{"id":35847,"date":"2022-04-18T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=335798"},"modified":"2022-04-18T16:12:16","modified_gmt":"2022-04-18T14:12:16","slug":"how-to-get-your-road-bike-position-right-diy-bike-fit-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/how-to-get-your-road-bike-position-right-diy-bike-fit-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get your road bike position right | DIY bike fit for beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By BikeRadar\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 18 April 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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This guide will talk you through how to set up your road bike position with a DIY bike fit \u2013 including frame size, saddle height and handlebar position \u2013 so you can ride comfortably, efficiently and injury-free.<\/p>\n

A bike set up to fit you properly can increase speed and comfort, but more importantly, it\u2019ll help you become a life-long cyclist \u2013 you\u2019re less likely to stick with cycling if just riding your bike makes you uncomfortable or, worse still, injures you.<\/p>\n

A major misconception of bicycles is that they fit right out of the box. You might get lucky, but more than likely you\u2019ll need to try a few different positions to find the one that works for you. You might even have to assemble the bike yourself<\/a> if you\u2019ve bought it online.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to cycling<\/a> or are building up your mileage<\/a>, you should expect to be a little achy \u2013 it will take a period of time for your body to adapt to the new strains and positions that riding demands.<\/p>\n

However, you shouldn\u2019t be in pain or picking up cycling injuries<\/a> while riding your bike. Either is a sure sign that something is wrong.<\/p>\n

There are a number of ways you can tweak the fit of your bike and all are within the reach of even the most inexperienced home mechanic.<\/p>\n

In your quest to find the right riding position, be prepared to try new saddles, different length stems<\/a>, or possibly even different handlebars. If you\u2019re serious about your cycling, take these expenses into account when looking to make your next bike purchase.<\/p>\n

How to find the right bike frame size for you<\/h2>\n
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Ensuring you\u2019re on the correct size frame is the first place to start.<\/span><\/figcaption> Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Road bike frames are typically sized either by their seat tube length, or as a t-shirt sizing (eg, small, medium, large, and so on).<\/p>\n

Regardless of the methods any given brand uses to quantify a size, the effective cockpit length (from seat to handlebar), is the major determining factor for basic fit.<\/p>\n

Most bike companies have sizing charts on their websites to get you in the right ballpark for frame size. This is usually based on your overall height.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also got a guide to road bike sizing<\/a> to help you find the right frame, as well as advice on women\u2019s bike sizing<\/a> and mountain bike sizing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re buying a second-hand bike<\/a> that has had the sizing sticker removed or you can\u2019t find sizing information, check out our comprehensive guide on how to measure a bike frame<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Of course, frame size doesn\u2019t necessarily take into account your body\u2019s specific dimensions in terms of leg length or torso and arm length, but it\u2019s a great place to start.<\/p>\n

Stack and reach<\/a> are a much better way to assess the overall fit of a bike, but getting your head around the peculiarities of road bike geometry<\/a> is a little more complex.<\/p>\n

The next critical measurement to look at is standover height \u2013 fortunately, this is much more basic.<\/p>\n

Ensuring you have enough clearance over the top tube to safely get on and off the bike is key. There should be several centimetres of space between you and the top of the bike.<\/p>\n