siulonbow

When i look at people's bike on this forum, it seems like their handlebar is at least a few inches lower than the saddle. I am afraid that the bike I bought is big because my saddle is parallel to the handlebar. My question is, is my bike too big for me because there are not too much space to lower the handlebar anymore. Am I suppose to get a bike that is smaller, so i can raise the saddle and seat more aggressively? Thanks

Spookykinkajou

You can flip the stem, if it's not already, or change to a stem with something like a -17 drop.

But, tons of people ride road bikes with bars and saddles that are pretty similar in height. It's really what you are comfortable with. Don't go by what others ride.

Go demo a bike that's smaller and/or has more drop to see if you like it better.

BarryJo

Get fitted on the bike, not to someone else's riding style, but to your style of riding. Unless you're racing or doing very fast group rides (or you just want to look good riding), you'll probably be better served with a more neutral (upright) fit.
my 2cents

umd

Chances are good that your bars could be adjusted lower if that is what you wanted. Post a picture and we could tell you... Do you feel you would be more comfortable if they are lower or are you just concerned with the fashion of it?

rodrigaj

I have arthritis in the neck vertebrae and my fitter found the technomic quill stem to be a perfect way to get my handlebars up to the saddle. It looks funny, but at age 60, I don't care. I ride 300 - 350 mile weeks in the summer with no issues. Get yourself fitted by someone who listens to your goals and understands physiology. Good fitters are costly but worth it.

smd3

Do you have short arms?

youcoming

Don't worry about it if it's working for you. Not everyone is the same. My set up is only 7cm and I like it just fine. May not look like others on here but it suits my riding.

siulonbow

I think it's find that my handlebar and saddle is parallel to each other. So far it is quite comfortable for riding for about 15-20miles a day. Since it's a road bike, I thought the handlebar should drop lower to make my sitting position more aggressive. I don't really know what is the advantage of having a more aggressive ride.

I don't have a short arm, instead, I have a long torso and decent length arms. the lbs has switched my stem to 120 to extend my reach of the handlebar.