28
29
IV. DOES IT FIT?
IV. DOES IT FIT?
Full-length sizing for Porteurs:
SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
A. Seat Tube Length (CM)
51 cm
55 cm
59 cm
B. Standover Height (IN)
29 in
30.5 in
32 in
C. Top Tube Length (CM
55 cm
57 cm
59 cm
STANDOVER HEIGHT
The first step to ensure proper fit is determining your required standover
height; this is the distance of the frame’s top tube from the ground. This
measurement is most critical at the point in which your body rests when
straddling the top tube—at a stoplight, for instance.
To Measure:
Wearing the shoes you will ride in,
straddle the bike. If you’re struggling to comfortably
reach the ground, it’s too big. Rocking on your heels
(carefully), check how close your crotch gets to the
frame. A properly fit bicycle generally should clear
your body by at least one inch. (See Figure)
SADDLE ADJUSTMENTS
The next step for perfect fit is adjusting your seat’s height and angle. Your
bicycle frame may fit, but if the saddle’s position is wrong, prolonged riding
may be uncomfortable or result in injury.
WARNING:
If your saddle causes you pain, numbness or other
discomfort, listen to your body and stop riding until it is properly
adjusted or replaced. Do not ignore the discomfort, you could end up
with a chronic injury.
To dial in the best position, check the current saddle positions for:
1.
Seat Height:
While the bike is propped against an immoveable object (like
a wall or desk), straddle your bike and then slide onto the saddle. Place
the balls of your feet on the pedals and slowly pedal backwards. When
either pedal reaches its lowest point to the ground, stop. If your leg is not
straight, the saddle is too low. If your hips are rocking during a full rotation
of the pedal, the saddle is too high.
2.
Seat Angle:
Generally, it is best to start with a saddle that is completely
parallel with the ground. Some people may find it more comfortable to tilt
the saddle up or down.
3.
Seat Setback:
For most people this last adjustment is nonessential. For
others, sliding the saddle fore or aft will help them maximize pedaling
efficiency and comfort.