Bike Fitting for Road Bikes

• To adjust the saddle height, simply open the seatpost clamp and slide the seatpost up and down. To find the correct height, sit on the saddle with your heels on the pedals. At the correct saddle height, your leg should feel slightly stretched when the pedal is in the lowest position. To stay stable on the bike while testing this, you can lean against a wall, or ask somebody to hold the bike for you. Image 1

Warning: Every seat post has a maximum and minimum extension limit that you should not be exceeded. This is marked on the seatpost either with an arrow or the word ‘Maximum’ or ‘Minimum’. Image 2

• You can move the saddle forwards and backwards, and tilt it up and down. On most seat posts, you make the adjustments using the bolts on the saddle clamp. Image 3
• To achieve a good basic position, set the saddle in a flat position. You can check this using a spirit level. Image 4
• Depending on your preferences, you may want to tilt the saddle downwards. This is sometimes recommended for riders who do a lot of steep climbing.
• By moving the saddle forwards and backwards, you change the distance between the saddle and the handlebar. When the saddle is positioned further forward, this creates a more comfortable riding position. If you push the saddle further back, you will be more stretched out on the bike, in a more aggressive and aerodynamic position.
  
  

  Warning: adjust the saddle only within the marks indicated on the saddle rails. Image 5

• When moving the saddle forwards and backwards, you need to make sure you have the right angle of bend in your knees. When the cranks are horizontal, the knee cap of your leading knee should be directly above the pedal spindle. To test this, ask a helper to hold a plumb line for you while you’re sitting on the bike. Image 6