Question on fit

[Specialized2k10]

Quick questions

1. I'm riding an xc bike. Should my seatPost be a bit higher than normal to compensate for the sag on my rear shock? I ask because I had it set up at the same height as my road bike. But on climbs, my hamstrings would burn like crazy. I raised it 5-6mm and I feel a lot better putting power down on the pedals.

2. I hav a 25" handlebar but for some reason they feel small. Like I need more space to get a better grip. This cause my hands to hurt specially descending. What's normal width? On my road I have a 42cm

3. When descending I know I shouldn't feel out of control but on steep descents I always do. I keep my weight back but I'm afraid of wiping out on a crack in the ground or hitting gravel, or lose rock, etc. my bike always feels very bouncy, it shakes my hands like crazy to the point that I think I'm going to lose grip of the handlebars. Could this be a fork issue? I have a manitou axel, which I know isn't the best. I'm looking at a rockshox recon or manitou seven.

[Zephyr11]

1) Put it where it's comfortable. Mine is a little lower than on my road bike because I get out of the saddle more often than on my road bike and the more it stays out of my way, the better.
2) Handlebar width varies. Again, go with what's comfortable. Seems a lot of people are favoring a wider grip though.
3) Slow down if you have to. Keep your weight over the bottom bracket, and you shouldn't have too much weight on your hands. I tend to let the bike move beneath me and try to soak up the bumps with my knees. I've ridden an Axel and it sucked, and a better fork will help, but this is really a technique thing.

[Specialized2k10]

Thanks zePhyr. I can't get out of the saddle too long on my mtb because my handlebars/fork keep sinking and it messes with my rhythm. I'll def try a wider handlebar. I'm sure technique plays a big part of my descent fears but I'm also curious how a better form will feel like. I don't do much xc riding so I'm not going too spend too much. I'm sure a lower/entry level fork from 2011/2012 is way better than this axel from 2005.

[Specialized2k10]

how would you guys rate these three forks...
a) manitou seven
b) rockshox recon
c) rockshox tora 302

once again...right now im riding an manitou axel...

[Daspydyr]

It sounds like you are getting some "PogoStick" effect when climbing. The fork is probably set up to loose. Is it adjustable. Pogostick is when your suspensions sucks up some of your energy just bouncing and not transferring energy to the pedal stroke. If you can firm up the SAG you might solve some of the problem. If not look for a replacement fork that has lockout capabilities. You can lock out the rebound when climbing and then release when descending.

I am interested in the question and hope some others respond on this as well. I personally have my seat post about 2" lower for XC riding. I need to get lower and behind the seat when descending and in some tighter turns. When I ride skinny tires I like the seat high for a full pedal stroke. The different type riding seems to use the muscles differently. That works for me, but I wonder what others say.

[Specialized2k10]

Yea I think that's what it is. It sure feels like a pogo stick when I get out of the saddle. I think I'm going to buy a new fork and not deal with this axel any more. I found a rockshox recon for $150 new, but with no lockout. Might wait a little longer and try to find one with a lockout and within my budget.