FSRXCRider
newbie
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 39
Loc: Bath Somerset
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Until recently I have been running an ancient GT RTS which generally served me well but I wanted a change. I now have a new shiny FSRXC which I just love but (there's always a but) I notice the handlebars give me a much more upright position and the front end feels much lighter and less "planted" than the old GT, its now quite easy to lft the front wheel during steep ascents when pedalling hard and I feel this is comprimising the steering. I wondered if there is any advice out there on adjustments I can make to the bike set up.
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FSR XC Rider 
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Sparrow
stranger
Reged: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7
Loc: Shropshire
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move the seat forward will help, have done this on mine.
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Sir_Queuesalot
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/12/2007
Posts: 2094
Loc: Congleton 2x as posh as Staffs
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Hi,
How tall are you and what size bike is it?
There's a slight contradiction in the last advice as by moving the seat forward you will place more weight onto the front wheel but you will also sit taller on the bike. You'll also unweight the rear wheel a bit. I'd look at the handle bar set up as well. What length stem are you running, what handle bars have you got, Easton's tend to have more of a back sweep than most and will cramp up the cockpit. Are the bars flat or riser, if riser you could try rotating them forward a bit to stretch your body out but leave your arse where it is. If this works then you may want to increse the length of the stem.
Any use?
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Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!!
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FSRXCRider
newbie
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 39
Loc: Bath Somerset
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Thanks for the input, I'm 5'11 and the frame is a large. I was also wondering about dropping the standard/original stem by relocating the spacers that have come with the bike, currently there are two below the stem and one above.
The bars are the Specialized originals that MBR did criticise in the recent grouptest, though this was with the comp rather than the Pro
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FSR XC Rider
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robhughes
stranger
Reged: 20/05/2008
Posts: 1
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hi there i also have an fsr xcpro and i also found it very light and a bit over responsive iv,e got a 100mm easton stem insted of 90mm(mine is a medium)yours i think is 105mm so maybe try 115 or120mm.also i put easton ct2 carbon bars 26 inch and the handling improves dramaticaly.it,s still light on the up hill gut you do get uesd to it.the advantage realy comes in on tough down hill were it handles like a dream.hope that helps allthough it costs a few bob it,s worth it.
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greeneye
veteran
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1272
Loc: sunderland
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all these suggestions are good. i would not go to long on the stem though as steering will feel less responsive. maybe take a spacer out and see how that feels.
fine tunning your bike is a hit and miss thing, try not to spend yet, dont worry about the bars being criticised this wont be the problem, if they are riser bars then (as advised earlier) rotate them forward, this will do what a longer stem would do however you may need to add a spacer!
if there not riser bars then maybe start there if money needs to be spent.
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FSRXCRider
newbie
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 39
Loc: Bath Somerset
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Thanks Rob - This is almost certainly good advice, but having blown my life savings on the bike, upgrades will need to wait. Ive shifted some of the stem spacers around which dropped the bars about half an inch (13mm in old money) and I've also shifted the saddle forward. Finally, and I acknowledge that this is a little old school, I have also fitted some bar ends which at least make some of teh commuter riding/training more comfortable. It may all be in my mind but things do seem a bit more secure now. As you point out Bike is asbolutely a blast on the down hills - glad your enjoying yours.
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FSR XC Rider
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FSRXCRider
newbie
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 39
Loc: Bath Somerset
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Greeneye - see my previous post and you will realise that financial neccesity has made me adopt your approach. Always there are ways of solving a problem without slinging shedloads of money at it and your right when you say it's all a bit subjective. Confidence is the key !
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FSR XC Rider
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greeneye
veteran
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1272
Loc: sunderland
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glad to hear your happier with your steed.
im sure as the months tick by you will alter a few more things and even spend a little when funds are available.
you say bar ends are 'old school' but there actually supposed to be a comfort thing and not a fashion thing that they turned into, like i said 'fine tunning'. the bar ends are part of your fine tunning.
question is, does the bike feel better, does it give your more confidence, does it feel more comfortable?
if it does then your heading in the right direction.
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FSRXCRider
newbie
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 39
Loc: Bath Somerset
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Update - MBR recently reveiwed the stem fitted to my bike as it is available as an after market item now.Although there is a degree of adjustment, by means of a sliding collet within the stem, the sentiment was that it was still a little steep and that it might be better to just flip the stem upside down (didnt Cannondale's use to have this feature at one point?)Any way bit the bullet last night and rode to work this morning - initial feelings are that this has REALLY  worked!
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FSR XC Rider
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