Hybrid riders....how high do you have your bars?

[Twanger]

Below saddle height, level with the saddle, sit up and beg? How do you set them and why?

I have mine level at the moment, after two weeks of keeping them an inch above saddle height. I am trying to decide whether or not it makes any serious difference to comfort and performance, and which I prefer.

The jury is still out. There are so many other variables at the moment, such as getting fitter and learning the junctions.

 

[jig-sore]

i try to set mine so I'm riding in a similar position to my main bike (road bike)

like this...

 

[Plax]

On my hybrid I have the handle bars higher than the saddle so "sit up and beg". No particular reason I suppose, it's just always been comfortable so I left it.
The drop bars on my tourer are pretty much level with the saddle though.

 

[marinyork]

The handle bars on the hybrid are the same height as the saddle. If there wasn't a fixed 60 degree angle for the bars it'd be lower. I have the saddle high otherwise I get knee problems as I had for a couple of months when it slipped down without noticing, it was painful on long journeys. It's different to different people though, if I lent the bike to a mate I'd take the saddle height down 2 inches and so it'd be different. The geometry is totally and utterly different to race bikes.

 

[Bodhbh]

On the tourer the bars are just about level, perhaps an inch under the saddle. I'd have them a little higher but the steerer is too short. This is pretty comfy for long periods in the saddle and can admire the view. On the commute bike they were several inches under the saddle, although I think I will move them up too with the summer, nice weather etc, no need to be belting about might as well enjoy the view. It is also a little easier to watch the traffic/signal when you're not nose to the floor.

 

[kool4caats]

Mine are pretty much the same level, i think. I got the bike nearly new and I haven't bothered changing it. It seems to suit me.

 

[Sittingduck]

Mine were originally as least as high as the saddle. Recently got a road bike and it took a week or so to get used to the lower, more stretched position. I have now fitted flat bars and an adjustable stem to the Hybrid so I am in a more similar position to the road bike and will hopefully feel "less weird" when mounting either steed, if I have exclusively been riding the other for the previous couple of weeks...

Before:

After:

 

[HLaB]

When my Sirrus was flat bar I inverted the stem to lower the bars and get a more aero position I liked it.

With the Ridgeback I've never bothered changing them they're about level with the saddle. (I've got a fixed seat post now but I don't think it any higher)

 

[Twanger]

Thanks for the answers, people.

I feel that the lower bars are certainly more...vibrant and responsive, but I bet the high position would be better for long rides. I'll keep the lower stem on for a while. Thankfully, it only takes two minutes to change it.