How to Set Up Your Road Bike for Racing

Many road bikes are race ready right off the showroom floor. Whether your bike is brand new or not, these tips will help get your road bike race ready.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Remove any additional accessories from your bike, including racks, reflectors, mirrors, bells or lights.

2. Inspect the frame, fork and all components on the bike for cracks, or other signs of trouble or wear. Repair or replace any obvious problems.

3. Set your saddle height by placing your heel on your pedal (in your riding shoes) and raising the seat up so that your leg is straight on the bottom of the pedal stroke (6 O'clock position).

4. To set your saddle position, start by having it level with the ground and try it that way for a little while. If you are putting too much weight on your hands, raise the nose up a degree or two. If the nose is uncomfortable and you experience any numbness, lower the nose a degree or two. It may take a while to find the perfect saddle position for you.

5. Set your saddle's fore/aft position by moving it so that when you are seated, and your pedals are in the 3 O'clock / 9 O'clock position, your forward pedal spindle is in line with the small bump just below your kneecap.

6. Position your handlebars so that they are about two to five centimeters below the seat. Your handlebars should also be about shoulder width.

7. Find a stem that gives you a comfortable riding position. You want to have about a half an inch clearance between your knee and elbow when you are pedaling with your hands on the drops.

8. Angle your handlebars and brake levers so that you can comfortably reach the drops, the brakes and the brake hoods.

9. Check your tires for cuts, tears and imperfections. Your race day tires should be in perfect condition.

10. Inspect the wheels. Check the spoke tension and make sure that the hubs aren't too tight or too loose, and that the wheels spin freely.

11. Make sure that the cleats on your shoes and your clipless pedals are aligned and functioning properly.

12. Check to make sure that the chain is clean, lubed and not stretched. Chains stretch over time and this will lead to bad shifting and gear slippage.

13. Test the front and rear derailleurs to make sure that they are shifting properly and that the cables are capped and in good condition. Bad shifting is not only very frustrating, but it could blow the race for you.

14. Be sure that your brake cables, pads and levers are also in good condition and working well. You need to be able to slow down to go fast.

15. Turn your handlebars from side to side and see if there is any play in the headset or any grinding noises. Disassemble, clean, grease and adjust if necessary.

16. Check all bolts on the bicycle including chainring bolts, cable binder bolts, stem bolts and crank spindle bolts. Tighten any that need it.

17. Ride your bike after doing any adjustments or repairs. You'll want to feel comfortable and confident at the start line.

18. Make sure your bike is clean. New bar tape, a spotless drivetrain and clean frame are the proper way to show up at the start line.

Tips & Warnings

• Your seat should never be so high that your hips rock when you pedal. When your seat is at the optimum height it allows you to get full leg extension and full use of your leg muscles.

• The best upgrade that you can make is lighter wheels, or at least tires. Rotational mass is where weight really counts, so lighter wheels and tires make a noticeable difference.

• To find the right length stem, sit on your bike and put your hands on the brake hoods. When you look down, the handlebar should block the front hub from view. Use this as a guide or position the handlebar in front of the hub for a more aero position.

• If you're unsure of how to check or adjust anything on your bike, bring it to a local shop.

• Road racing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.