Last month I posted that I had decided to become more serious about riding my bike for fitness. So serious, in fact, that I had entered a Duathlon and had seven weeks to train. Additionally, I figured that in the long run, biking would be a good way to get out in the beautiful spring thru fall weather and minimize the foot pounding that comes from running. Great idea right?
I was so pleased with Nedra's help concerning cycling I figured I would ask her to chime in from time to time to assist us with cycling knowledge for beginners and she kindly agreed. Below is a her first installment, with an issue which can make or break a beginner rider - A Bike Fit.
What Is A Bike Fit?
Riding a bicycle can be a fun activity that you make a regular life habit. So much fun in fact that you make it part of your normal routine because it is both practical and fun. Getting to this point is a different process for everyone because our lives are different and what we all need to accomplish in a given day is also different. One step in making bicycling a usual thing for yourself is a proper bike fit.
What is a proper bike fit? It is just what it says; having your bicycle fit your body. There are adjustable parts on your bike, namely:
- The seat height,
- Saddle position,
- Handlebar (style and width),
- Stem height
- And handle bar grips.
"Does your bike seat hurt?
The solution may be a bike fit."
The next step is to check your seat height. Connect to this link, for a through description on seat position, saddle height and pedal alignment. (http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/proper-knee-alignment-bicycle-pedaling-4200.html).
The final step is handlebar and stem adjustments. You want to make sure that when your hands grip your handlebars that you are able to reach without over-extending. There should be a 5 to 10 degree bend in your elbow and your hands should be no further apart or together than when your hands are extended from your shoulders. Otherwise a longer ride could be uncomfortable and you will add stress and pressure to your shoulders and lower back.
Each of these components is vital to achieving the perfect bike fit. The goal is to have your bike sized for your body so that you will be comfortable and be able to ride as much as you desire.
Nedra Deadwyler is the operator of CivilBikes.com If you have any biking and or tour related questions, please feel free to email Nedra at info@civilbikes.com.
Hope Nedra's Bike Fit post helped with any ailments you might have been having with your bike. What types of issues do you have with your bike that are stopping you from riding more frequently?
Catch the art and nature shots I capture on my rides by following me on Instagram.