Fitting bicycle seats –
Installing the line of RideOut’s Bicycle Seats and/or other bicycle seats.
All bicycle seats must be fitted properly in order to provide maximum comfort for the rider. Proper fitting depends also on other bicycle variables. Handlebar height, frame size, the type of bicycle (mountain, comfort, road, etc.) and even the riding terrain influence the proper fitting of all bicycle seats.
Whether you are using one of the RideOut’s Bicycle Seats seats or one of the many other bicycle seats on the market today, proper adjustment is paramount. To begin, let’s look at frame size.
For most riders, the first step in getting the right size bike is to stand over the frame with both feet flat on the ground. A properly-sized road bike frame will give an inch or two of clearance between the top tube of the frame and your crotch. Not too much, not too little. A mountain bike should have more space.
Begin fitting most bicycle seats by adjusting the seat post so that when your foot is on the pedal at its lowest level you knee is slightly bent. For the Carbon Comfort line of bicycle seats, you may have to lower your seat post about ½ inch from its existing position. The Carbon Comfort sits slightly higher on the post than other bicycle seats, because of the advanced infused carbon fiber suspension system it incorporates.
All of the Carbon Comfort bicycle seats are optimized for a slightly more upright body geometry. The majority of our riders find the greatest comfort if they can raise their handlebars slightly, about an inch.
RideOut’s Bicycle Seats should be mounted with the horn/nose of the seat pushed as far back toward the rear of the bike as you can adjust it. For women, start with seat about 7 degrees tilted down and for men start with the bike seat level. As you ride, adjust the seat closer to the handlebars, up or down and needed. Because you are sitting on this seat, not straddling it as you do with other bicycle seats, you’ll need to position it so that the natural fold where your leg meets your behind is right on the edge of the seat. Ideal leg position for all bikes is to have the ankle directly below the hip.
All bicycle seats need to be tweaked and adjusted to suit the individual rider’s preferences and riding style. If you have problems or questions regarding the fitting of any of the bicycle seats on the market today, your local bicycle store is a great source for help.
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