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Hey guys, I am 5' 10.5" with 33 inch inseam and 175 pounds. I live in PNW area and so far has been enjoying parks here, my riding style currently includes blue trails but would love to try black diamond trails in future. I am looking at yt jeffsy, canyon spectral, commencal meta and whyte t-130 for my next bike.
I had diamondback Sync'r medium which had 595mm stack, after adjusting my seat, the handlebar was around 2 inches below saddle. I didn't like how I was putting weight on my hands. I got cube reaction later, which has stack of 634 mm and handlebar-saddle height match as I prefer. I am not sure about difference between handle bar rise in both.
Is there a supposedly ideal relation between handlebar height and saddle height? Or is it just preference?
I am looking to spend as little money as possible, preferably under 2500 but for right parts and fit I can go up till 4000. I was thinking about waiting for a deal, may be from outlet store of those. I am looking for a bike that would be reliable, I can manage with few extra pounds (weight) if that's the cost. I am learning about maintance and repairs on bike. Thoughts?
My worry is, if I go for base jeffsy which will need brake upgrade as per some reviews and then if I still need to change handlebar then I would be spending some money that I could have rather used to get spectral 5.0. in that price territory, I would rather spend a little more for long term bike and may be get a carbon spectral 7.0 or T-130 CARBON.
I am not sure if I am chasing the right thing (stack height) here either.
Is there a supposedly ideal relation between handlebar height and saddle height? Or is it just preference?
No, there is no "ideal" for most bike parameters, otherwise why would anyone knowingly make anything that wasn't ideal?
It comes down to riding style and preference, but also your body shape. Bikes can always be heavily tweaked to suit. I'd recommend adjusting your existing bike with cheap parts to learn about what works, rather than splashing out on new bikes.