Mikabike

I think I might have got too large of a bike. I'm about 6'1" and I have a 20" Kona Hoss. I'm a big guy, if you don't already know about me look at my other posts.

I have already modified the bike as follows
solid jump fork
royal gel elastomer seat
handlebar stem extender

In any case after I swapped out the fork on my bike it lowered the front end height overall so the geometry of the bike is different. The net effect is that even with teh handlebar extension, the handlebars are still just too low. They are just an inch or two higher than the riding position of my bike seat. I don't know if it's possible to add a 2nd extender on top of the first or if that would even be safe. But my riding position is very far forward of my center of gravity. For instance I can't ride one handed because my arms keep me from falling forward. If I take both hands off the handlebars I start to fall forward. That is NOT balanced and that explains why I have such difficulty. I have tried to adjust everything as best I can and I have tried different seat positions and heights to no affect. I think that the 20" frame on my bike is just too big and it's driving me nuts.

I need my handlebars to come up higher and back farther in order for me to keep my center of balance over the seat. I am still limited by how long I can hold myself up before my hands start cramping and I can no longer hold onto the handlebars. This is really a source of frustration for me and I am not sure what to do. I've got $$$ into this bike and have swapped several parts but it's still not right....

never

Did you have a problem before you swapped the fork? To maintain the geometry of the bike, you should have gotten a rigid fork of the proper length.

It sounds like you have an odd problem. I'm also 6'1" and I have a 21" Rockhopper, and my seat is above the height of my handlebars. I've never had a problem holding myself up and the seat above bar difference is even greater on my road bike. I ride XC style so I am stretched out forward, over the bike, and therefore, have more weight on my bars. Are you holding onto the bars tightly? This could be the cause of your cramping and the solution is to relax your grip.

Did your LBS fit you when you bought your bike? If you want to be stretched out less, get a really short stem with a steep rise and a high rise handlebar.

ankush

yeah, i think that is what you need. an upright stem and riser handlebars. if you feel you are too stretched out while holding the bars then go for a shorter stem. what kind of riding do you do? i dont know exactly what you mean by 'solid jump fork', do you mean a fork that is solid (stiff?) and good for jumping or is that the name of a company or model of fork? anyway, if the kind of riding you do requires much pedalling then an upright stem and riser handlebars should solve your problems, i think. a shorter stem too if you feel too extended. if you are more into jumping and stunts etc, then you need a smaller bike for sure. and maybe something other than a hoss. ? anyway, just my thoughts, i dont know much.

Mikabike

Jump fork is Konas name for it. It's a solid fork, reinforced.

Drunken Chicken

You might like to swap out your handlebars for a 3" rise one (these come with a crossbar).

EJ123

Mika which bike store do you go to?

mosplat

i second the short stem and high riser handlebars.
and i wouldn't trust the handlebar extender at your size.
why did you swap out the suspension fork? was it too soft?
if you still have it, try swapping to firmer springs and adjusting oil height.
marzocchis are good and very adjustable forks.

i just read your blog.
the best of luck to you on your quest.