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A. Standover height
1. Diamond frame bicycles
Standover height is the basic element
of bike t (see ). It is the distance from the
ground to the top of the bicycle’s frame
at that point where your crotch is when
straddling the bike. To check for correct
standover height, straddle the bike while
wearing the kind of shoes in which you’ll
be riding, and bounce vigorously on your
heels. If your crotch touches the frame, the
bike is too big for you. Don’t even ride the
bike around the block. A bike which you
ride only on paved surfaces and never take
off-road should give you a minimum standover height clearance of two inches (5
cm). A bike that you’ll ride on unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of
three inches (7.5 cm) of standover height clearance. And a bike that you’ll use off
road should give you four inches (10 cm) or more of clearance.
2. Step-through frame bicycles
Standover height does not apply to bicycles with step-through frames. Instead,
the limiting dimension is determined by saddle height range. You must be able to
adjust your saddle position as described in B without exceeding the limits set by
the height of the top of the seat tube and the ”Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum
Extension” mark on the seat post.
B. Saddle position
Correct saddle adjustment is an
important factor in getting the most
performance and comfort from your
bicycle. If the saddle position is not
comfortable for you, see your dealer.
The saddle can be adjusted in three
directions:
1. Up and down adjustment. To check for
correct saddle height (g. 3):
• sit on the saddle;
• place one heel on a pedal;
• rotate the crank until the pedal with
your heel on it is in the down position and
the crank arm is parallel to the seat tube.
If your leg is not completely straight, your saddle height needs to be adjusted.
If your hips must rock for the heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is too high. If
your leg is bent at the knee with your heel on the pedal, the saddle is too low.
Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal riding position and to show
you how to make this adjustment. If you choose to make your own saddle height
adjustment:
loosen the seat post clamp
raise or lower the seat post in the seat tube
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