Making sure your bike fits you correctly can be crucial to your enjoyment of bicycling. Most bike shops will help you adjust your bike so it’s set up for maximum comfort. Here are a few key considerations.

Bike Type
It’s not a one-type-fits-all world. Mountain bikes, hybrids and comfort bikes with upright handlebars and wider tires are well-suited to shorter trips on city streets. Road bikes with drop handlebars and narrower tires may be a better choice for longer-distance trips. Then, in addition, there are recumbent bikes, folding bikes, tandems, fixies—so many possibilities! Visit several local bike shops and they’ll be glad to help you find the one that’s right for you.

Bike Size  

Bar Height

If your bike’s frame is too tall, too short or too long, it can be difficult to adjust the other components to make you comfortable. Most bike shops will help you figure out the best-fitting bike for you. Some general guidelines:
•   For on-road riding there should be about 1-2 inches between the top bar of the bike frame and your inseam.
•   For off-road riding, there should be about 3-4 inches between the top bar of the bike frame and your inseam.

Seat (Saddle) Types
A seat is just a seat, right? Actually, there’s a wide variety of seats for nearly every type of rider. Seats can be made for comfort or speed and come in gender-specific styles. Ask your local bike shop for help in selecting the best seat for your needs.

Adjusting Your Seat 

Adjusting Your Seat

The key adjustments to a seat are:
•   Fore/aft—a general rule is 1.75 to 2.5 inches from the nose of the seat to a vertical line through the bottom bracket.
•   Angle—start out level, then adjust to what is comfortable.
•   Height—with your pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke and your heel on the pedal, your leg should be completely straight.