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WARNING: Changing the components on your bike with other than genuine replacement parts
may compromise the safety of your bicycle and may void the warranty. Check with your dealer
before changing the components on your bike.
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. 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.
B. Seat position
Correct seat adjustment is an important factor in getting the most performance and comfort from your
bicycle. If the seat position is not comfortable for you, see your dealer.
The seat can be adjusted in three directions:
1. Up and down adjustment. To check for correct seat height:
• sit on the seat;
• 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 seat height needs to be adjusted. If your hips must rock for the
heel to reach the pedal, the seat is too high. If your leg is bent at the knee with your heel on the pedal, the
seat is too low.
Ask your dealer to set the seat for your optimal riding position and to show you how to make this
adjustment. If you choose to make your own seat height adjustment:
loosen the seat post clamp
raise or lower the seat post in the seat tube
make sure the seat is straight fore and aft
re-tighten the seat post clamp to the recommended torque (Appendix).
Once the seat is at the correct height, make sure that the seat post does not project from the frame
beyond its "Minimum Insertion" or "Maximum Extension" mark.
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