Good bike fit is important for people who cycle on a regular basis, or they ride longer distances. If bike fit is done wrong or not at all, cycling can be uncomfortable.
In next few lines we will introduce to you steps for proper bike fit.
Most important is the height of the seat. Adjusting seat height is done while raising or lowering seat post.
How to check the seat height?
- Adjust the seat to the hip level (top of the seat just below hip)
- You should sit on the seat. Beginner rider should be able to slight touch the ground with his toes completely extended. Experienced rider should be just a few millimetres above the ground (while his toes are stretched)
- Position the crank arms so they are vertical to the ground. Sit on the bike and place yourself in normal riding position (make sure you are holding the bike while guests are testing seat height). When your knee of your extended leg is slightly bent (guest has riding shoes on) this is proper riding position (in regard to the seat height).
The knee should be centred over the axle of the pedal when crank is at 90 degrees. To adjust this, you can move seat forward or back.
Next important adjustment is done with the handlebars, and it changes the reach. The general rule for adjusting handlebars is that they should be set above the height of the seat for a more upright and comfortable riding position, and below the height of the seat for a more forwarding-leaning, performance-oriented position. Position will depend on your preference and what you are comfortable with. If your reach is too close you will have cramped neck and shoulders and you should tilt/ lower the stem or move the seat back.
If your reach is too far you will have strained neck and shoulders and, in this case, you should raise the stem or move the seat forward.
Happy cycling,
Meridien Ten team
