got a basic £140 'mountain bike' (though one sniff of any rocks and it would probably run away..), but having probs getting a comfortable ride position- calves feeling very stiff, even after regular rides.
rising the saddle pole, or getting the next frame size up would endanger my chances of a family life, so wondering if its easier to get shorter pedal cranks, or shift the saddle back somehow? its already at the rear limit..
If your frame is indeed sized correctly, the way to adjust riding position is by simply raising/lowering the saddle height. For the best spin, you'll want it so that your knee is very slightly bent at maximum extension, i.e. at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Lowering your saddle from this point to make riding more comfortable over rugged/downhill terrain will give you more leeway to shift weight, but will come at the expense of pedaling efficiency.
Your post implies that you're not encountering terrain that would necessitate lowering your saddle, so you'll probably want to adjust it as I mentioned. You should find that it results in the most comfortable spin.
got a basic £140 'mountain bike' (though one sniff of any rocks and it would probably run away..), but having probs getting a comfortable ride position- calves feeling very stiff, even after regular rides.
rising the saddle pole, or getting the next frame size up would endanger my chances of a family life, so wondering if its easier to get shorter pedal cranks, or shift the saddle back somehow? its already at the rear limit..
As above really, that's it , if your saddle height is wrong, get it right and the difference is quite remarkable, especially on a relatively inexpensive bike that is probably quite heavy.
Possibly worth changing the pedals for something with a bigger platform and a bit smoother turning as well. if you are in the uk, you can get copies of Wellgo v8s for about eight or ten £ from Halfords and they make a big difference.
As above really, that's it , if your saddle height is wrong, get it right and the difference is quite remarkable, especially on a relatively inexpensive bike that is probably quite heavy.
Possibly worth changing the pedals for something with a bigger platform and a bit smoother turning as well. if you are in the uk, you can get copies of Wellgo v8s for about eight or ten £ from Halfords and they make a big difference.
Another thing to think about is that if you are new to cycling, your body may be stiff or sore after you push it by riding. If your bike fits reasonably well and you've got the saddle height about right, you may still get stiff calves until they get accustomed to cycling.
As above really, that's it , if your saddle height is wrong, get it right and the difference is quite remarkable, especially on a relatively inexpensive bike that is probably quite heavy.
Possibly worth changing the pedals for something with a bigger platform and a bit smoother turning as well. if you are in the uk, you can get copies of Wellgo v8s for about eight or ten £ from Halfords and they make a big difference.
Another thing to think about is that if you are new to cycling, your body may be stiff or sore after you push it by riding. If your bike fits reasonably well and you've got the saddle height about right, you may still get stiff calves until they get accustomed to cycling.
Probably true, but I would be a simple adjustment of the saddle will do the trick.
