Green Monday: Cycling pt 1, Fitting a Bike
I’ve really been thinking about the idea of getting a bicycle and using it (to start with) for shorter errands and trips. I’ll admit the raising gas prices is one reason, the environmental impact another, but a big reason is also that weighing in now at 157 (a 30 lb loss since Feb) it’s time to step up the fitness part of my day so I can have that nummy Culvers custard guilt free. :)
Okay, I admit, health is a good part of my reason too, even though living in Wisconsin the months it’s warm enough to get on a cycle is limited. So, with all of that in mind, I’ve been doing some research on buying, riding, and maintaining a cycle. There’s so much info, I think I will talk about bikes in several steps over a few posts. This first one will be about bike fitting.
Cycling pt 1, Fitting a Bike
The first concern for me is a good, comfortable fit. I’m short, and I like to be able to put most of my feet on the ground when I stop the bike, as well as have a comfortable seat. This has made shopping for used bikes a frustration. The adult bikes have all been too big, and on he kids’ bikes the seat digs into my netheregions. So, step one, finding a bike that fits me properly. I have to feel safe on it, and it has to be comfortable, or honestly I just won’t ride it often.
How to Fit a Bicycle by Peter Jon White
Fitting a Woman's Bike from Bicycle Source
Okay, so Mr. White’s article asks several very pertinent questions to decide what bike is right for the rider, and the one from Bicycle Source mentioned that specific things are needed for a women’s bike. Both very useful. It seems you can’t get both comfort and performance, quick acceleration or handling stability, top speed or leisurely drive, you have to compromise and decide what of these things are most important and how much. We’ll that’s easy. I’m in no hurry, so give me a smooth ride, good stability so I feel safe on the road, and something that doesn’t need to be fixed all of the time.
So, then we go to the first question Mr. Whiter’s article asks. What position do you like to ride in? I like upright. That way I can see the road, but I’m not all hunched over. I know the reclining cycles look comfy and all, but I don’t want to get so comfy I am not watching the road properly. Now Mr. White also explains that a person’s body contacts the bicycle in three areas; their hands, their bottom, and their feet. Since I am getting a riding, not a racing bike, these are important areas to consider comfort wise. My hands will be in contact with the handlebars, my butt with the seat, and my feet with the petals. So, what are my choices for comfort in these areas?
Choosing a Women's Bike
How to Choose a Handlebar
An adjustable handlebar will be a must, so I can line it up properly for upright riding. Last thing I want to do it take my back out leaning hunched up. My posture already sucks enough because I am top heavy. Side note: Make sure I have a good bra while riding to support the ladies well. The Bicycle Source mentions a dropped handle bar for women, which would make you bend forward some. I’m not sure how it’s more comfortable, but I did find a few articles on dropped handle bar, so I can compare them with a more upright ride.
Total Bicycle’s article “How to Buy a Bicycle” mentions the dropped handle bars as well as some terms I hadn’t completely understood being used in Mr. White’s article. Worth the read. I found some very good tips on sizing and safety, as well as explanations on types of bikes.
Womens' Saddles
The seat comfort is really crucial. That’s been the issue with most of the kid’s bikes, the jammed into me in the most unpleasant way. I think a wider seat without a heavy up or down tilt will be the most comfortable. From the looks of what’s been explained in the articles, I’ll need my seat in a more rear position for the most comfortable posture.
Okay, peddle position. I’ll want a shorter crank length because I’m a short person. My legs can’t do the diameter that a taller person can. In Mr.’ White’s article he mentions that crank length should be 18.5% of the distance from the top of the femur to the floor in bare feet (5" to 6" below your hip bone, and moves rearward when you raise your knee). Certainly a complicated figure to try to decipher. I figure if I can get a bike with an adjustable crank, I’ll be golden.
One thing I’ve found confusing was the information on what size frame I need. One place did mention that there are things called Terry Bike that are made for shorter women so we can reach everything comfortably. Bicycle Source in particular says “One approach often duplicated is to mate a 24 inch front wheel with a 27 inch rear wheel. This allows the top tube to be about two inches shorter than on other bikes with 27 inch wheels.”
Susan B Hybrid
Hmmm sounds like an interesting plan. The Susan B looks wonderful, but I don’t really have $650 for a bike. What would be the best option for me is if I knew someone who could build the bike to my specs, the way it would fit me best, but I’m betting that’d be way expensive. I have learned many things doing this research. As much as I like both y feet touching the ground when I stop the bike, it actually means my seat is too low and is dangerous for my knees.
How to Pick a Bicycle : How to Pick a Women's Bike VIDEO
How to Buy a Bicycle : Learn About Bike Frames for Women VIDEO
Bottom line for much of it is I am way out of date on current bike safety, tech stuff (I didn’t really have bikes as a kid except one for a year when I was 9, so might account for much of that lack of info). More research is coming as is a second part to this post, next week, so see ya then.