Bicycle Mechanics - How many adjustments did you make on a new bike?

I bought a new mountain bike and have made an adjustment on the stem. I'm looking at adjusting the seat to move it forward a little so I'm a little closer to the handlebars. Is it normal to make adjustments when you buy a new bike? Thanks

Yes!

If you bought a new car would you expect to just get in it and drive or would you adjust the seat and mirrors? Same thing.

Even if the bike was dialed-in by the shop where you bought it, expect to tweak stem & seat positions, brake lever distance, even the derailler cables, until you get it just right.

My first ride on a new bike is always done with a jersey pocket full of tools. Ride a bit, tweak, ride some more, tweak. Being of the... errr, fussy.... sort, I even take a handheld GPS unit with me so I can adjust the computer
for as-close-to-exact distance. (Hey, if I'm going to work for every mm of pavement covered, I'm durn sure to log it.)

Don't worry, after a few rides, you'll have it feeling the way you want. (Until you upgrade a component or three.)

My newest bike is a 2005 model and I'm still making adjustments . . .

Even if the bike was dialed-in by the shop where you bought it, expect to tweak stem & seat positions, brake lever distance, even the derailler cables, until you get it just right.

My first ride on a new bike is always done with a jersey pocket full of tools. Ride a bit, tweak, ride some more, tweak. Being of the... errr, fussy.... sort, I even take a handheld GPS unit with me so I can adjust the computer
for as-close-to-exact distance. (Hey, if I'm going to work for every mm of pavement covered, I'm durn sure to log it.)

Don't worry, after a few rides, you'll have it feeling the way you want. (Until you upgrade a component or three.)

That's a great idea. Adjust as you ride.

Well, Eddie Merckx is reputed to have carried a Campag saddle spanner with him and to have regularly adjusted his 2-bolt seatpost to change his saddle position several times during a stage. I wonder how he did that?

Mind you, he was Eddie Merckx - and it's better than trying to adjust the stem while riding!

On a new bike you can also expect to need to adjust the shift cables after a few hundred miles.
On a road bike I re-set my tire pressure before each ride.

Al

I'm looking at adjusting the seat to move it forward a little so I'm a little closer to the handlebars.

FYI: Saddle fore/aft (front/back) is adjusted to the correct position relative to the bottom bracket and crank NOT to adjust the reach to the handlebars. Reach should be altered by adjusting/replacing the stem.

Thanks. I think I will leave the seat where it is, after you mentioned that.

On a new bike? I adjust EVERY single part. Especially the spoke-tension; stock wheels are typically always undertensioned. Even the preload on the wheel-bearings needs to be adjusted. The spoke-tension most likely will need to be adjusted to re-true the wheel after the 1st couple weeks. Usually the derailleur cable-tension needs to be adjusted the 1st couple months or so due to the housing seating into the stops. Same with the brake-cable tension as the pads break-in on the rims. The foam and leather on the seat wears in to match your butt and the seatpost most likely needs adjustment. Beginners typically always ride 1-2" too low and may end up with knee problems and needs to have their seats raised (best 1-2mm at a time about once a week).

Then weekly, you have to check and adjust the tyre-pressure.

since i had to pull teeth to get my LBS to even try to fit my FX, i did most of it myself. I ended up getting the 20' frame over the 17.5 and it seems much better..jsut some minor seat adjustment, and stem spacers.

Fits like a glove, much better ride. Can't say the same about the Avid front brake, it is pretty crappy..so i bought a better Avid brake for the front for now..the Front derailuer has needed only minor adjustment which i dod myself from the bike tutor.com

Thanks. I think I will leave the seat where it is, after you mentioned that.
Aren't glad u asked? :)

So you went an bought a bike and the place where you purchased it did not do at least a basic "fitting"?

Lots of adjustments may be needed as you find your comfort zone.