Bicycle Fit: Comfort on Two Wheels

On a well-fitted bike, you'll be comfortable, efficient, strong, stable and safe. Bad bike fit can cause injuries and soreness; and generally make for an unpleasant ride.

Moving from a poorly-fitted bike to one that accommodates your body for the first time can be an incredible experience, something that may entirely change the way you look at and feel about biking.

Many factors work together to make a bike suited to your body:

 

Guidelines 

Below are some general guidelines. You can adjust your bike's fit by looking at online resources, or visiting a bike shop. They should be able to make some on-the-spot recommendations that will make your ride much more comfortable.

Frame size

• The top tube length is the most important measurement on your bike. 
• Your body's weight should be balanced between your hands on the bars, and your backside on the saddle.  
• If it is too long, you'll find yourself stretching out to reach the bars, forcing unnecessary weight and strain on your elbows and wrist.
• Straddle your bike over the top tube. If your bike has a flat top tube (i.e., it doesn't drastically slope down from the bars) you should have two to five centimetres between the tube and your crotch.

Saddle height

• For ideal efficiency, set the saddle height so you've got 90-95% of a straight leg when at the bottom of a pedal stroke.
• This is general advice, however, as the higher the saddle goes, the more difficult it is to touch the ground while seated. If you're just starting out, make sure you can touch the ground while seated. Over time, try raising the saddle in small increments and see how your body reacts.

Online Fit Calculators & Advice

These are fairly involved links for the fit connoisseur. They won't replace the good eye of your local bike specialist!

Mountain bike fit calculator

Road bike fit calculator

Sheldon Brown on bike fit