How new school is set up

[losidan]

I just got a 2nd hand fmf pro the other day and took it for my first test run today......It seems very low. Last time I rode (10 yrs ago) it was on an s & m dirt bike with dk stem and kneesavers. I was right over the front and didnt feel in control at all.

I was looking at the bars and they seem quite low....

One thing is for sure....My beer belly has grown in the last 10 yrs

[Longun]

I know what you mean about feeling 'right over the front'. Definitely takes a bit of getting used to.

[darkersomeday]

have you got the bars angled forwards? old school styley?

start off with them "chicago" i.e bang in line with the forks, then work from there till it feels comfortable,

the longer tt and short back end on a NS bike should actually make the bike feel biased towards the back end rather than the front

what tt are you running? maybe your frame too short

[losidan]

have you got the bars angled forwards? old school styley?

start off with them "chicago" i.e bang in line with the forks, then work from there till it feels comfortable,

the longer tt and short back end on a NS bike should actually make the bike feel biased towards the back end rather than the front

what tt are you running? maybe your frame too short

I have to admit I did have bars a little tilted forward. I will try moving them back. I just felt like my knees were going to belt my chin I was so low! I

I have checked the specs and the top tube is 20.47"

[darkersomeday]

how tall are you dude?

[losidan]

5 foot 10 inches

[darkersomeday]

the "20.5 tt should be ok then, maybe its just taking a bit of getting used to,

if it still feels wrong you could try a longer tt, "21 will feel less cramped,

what frame is it? ht angle plays a big part too,

[losidan]

it;s an fmf pro...I was wondering too if it is just cos I have not rode for so long and just need to keep bashing away

[losidan]

just checked and the ht angle is 73....i have some old kneesavers, I was thinking about trying them to see if they have more rise

[darkersomeday]

the massively slack head angle could have alot to do with it, i was thinking it might be 74degree but 73 is way back,

my laf runs a 75degree, which is about as steep as it gets, 74.5 is classic new school,

73degree hta with the "20.5tt will make the front end of the bike feel cramped and slow the handling down,

[losidan]

ok, thanks for that...I'm not going mad then. I've just had another look at the spec and the bars are 6 1/2 rise...So. I was wondering what I can do with this bike in order to help me out...other than get a new frame

[darkersomeday]

youre not going mad dude, its the geometry of the frame thats making it feel cramped,

 it'll be more stable too though!


stick with the frame for a while and try some higher rise bars, a bit of up-sweep might help too if the hta is relaxed,

[perry]

thats a damn low set of bars  

i use slams ( 8" ) on my dirt bike with a redneck stem and a 20mm spacer

id like to give some 9s a go but there arnt any  

grab a new bike , high bars seem to be the latest thing with the kids , see what you think  

whenever i go frm my mtb to a bmx it takes a little getting used to

[losidan]

nice one dudes....well chuffed with the advice and quick replies

[perry]

me and joseph have too much free time 

can you give us a pic ?

try the bars straight up , the wheel will feel more under you and the steering will take a little getting used to but itl help until you can get your mitts on some taller bars

stand on the bike and hold the grips with your finger tips , see if it seems better

[losidan]

This the actual bike I bought
http://www.bmxtalk.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15659&sid=2214d06e041285a9373f1038fbcb845c

It is exactly the same, but I moved the bars slightly forward so they were just a little past vertical.

[perry]

taller bars are realllllly going to sort you out 

itl help with every aspect of riding 

[losidan]

i'll get my cc out and get some sorted.....Would some old kneesavers make much of a difference for now?