The choice of saddle height
While adjusting the size of the bike is a simple thing, especially since our bikes have a frame size of 99% that agrees with the size of the clothes we wear, the choice of saddle height is usually problematic. And even if we do not intend to drive 100 – 200 km a day, in which case the wrong adjustment of the seat can be felt immediately, it is for many reasons, not only ergonomic, but also health, it should be well set up at the very beginning of the trip . It is not difficult to explain why the too high position of the saddle causes discomfort to ride. If we can barely reach the foot pedals, we feel it immediately. This error happens very rarely, mainly when we buy a bicycle “for exaggeration”. In our rental the range of sizes is full, so this problem does not occur. Often, however, the height of the saddle is chosen too low. The basic mistake is to adjust the saddle so that both or one leg reach the ground at the moment of parking. And the bike is not for standing, just for driving!
And it is for driving that you should adjust the rented vehicle. Let’s get away from the bike for a moment and try to do some sit-ups? Which phase is the easiest and which is the most difficult phase? Well, of course, the easiest way is when we bend the legs from the extension in the first phase of the exercise, then as the legs get bent in the knees is getting harder, the worst is in the initial phase of returning to a standing position from the squat and then easier and easier until reaching a standing position. Now let’s try to do some sit-ups, but without returning to full standing, just stop at half-bent legs. Five sit-ups. True, worse? Worse, because we deprive ourselves of the two easiest phases of the exercise. And the same happens on the bike when we set the saddle too low to obtain a seemingly better balance. The simplest, though unprofessional method of setting the saddle is the heel method. With the correct height of the saddle, putting the heels on the pedals, we should get a full extension of the legs in the knees while driving. In principle, from this position should be added about a centimeter in height.
For those who are not accustomed to such a ride, the first impression, inconsistent with previous habits, will be that we are sitting too high, that we will soon fall forward, and if we stop, we will fall aside. Yes, but this is just an impression. It should be remembered that in our rental we have bikes typically sporting, on which the position is more inclined forward in relation to city bikes. However, the greater range of leg work allows for more effective use of their strength, prevents later unpleasant contractures of muscles caused by their work in the incomplete range of joint mobility, and above all creates a more comfortable ride, once we get used to a new, sporting position.