Bicycle Network: Health Matters
Knees and feet: ease the strain
Make your bike seat as comfortable as a customised cockpit by checking your set-up with Dr Greg Harris
Make small adjustments (a few millimetres at a time for instance) and test how that feels with a short ride before making further adjustment. You may need to consider buying new parts for your bike, such as a seat post with more set-back or pedals that take cleats, and there’s always a chance that your bike is simply the wrong size for you. Bike shops and professional bike fit services are the best option for perfecting your comfort on your bike.
Check |
Adjustment |
Seat height |
Sit on the seat with one pedal at the lowest position. Your foot should not touch the ground. Your toe shouldn’t point and your knee shouldn’t be locked back – your leg should be comfortably straight. |
Seat set-back |
Move the seat backwards or forwards on its rails to position your knee over the pedal. Note, because the seat post is angled backwards, height adjustment of the seat effects its backward or forward position. |
Pedalling speed (cadence) |
Train yourself to pedal faster in a lower gear. |
Foot position |
Push the axle of the pedal with the ball of your foot and align the outside of your foot parallel with the frame. Cleats or toe clips help to position your foot in the ideal position. |
For the full article, Bicycle Network Victoria members can log into Blink and access the Ride On library.
Not a member? Join today!