If you are a novice rider then then its important to be comfortable while riding.
There have been many articles written on how to adjust your saddle and handlebars for comfort, but I feel the best method is trial and error.
Firstly you must have the right size frame. If you are tall then a small frame is going to make you feel cramped while riding and if you are short then a large frame will feel unwieldy.
The frame’s top tube where it joins to the saddle insertion should be low enough that you can straddle it with both feet on the ground and still have a couple of centimeters to spare.
If the handlebar height can be adjusted then raise it as high as possible because that will always be most comfortable, leave the hunched over postion to the professionals.
Make sure the saddle is horizontal, or tilted just a few degrees forward to allow for your forward-leaning torso.
Now adjust the saddle height so it is about level with your hipbone while standing. (Note: There is an engraved line on the saddle stem at the maximum safe extension limit, so don’t raise it higher than that.) Mark this position on the saddle stem and go for a little ride for about ten minutes. Stop and adjust the saddle about 2- 3 cm lower and ride for another ten minutes then stop and raise the saddle about 2-3 cm above your original mark and go for a short ride again. By now you will have acertained the most comfortable saddle height. Make you final adjustment and leave it at that.
Correct saddle height is important to minimise knee strain and it allows you to use your leg muscles for maximum power.
While riding relax your shoulders and adjust your hand position occasionally to minimise back strain.
Make small adjustments to your foot position while padalling to minimise calf strain.
Stand up in the saddle occasionally while freewheeling to prevent saddle soreness and to stretch the leg and back muscles.
These methods work for me and will work for you too.
How to cycle in comfort
No, the saddle goes on top..
If you are a novice rider then then its important to be comfortable while riding.
There have been many articles written on how to adjust your saddle and handlebars for comfort, but I feel the best method is trial and error.
Firstly you must have the right size frame. If you are tall then a small frame is going to make you feel cramped while riding and if you are short then a large frame will feel unwieldy.
The frame’s top tube where it joins to the saddle insertion should be low enough that you can straddle it with both feet on the ground and still have a couple of centimeters to spare.
If the handlebar height can be adjusted then raise it as high as possible because that will always be most comfortable, leave the hunched over postion to the professionals.
Make sure the saddle is horizontal, or tilted just a few degrees forward to allow for your forward-leaning torso.
Now adjust the saddle height so it is about level with your hipbone while standing. (Note: There is an engraved line on the saddle stem at the maximum safe extension limit, so don’t raise it higher than that.) Mark this position on the saddle stem and go for a little ride for about ten minutes. Stop and adjust the saddle about 2- 3 cm lower and ride for another ten minutes then stop and raise the saddle about 2-3 cm above your original mark and go for a short ride again. By now you will have acertained the most comfortable saddle height. Make you final adjustment and leave it at that.
Correct saddle height is important to minimise knee strain and it allows you to use your leg muscles for maximum power.
While riding relax your shoulders and adjust your hand position occasionally to minimise back strain.
Make small adjustments to your foot position while padalling to minimise calf strain.
Stand up in the saddle occasionally while freewheeling to prevent saddle soreness and to stretch the leg and back muscles.
These methods work for me and will work for you too.