in message <[email hidden]>, Racer
(') said:Quoted message said:
Make sure it fits you. It's not a bargain if it doesn't.
I often hear that (and agree with it btw) but when you walk into a
shop what
practical steps/measurements can you make to make sure that it does?
I have heard everything from standing astride the crossbar to going to
a shop with a fitting jig but not many actually offer practical,
constructive advice.
So in your average LBS how do you make sure?
Adjust the saddle so that, sitting comfortably in the saddle, with your
leg completely straight, your _heel_ is on the pedal at its lowest
position. Now put your hands on the handlebars in each of the riding
positions you use. Do you feel uncomfortably stretched? If so, the
frame is too big. Do you feel uncomfortably cramped? If so, the frame
is too small. Small adjustments can be made by moving the saddle back
and forward on its rails or changing the stem, but essentially if it
feels uncomfortable then it's wrong. A bike you can ride all day is a
bike you can just relax on, just slouch comfortably and find your hands
naturally fall in the right place.
Yes, there are *much* more scientific ways of measuring, but you won't
go far wrong with my way *provided* you put the saddle up high enough.
Don't worry if you can't get both tiptoes on the ground at the same
time - it really doesn't matter and on longer journeys having your
saddle too low will cause lots of discomfort (as well as being
inefficient).
--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
;; When all else fails, read the distractions.
