Fit; Standover Height; Saddle Position - Giant - V8.0 Manual

3. Fit

NOTE: Correct fit is an essential element of bicycling safety, performance and comfort. Making the
adjustments to your bicycle which result in correct fit for your body and riding conditions requires
experience, skill and special tools. Always have your dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle;
or, if you have the experience, skill and tools, have your dealer check your work before riding.
WARNING: If your bicycle does not fit properly, you may lose control and fall. If your new bike
doesn't fit, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
A. Standover height
Standover height is the basic element of bike fit (see fig. 2). It is the
distance from the ground to the top of the bicycle's frame at that point where
your crotch is when straddling the bike. To check for correct standover height,
straddle the bike while wearing the kind of shoes in which you'll be riding,
and bounce vigorously on your heels. If your crotch touches the frame, the
bike is too big for you. Don't even ride the bike around the block. A bike
which you ride only on paved surfaces and never take off-road should give
you a minimum standover height clearance of two inches (5 cm). A bike that
you'll ride on unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of three inches
(7.5 cm) of standover height clearance. And a bike that you'll use off road
should give you four inches (10 cm )or more of clearance.
WARNING: If you plan to use your bike for jumping or stunt riding, read Section 2.F again.
B. Saddle position
Correct saddle adjustment is an important factor in getting the most
performance and comfort from your bicycle. If the saddle position is not
comfortable for you, see your dealer.
The saddle can be adjusted in three directions:
1. Up and down adjustment. To check for correct saddle height (fig. 3):
• sit on the saddle;
• place one heel on a pedal;
• rotate the crank until the pedal with your heel on it is in the down
position and the crank arm is parallel to the seat tube.
If your leg is not completely straight, your saddle height needs to be
adjusted. If your hips must rock for the heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is too high. If your leg is bent
at the knee with your heel on the pedal, the saddle is too low.
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Fig.2
Fig.3