Handlebar reach

[Beekeeper]

I’ve adjusted the seat correctly on my hardtail so that i have only a very slight bend in legs with pedal at lowest position. I always find however that reaching the handlebars is a bit uncomfortable with my back so bent.
It’s as if my arms are not long enough and the most comfortable position is just finger tips touching the grips. Handlebars always seem too low.
I also had this issue with my analogue hardtail. I feel that if the bars were higher, all would be well.

Any thoughts? Maybe this is normal?

 

[KennyB]

"Slight bend .... " sounds a bit vague. I always understood the perceived wisdom was straight leg with heel on the pedal as a start point, then check saddle fore and aft, front of knee vertically over pedal axle with cranks horizontal. Then look at bar reach and height. My bars are same height as the saddle and reach gives me what feels like a right angle between arms and body. But fitting a bike is like fitting a suit, kinda personal. Of course assuming your frame is the right size.

 

[steve_sordy]

Move the saddle forward?
Move any spacers on the fork steerer that are above the stem to below the stem.
Rotate the bar to move the grips up? (A bit dodgy this one as it alters the angle of the grips).
Shorten the bars? Don't actually cut them, move the grips and levers inboard first to see if it helps. Only shorten if you are sure. Shorter bars will reduce your steering input.

They all have a small effect but cumulatively may do the job. It worked on my YT Capra. The bonus is that those adjustments cost nothing to do. If that doesn't do the job, try the following:

Buy a higher riser bar? (see if you can borrow one first)
Shorten the stem? (see if you can borrow one first)

 

[steve_sordy]

"Slight bend .... " sounds a bit vague. I always understood the perceived wisdom was straight leg with heel on the pedal as a start point, then check saddle fore and aft, front of knee vertically over pedal axle with cranks horizontal. Then look at bar reach and height. My bars are same height as the saddle and reach gives me what feels like a right angle between arms and body. But fitting a bike is like fitting a suit, kinda personal. Of course assuming your frame is the right size.

I agree with that. The following guide to obtaining the perfect fit on an mtb is from Bike Radar. Its pretty good.
Technique: Perfect mountain bike fit