It is important that your bike seat (saddle) is at the correct
height to ensure that your bike ride is comfortable and just as
importantly, to conserve energy while you pedal.
Steps
-
Ensure that you have the correct height. Stand somewhere where you
can hold or prop yourself up against a wall.
-
Hold your brake and place your heel on your pedal. Your leg should
be straight but your knee shouldn't be locked.
- Look at these positions to get an idea of what is, and what is
not, a good height:
- This is a good height.
-
This is too low. It will make it harder to pedal. If you
want to travel a long distance, it will soon become tiring.
-
This is too high. Your knee is locked.
-
When you are pedalling you hips will go from side to side which
makes it harder to pedal in a comfortable gear.
-
Adjust the seat. If there is no quick release, use an Allen
key to loosen and tighten the bolt.
-
Where there is a quick release, slide the saddle up and down when
you open it.
- When you close it, it should be firm.
-
If the lever doesn't close all the way down, you may have to loosen
the bolt on the other side to get the correct tension.
-
If it doesn't clamp the saddle, you may need to open it up and
clamp the nut on the other side.
-
Check the saddle is firm.
- If it's loose, tighten it up.
Tips
- Padded bike shorts are great for long rides. They help to
absorb the ground shocks.
