Safety & Comfort
Bike Fitting
One Size Does Not Fit All
Getting Fitted: a good bicycle store will only sell you a bike if they know your size
(Photo: egansnow on flickr)
Since you are the 'motor' for your bicycle (or primary motor in the case of an electrically-assisted bicycle), the bike needs to fit you properly for optimum performance. A bike that does not fit is a bike that should not be ridden.
Proper fit is key to an enjoyable cycling experience and to avoid injuries and long-term health issues, especially to your knees.
Frame Size
The first thing to do when getting fitted for a bicycle is to measure the frame size. This is measured from the middle of the bottom bracket (the middle of the chainring) to the edge where the seatpost emerges from the frame above the clamp. It's best to get measured and fitted in person in a local bicycle store or independent bicycle dealer by a trained and knowledgable expert. (Avoid department and wholesale stores which tend to lack expertise in this area.)
Frame of Reference: measure the frame from bottom bracket to seatpost clamp
(Photo: egansnow on flickr)
Bike fitting is not just for professional cyclists. A poor-fitting bicycle can be the cause of all sort of problems. Too small a bicycle is bad for the knees. Too large a bicycle additionally may cause you to loose control of the bike, causing an accident where you and/or others may be injured.
As much as you may like a bicycle -new or old-, if it doesn't fit you properly don't ride it.
Saddles
Bicycle saddles come in many shapes and sizes. This can be bewildering to a first-time or returning bike buyer. It doesn't help that the quality of saddles varies greatly between new bikes. The saddle -the term 'seat' is not used although 'seatpost' is- is the main interface between you and the bike (more so than the handlebar grips or the pedals) so fit and comfort is of utmost importance.
Sit Tight: many argue that leather saddles provide the greatest level of comfort
(Photo: Let Ideas Compete on flickr)
The ergonomic form of a saddle varies depends on the type of riding that will be done on the bike. The shape is largely determined by the gender of the rider and the type of riding. Women's seats tend to be larger Road bike saddles are much thinner than Dutch bike saddles. A general rule of thumb is the more you lean forward on the bike, the thinner the saddle will be. Nonetheless, any good quality saddle will have an small opening in the middle, or fairly deep grove to reduce pressure on the genital area.
The seating area of a saddle is manufactured from either synthetic materials or leather atop a metal chassis that attaches to the bike. The advantage of a leather saddle over one made from plastic is that it will breathe or wick away moisture. A leather saddle should not be waterproofed nor should it be left out in the rain uncovered or exposed to sunlight for extended periods as these will have negative effects on the lifespan of the leather. The real benefit of a leather saddle is that a new one as it is broken in will adapt to the form of its owner/rider over time and provide the ultimate cycling comfort when properly maintained.
So called no-nose saddles provide relief from pressure on the groin.
Keywords
bicycle, frame, measurement, body scanning, body scan, fit, height, inseam, crotch, leg, extension, pedal, injury, knee, proper biomechanics, saddle, no-nose saddle, sit bones,
