Riding a bicycle can turn from a simple hobby into serious pursuits by one of the modern and popular sports. But in any of these cases, the technical side is important. Consider what should be the right fit on a bicycle so that training (or just walking) will be most comfortable and productive.
Convenience depends on physiological characteristics
The most important aspect when riding is, of course, comfort. How to create it? Consider the factors on which the quality and balance of the entire movement process primarily depends.
- Convenience. The ability to successfully settle down on a bicycle often depends on the physiological characteristics of a person. This is the characteristics of the feet (which can be deployed outward or inward), and the flexibility of the spine (allowing the most to adjust during movement). So, for greater convenience, you need to select the length of the extension and the size of the frame for personal biometric data.
- Equipment. In the process of movement, a so-called positional triangle is formed. Hands, legs and buttocks, which are the main elements of the figure, must successfully interact with each other. Only if this condition is met, a rationally selected and proper ride on a bicycle will lead to maximum comfort during movement. As a result, all factors and obstacles that arise along the way (reliefs, curvature of the road, change in speed) will not greatly affect the driving process itself.
How can proper cycling and balanced movements affect your ability to resist the wind?
To the conditions mentioned above, one can add the presence of aerodynamic factors. It turns out that wind resistance is not always of great importance. Skillfully finding (sometimes purely intuitively) the desired position of the body, one can easily counteract various situations. It turns out that the height of the rider is much more important than its width. So, bending down as much as possible and adopting the most successful body grouping, you can significantly increase the resistance to wind. The result is a proper fit on the bike and an increase in the speed of the cyclist. Therefore, professional athletes always take the most compact pose when moving, pulling their heads down to their legs, and arching their backs in an arc.
The role of biomechanics. How to sit on a bike?
The force sent to the pedals may also not be completely uniform and sufficient. Only properly located, you can perform this task most effectively. And at the same time, it is not necessary to comply with all generally accepted opinions. For example, the famous bicycle rider Davis Finney had the habit of pushing the pedals with his toe down, giving an increased load on the quadriceps muscles of the legs. Although it is generally accepted to place the feet mostly parallel to the ground, this non-standard pose was the most convenient for this athlete, and therefore correct. Each cyclist in his own way adjusts the tilt of the leg and the degree of pressure on the pedals.
The value of the technical characteristics of the saddle and their compliance with personal data
Having dealt with the influence of physiological and biometric properties on the quality of movement, we consider the "reverse side of the coin." In the tandem "man-bike" an important role is given to the technical condition of the vehicle, its parameters and compliance with the personal data of the rider. Consider the main characteristics of the saddle.
- Saddle height. You can easily determine how well the choice is made. When the foot is on the pedal, the foot should be slightly bent. If this rule is violated, when driving occurs, as a result, excessive swaying of the hips from side to side.
- The longitudinal position of the saddle. To generate enough energy when climbing, this part of the bike is usually pushed back. This feature is used by professional cycling. Trainings by trekkers, on the contrary, involve the advancement of the saddle forward. Due to this, the overall speed increases. Correct is the neutral position, when the plumb should pass exactly through the center of the pedal axis. Do not change the position of the saddle if it becomes uncomfortable to hold the steering wheel. In this case, you still need to opt for adjusting the front of the bike.
- Tilt the saddle. The classic version is the horizontal position. You can use the usual building level for adjustment. The body tilted forward moves forward, which leads to strain on the arms.
Steering wheel adjustment
The next element that directly affects the landing is the steering wheel. Consider its relationship with human physiology, namely flexibility.
- Width. It should be similar to the width of the shoulders, while the lower part is characterized by horizontal orientation.
- Height. A normally tuned steering wheel should be at a level approximately 2.5 cm below the saddle. With this ratio, the body will be straightened, but you can reach the bottom of the steering wheel without any problems.
The steering wheel can be installed in different ways, depending on the physiology (flexibility of the lower back). Carry out a short test, assuming a standing position (legs shoulder width apart):
- If it is problematic for you, leaning forward to get your fingers to the floor, then put the steering wheel on a level with the saddle.
- With light fingers reaching the floor, you can choose a position 5-10 cm below the seat level.
- With good flexibility, when the palms freely and easily lie on the floor, lower the level by another 5-10 cm.
Choose a bike
All our tips will certainly come in handy when buying a personal mini-vehicle. Using the rules described, proceed with the selection. Previously, in practical use, they relied on standard solutions everywhere. Now there are no unified forms. Therefore, it is most advisable to test the landing directly in the store. At the same time, consultants will always tell you how to choose a bicycle for an adult (for sports or recreation) or a child. Otherwise, there is a purchase for professionals. Here, a cycling trainer always comes to the rescue, who will specify all the features in advance. The best option is to invite a specialist to make a joint purchase. Only he can appreciate all the features of technology from a professional point of view. In any case, the weight of the cyclist is of particular importance. If the mass of the latter is more than 90 kg, it is recommended to opt for models with equipped shock absorbers, reinforced rims and traditional steel or aluminum frames.
Professional road bike selection
Such highly specialized items should not be purchased without a specialist. In addition, there are a number of rules on how to check your bike. Firstly, as was said, a test drive is required. And this does not oblige to buy the same product in the future. Secondly, testing on simulators is widely used, when not only the iron horse, but also the athlete himself is connected to the devices (after installation). The diagrams presented in this article clearly show the features of the correct fit.
Signs of improper housing
When determining how to properly sit on a bicycle, you need to check a number of characteristic signs:
1. If there is too much displacement from side to side on the saddle, then it is raised too high.
2. When you touch the ground with your feet, you need to raise the saddle from a low position.
3. You are pulled forward - raise the steering wheel.
4. The body tipping over occurs - correct the steering wheel by adjusting its inclination.
This is especially important to consider when a proper fit on a road bike is needed. Ask a consultant to make test trips. This is the only way to decide exactly whether it is convenient for you to ride or not. And all these circumstances are completely independent of whether you get a bike for socializing and walking, or in order to organize professional training.