Tipping over backwards

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Real simple one: medium size mountain bike that feels like its going to tip backwards up steep climbs, to the point the front lifts off the floor.

How to rectify? Longer stem?

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The_Jackal said:

What bike is it and how long is your stem? I personally like a short stem so would look at lowering the stem instead.
Also, you aren't one of these kids that have their seat way back and tilted back?

Roadie normally. Saddle is flat and normal.

Stem, not sure. Short.

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snotrag said:

Please don't take this the wrong way but - technique - if your not used to riding off road you may not be used to the amount of body English required. For steep climbing you want to be right over the front of the saddle, and try keep your elbows down.


But yes, if you are looking for parts that will help, a longer stem will do that.

Edited by snotrag on Tuesday 30th August 15:13

Its a fair point. I'm probably sat in a typical roadie position.

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Chirpsean said:

The bike looks like a Scott Scale? Typically an XC bike, the stem look fairly short and there looks like a lot of sweep on the bars as well. If you havent had the bike from new its possible that is has been modified, if the stem is less than 70mm it might be worth putting a slightly longer one on and possibly change the bars for something with less of a sweep.

It is, I've had it since new.

Yes to both, stem is short and bars sweep back.

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jesusbuiltmycar said:

Is that the New Forest?

It is, near Lyndhurst.

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The_Jackal said:

You could get one of those straight XC bars. The bike actually looks fairly low and XC at the front.
As the others said, a bit of technique getting your chest close to the bars will help.

I think its mostly technique, but I could do with a bit of help too

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I'm 5'10

Didn't have an issue (except crashing) tonight using the tips above. Might get a slightly longer stem to help a bit too.

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BenGismo said:

Sounds like just moving your weight will do the job.

You could try inverting your stem which will lower your hand position by an inch or two to help take the weight forward.

Nice bike too, ive two scott scales myself and love them. Light and fast.

Yeah its a great bike, rider lets it down tho. I've covered circa 40k on road in the last 6 years but less than 1k off road meaning I struggle a bit. Getting better however!

Doing the classic eye line to hub test the bars are a bit close, when looking down the bar is a few cm behind the hub. Slightly longer stem should help a little.