During short trips (such as going to the office, shopping, etc.), we often do not realize the importance of adjusting the bicycle appropriately according to the shape of the bicycle. In fact, we only applied some basic adjustments (the height of the saddle and handlebars) based on « approximately ». However, if you travel along the same bicycle for a long distance of tens of kilometers (or even hundreds of kilometers for big enthusiasts), you will inevitably feel the discomfort caused by improper adjustment of the bicycle.
This shows that « approximate » adjustments are no longer sufficient, and for very precise adjustments it is even necessary to perform certain calculations. Of course, you can do this in a dedicated seminar like Decathlon, but it is also important to learn how to do it yourself.
Some measures are necessary
To perform calculations, we will need numbers. Therefore, first measure your body: stand with your back to the wall, put a book between your legs, and then measure your height and the distance from the top of the book to the floor. Below we will talk about this measurement in terms of your inner leg length (E).
Adjust the bike
First, you need to adjust the height of the saddle. Then multiply the length of the pants by the coefficient 0.885 (check according to the length of the frame).
You can also adjust the saddle back (R) according to the length of c (E). Here are some measurements: If E is between 75 and 78 cm, R should be 4 to 6 cm. For 79 to 82 cm (E), you need 5 to 7 cm (R); 6 to 8 cm is 83 to 86 cm; 7 to 9 cm is 87 to 90 cm…
The handlebar distance is the same as above (S): For 75 to 78 cm (E), you need 47 to 51 cm (S); for 75 to 78 cm (E), you need 47 to 51 cm (S). 50 to 54 cm (S) is 79 to 82 cm (E); 53 to 57 cm is 83 to 86 cm; 56 to 60 cm is 87 to 90 cm…
The distance between the saddle and the stem (D) also depends on the length of the: for 75 to 78 cm (E), 5 to 6 cm (D) are required. 6 to 7 cm is 79 to 82 cm, 7 to 8 cm is 83 to 86 cm, and 8 to 9 cm is 87 to 90 cm.
You still have the width of the hanger, which should match the width of your shoulders. Since this width cannot be adjusted, you will have to choose a bicycle accordingly. If the hanger is too narrow or too wide, your long journey will be hindered. The same is true for the length of the frame: you must choose your bike based on your total length, bust and arm length, so that your position is neither too lying nor too upright. Important note: Please try a few road bikes before buying. Don’t hesitate to ask the store to be able to test it within a few hundred meters to see if it is right for you.