How to fit my bike, help please..

[Daisy]

Has anyone got any tips in how to fit a bike to a person. Ie how high the should my seat be in relation to my body when I am standing beside the bike ( the same for handle bars)

I have started to get back pain whilst riding, my core strength isn't brilliant so that may have a lot to do with it but wanted to check about seat hieght etc.

Cheers all

Daisy xx

 

[rodgy-dodge]

http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html have a look here hope it helps

 

[Daisy]

Brilliant thank you !!

 

[asterix]

Seat height is best judged when you are sitting on the saddle. I like my saddle to be high enough so I can almost straighten my leg with my heel on the pedal. The pedal must be at its furthest point from the saddle.

If after riding you get a sharp pain at the back of the knee you've had the saddle too high; if at the front of the knee it may be too low.
(other causes of knee pain include using a too-high gear - it's best to get used to 'spinning' the pedals tahter than pushing down hard all the time.

Handlebar height is less critical, most non-racers have them an inch or so below saddle height but racers have them a lot lower.

Back pain can be caused by saddle angle. I like my saddle to be level as having it pointing up even a little bit gives me low back pain. Higher back ache may just be that your muscles are accustoming to an unusual the posture if you are a novice. Unfortunately only time and practice will cure that!

 

[the snail]

If you get tired then your riding position can suffer leading to aches and pains, so provided your seat height is right things will get better with more miles.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Always found this very good advice....

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

 

[cyberknight]

I used to get back ache till i realized i had a "weak " back / core so i started doing press ups / the plank again to help build up those muscles and since then i have not really had back pain while cycling .

 

[Randochap]

Do complete core exercises, using "abdominal bracing." It's like pulling your navel down to your spine. Very boring stuff, but you will benefit. For more fitting tips, check out VeloWeb's bike fit page.

 

[Daisy]

Thank you all, I can see I will be making ongoing adjustments. Have been doing the plank morning and evening..... God it hurts!! Got some other variations involving lifting various arms and legs up in a superman style sooo painful but really does the trick.

Cheers again guys,

Daisy x