Fit; Standover Height; Saddle Position - Raleigh Bike Owner's 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:
i
f your biCyCle does not fit properly
,
fit ask your dealer to exChange it before you ride it
A. Standover Height
1. Diamond frame bicycles
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 (5cm). A bike that you'll ride on unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of three
inches (7.5cm) of standover height clearance. And a bike that you'll use off road should give you
four inches (10cm) or more of clearance.
2. Step-through frame bicycles
Standover height does not apply to bicycles with step-through frames. Instead, the limiting
dimension is determined by saddle height range. You must be able to adjust your saddle position
as described in B without exceeding the limits set by the height of the top of the seat tube and
the "Minimum Insertion" or "Maximum Extension" mark on the seat post.
WARNING: i
f you plan to use your bike for jumping or stunt riding
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
12
,
you may lose Control and fall
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