so i have a few questions on the technical aspects of riding. i really wish i just had a pro friend to ask these questions, but for now you guys are my pro advice giver. so onto the first question

does the angle of the handlebars affect anything? maybe in how you lift the front end or landing or anything, of is this just a preference part of biking?

what are the differences between 4 piece and 2 piece bars other than structural integrity?

does anyone ride an 18 tt just because its smaller and lighter, or is it pretty much standard to just ride 20 tt's?

how much do stems affect riding? ive seen a good variety of stems and i was wondering if the different ones actually made a difference other than looks.

and heres the last one, having to do with setting up for tricks and stuff. when your feet are leveled out on the pedals, having your left or right foot in the further forward position is just preference right? doesnt affect anything?

alright thanks guys for help you can offer me. im still learning a lot so i always have questions. some that dont really come up in "Search"

also, any tips on doing a manual? or is it just keep trying to find that balance point and just practice holding the manual with your knees?

so i have a few questions on the technical aspects of riding. i really wish i just had a pro friend to ask these questions, but for now you guys are my pro advice giver. so onto the first question

does the angle of the handlebars affect anything? maybe in how you lift the front end or landing or anything, of is this just a preference part of biking?

Foward or backward you mean? Prefferance,and I think this is some oppinion-Street=fork angle,Park=90 degrees,trails=more forward but it doesnt really matter.

what are the differences between 4 piece and 2 piece bars other than structural integrity?

The angle of where your grips are are different on alot of bars,4 peice and 2 peice.
2 peice are stronger though.

does anyone ride an 18 tt just because its smaller and lighter, or is it pretty much standard to just ride 20 tt's?

Unless you are really short,ride a 19.5 to about 22.

how much do stems affect riding? ive seen a good variety of stems and i was wondering if the different ones actually made a difference other than looks.

The length the bars are it front of the fork tube,length,and weight.

and heres the last one, having to do with setting up for tricks and stuff. when your feet are leveled out on the pedals, having your left or right foot in the further forward position is just preference right? doesnt affect anything?

Not really

alright thanks guys for help you can offer me. im still learning a lot so i always have questions. some that dont really come up in "Search"

also, any tips on doing a manual? or is it just keep trying to find that balance point and just practice holding the manual with your knees?

Keep your butt back and practice.



I answered in that.

My main problem with your response is your idea about 4-piece bars compared to 2-piece.

Gunz, I've never broken bars,so I dont really know but thats what I hear.

I have. 2-piece bars are in no way stronger than 4-piece bars. People only went to 2-piece bars because they were lighter.

Yeah, if anything the 4-piece bars would be stronger. Unless there's some crappy welds.

QUOTE=dingguhlbary



how much do stems affect riding? ive seen a good variety of stems and i was wondering if the different ones actually made a difference other than looks.

----Different sized stems can make the bike feel different as you ride it. It moves the bars farther out over the front wheel in Cenitimeters so its a small amount.

and heres the last one, having to do with setting up for tricks and stuff. when your feet are leveled out on the pedals, having your left or right foot in the further forward position is just preference right? doesnt affect anything?

----For most people, riding with the "comfortable" foot forward means you will spin easier in one direction. Your back leg should sweep the bike around, not pull it. This isnt always true.


also, any tips on doing a manual? or is it just keep trying to find that balance point and just practice holding the manual with your knees?

----Watch people at your local skate park if you have the opportunity. Never look down at the bike, look down the street or at a tree trunk.

i just felt like saying this but set your bike up to what feels comfortable to you. my bike is in the bike check i think on page 44. my bars are really high and parellel with my forks but thats what i like and everyone that rides my bikes agrees that its really comfortable and easy to ride. so moral of story make your bike feel comfortable