Bought a bike after many years of not riding and......?

Question

I bought a bike and it seems they have closed the gap between the seat and the handlebars or i don't remember it the way it was...I am a female that is around 5' 11' in height and the when i ride the bike my knees hit the handle bars...tried to raise the seat and that didn't work...I tried to raise the handle bars but, they won't budge...any suggestions?

Answer 1

the bike you bought is too small for you. check the frame size, usually near the pedals. try and return it for another size and test ride the next bike.

Answer 2

You didn't specify what kind of bike it is.  If it is a standard newer road or mountain bike it will have a threadless stem.  If it is a bmx or a cruiser style bike it will most likely have a neck that would be a bit more complicated to crook outward.  More than likely, the first answers, that "the bike is to small"  are correct.  However if this is a nice bike that you are determined to ride, or is  a nice bike you got used, and the previous owner put a weird stem on it for personal reasons, you can always put a different stem on it.  they make all lengths and rises.  you can get from 0 and -60 degrees up to 60 and 80 degree rises, and put your handlebar anywhere you want it with a little work and $20 or $60 for a stem.  With threadless stems you do not have to rewire brakes or shifters.  They just clamp right on.  If you have a cheap bike, or an older bike it may be a quill stem.  If so you will have to remove the left or right brake, and shifter to slide the stem off.  This might be a little more involved, than I can explain to you on YA! for free.

Answer 3

sounds like the bike is too small.

Answer 4

Handlebars are not adjustable in height, and if your are that close to them, the bike is way too small for you.  Your knees should slightly overlap your elbows when your thigh is horizontal (with your foot on the peddle and your hands on the top part of the handlebars if a road bike with drops).  You need a bike with a much longer top tube that will give you a bigger cockpit.  Please go to a professional bike shop and get fitted for a bike; don't just buy one that you think is ok.