Yet another cycling thread...

james1988 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2010 Karma :

Instead of cluttering up the other threads I thought I'd start another. It seems I've cocked up and bought a bike that's too tall for me. I bought the Reebok Switchback mountain bike last spring when it was on offer in Argos see here not really thinking about being measured properly for the bike. After reading about a bit I've found that I'm to short for the bloody thing. I.E my leg is at about 5 degrees from full extension when the pedal is at the bottom of it's travel, with the saddle all the way down.

Is there anyway in which I can adjust the ride height or am I just going to have to live with it and take it as a lesson learned. Bollocks.

Any advice is appreciated!

James

Eddie Hitler · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Karma :

You're then more than welcome to start my specialised training program for leg lengthening. In 1 month you will be using your bike like a boss.

I'll pm you my gym address and we can go from there.

james1988 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2010 Karma :

Do you also sell Powerthirst to enable me to run like a Kenyan?

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I reckon you'd be ok cutting the seat post down more. Sounds like you shouldn't need that much, so if you cut it down so that it just sticks up (then cutting a slit in it) reckon it'll work well enough.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Blocks on your shoes?

Only thing I can think of if the sadfdle is as low as it can go is to either ride without a saddle or fit shorter cranks.

The latter would work, but it'll screw up your gear ratios. Probably cost about half the price of the bike too.
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james1988 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2010 Karma :

At the moment it isn't causing me any problems such as pain or balance but after reading the other threads it seems like a totally inefficient way of cycling. I think I'll take an angle grinder to the seat post as it probably isn't worth me spending a fortune on it as it was a cheap bike.

Thanks for the advice Karma

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I presume this is being 'measured' with the ball of your foot on the pedal? I thought the normal way to set it up or so was heel on pedal with leg straight.
Looking at that design, you might even be able to go right down, then weld on a nut and thick washer.

Liono · Spanner Monkey Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

Might be worth just seeing if changing the saddle makes a difference. Sometimes bikes come with a "comfort" type saddle because lots of people think that having loads of padding will make the seat more comfortable. These saddles often sit quite high as the rails push them up a little further than a more performance orientated one. You could pop into a bike shop with your existing saddle to see if they have anything which will sit a little lower. This will only make a small difference, but it might save you having to chop the frame.

Drew · Banned Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Karma :

james1988 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2010 Karma :

I've been out cycling over the past couple of days and to be honest I've been really uncomfortable on the bike. After doing some measuring it seems the bike is 4" too tall for me. So I sacked that one off and gave it to my stepfather so he can get his arse into some form of fitness in the summer and bought a Merida M20D. It's an entry level mountain bike so I'm not expecting great things but it fits (it's a 16") and I had £250 off it.

This one:
https://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Bikes/Mountain+Bikes/Merida+Mountain+Bikes/Merida+Matts+20-MD+Bike+2011+Model_MATTS-20D.htm

Can't wait for it to turn up now so I can get out and be comfortable. Hopefully it will be a bit more confidence inspiring than the old Reebok one as I never really felt properly in control of it.

Onwards for some questions...

Are there any particular brand of cycling helmet to avoid or are they all much the same with varying levels of comfort and weight? If so what are the better brands (I'm not looking to spend a fortune)?

Could somebody point me in the direction of a decent guide to set up the gearing. I didn't do it particularly well last time and it took me ages to get right. I did have a look at the guide Ste posted in Silkys thread but all the pictures had gone although the principle is the same it would be nice to have something to compare against.

Thanks!

James