Copyright 2004 Waterford Precision Cycles, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
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Fitting For a Custom Frame
Step 1: Complete the basic rider assessment.
A. Starting crank length (advanced).
B. Starting handlebar width and type.
C. Establishing the proper starting stem dimensions.
D. Select an appropriate saddle.
E. Compute the starting seat angle, saddle height and top tube/stem combination.
Step 2: Prepare the Fitmaster based on the starting fit:
A. Mount the appropriate crank length and re-tighten the rear wheel. Be sure to have the proper chain
tension (advanced).
B. Mount the starting stem and handlebars based on the fit.
C. Mount the rider’s choice of saddle or (if no saddle specified), a suitable saddle.
D. Install either the rider’s pedals or pedals compatible with the rider’s cycling shoes.
E. Loosen the front angle plate bolts on the Fitmaster. This allows the front plate to float on the base
as you make the other adjustments.
F. Loosen the top tube slider.
G. Set the seat angle based on the starting design. This means removing the bolt from the seat angle
plate and placing it in the hole corresponding to the desired seat angle. Securely tighten the seat
angle bolt.
H. Set the seat tube length to the value starting value. Then set the saddle height to the starting value
estimated by your initial calculations.
I. Set the head tube angle to a value comparable to the desired frame design.
Step 3: Establish the riders leg
position and pedal stroke.
A. Determine the most appropriate saddle height. As shown in
the illustrations at right, the rider’s knee should be slightly bent
when at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Alternatively, when the
leg is fully straightened, the heel should extend about 3/4”
below the pedal.
B. Determine the most appropriate
saddle setback: A good starting point is
to put the rider’s foot in the 3:00 position
(as shown at left). Then drop a plumb
bob from the front of the knee. The
plumb bob should point to the center of
the pedal spindle.
If you should discover the need to make a significant change to the
setback, you may want to adjust the seat angle. In an ideal world, the leg
extension and knee-to-pedal spindle relationship should work with the saddle
in the middle of the rails.
If you need to make significant (more than 2cm) setback adjustments,
you may need to recheck the seatpost height.
