EZ Sport begin riding with the seat more upright. It is much easier to ride that way because it gives the person a bit more balance control. After one gets more comfortable on a bent, then maybe lean the seat back a notch. Keep in mind, one notch does feel strange for a bit until you get used to it. Continue this until you are in the most comfortable position that gives you the most leg power. There is a point where the seat is leaned too far back which robs power and speed. At least on the low bottom bracket long bikes, that is. I would prefer to ride with a more upright position because I have more power, but my butt hurts after about an 1.5 hours. Leaning it back lengthens that time.