handle-bar stem height vs. position/ mtn bike

[countrygirl]

Sorry but what is a riser bar? I did get fitted to the bike but it's all really young guys who I'm sure like to race fast on their bikes. He seemed slightly disapproving that I wanted to get a slightly taller stem which barely made any difference at all to be honest. I'm forty something and just want to get some exercise, don't care about going fast.

[SadieKate]

Bar height on a mountain bike is more about bike handling than speed. Bars that are too low with a long reach make descending more difficult. Bars that are too high and close make it easier for the front wheel to come off the ground while climbing.

If you have space to "slouch" the bars are probably already too close but without seeing a picture, who knows? I know a ton of young male racers that can provide good fit/position advice to a woman on a mtb. He was probably concerned about bike handling more than anything.

[SadieKate]

Sorry but what is a riser bar? .

Try asking The Google for a riser mtb bar and a flat mtb bar so you can see pictures.

[countrygirl]

Ok riser bar is more what I was imagining re: the hand grips being more in reach. Looks like the bile came w a flat bar. Yeah the guys at my local shop are really great, I'm sure the guy's fit advice did have to do with handling, still just trying to find the balance between the one guy's advice vs personal comfort level. Riser bar could maybe solve the problem w/o raising height of handle bars even more, or creating too upright position.... perhaps...