I grew up in a beautiful farmhouse located on a picturesque dirt road. The home was situated on nearly seventy-five acres of rich farmland. Our backyard was huge. During the summer months, my parents, my sister, my friends, and me often played games in the backyard. I particularly enjoyed playing volleyball and badminton in our spacious backyard. On one particular occasion, one of my friends became so competitive that he got tangled in the volleyball net while attempting to prevent the ball from hitting the ground. I have many fond memories of playing sports at my childhood home. On this blog, you will discover the best types of sports equipment to purchase for your backyard.
Buying your first bicycle can be a confusing process. If it doesn't fit your body properly, you're going to find the ride uncomfortable. If you're looking to pick up a new bike, understanding how to ensure that it fits well is important. Here's what you need to know to get the right size bike for your body.
Start With Stand-Over Frame Height
The stand-over frame height is the height of the bike frame when you're standing with one leg on each side. There should be an inch or so of clearance between a straight upper tube on the frame and your body when you stand with your feet flat on level ground. If the upper tube is connected at an angle, you'll want an extra inch or two of space there. When you're checking the stand-over height, make sure you wear the shoes that you'd expect to wear when you're riding. The thickness of the sole on the shoe will affect the height of the bike.
Adjust The Seat To Fit
Once you find the right frame height for your body structure and choose the basic bike that suits your needs, it's time to make sure that the seat is positioned properly. Your knees should bend slightly when you sit on the seat and the pedal is at the bottom of its rotation. You'll want to turn the adjustment screw and move the seat to the necessary height if it isn't there already. If you opt for a carbon-fiber frame, you may need a torque wrench to adjust the height.
Once the seat is at the proper height for your needs, it's time to find the proper placement along the frame. You can shift the seat forward or backward to ensure your comfort. Sit on the bike and hold a plumb line along your kneecap. When it reaches the ground, it should be in line with the ball of your foot. Your shins should lean forward slightly and the seat should sit parallel to the ground.
Make Sure The Stem is Right
The stem of the bike determines the placement of the handlebars on the bike. This affects how your upper body and arms align when you're riding. Make sure that you can reach the handlebars comfortably without having to stretch. If the handlebars are hard to reach or the angle is uncomfortable, you can have the bicycle shop replace the stem for you and adjust the height and angle of the handlebars. The goal is to be able to reach without having to lock your arms at full extension. If your arms are locked, it will transfer vibration into your back and shoulders, which can be damaging and uncomfortable.
Finding the right bicycle is easier than you think when you know what to look for. You can work with a bicycle shop to customize most any bike once you have the right size for the frame. Click here to check out a local bicycle sales shop today for more advice.
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