Things You'll Need:
- Bicycle
- Allen wrenches
- String with weight at end
- Tape measure
- Level
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Step 1
Place the bicycle on level ground and secure it either by putting its kickstand down or by leaning it against a tree or post. Put the level on top of the seat and look to see how close the seat is to level when on flat ground. You want the seat to be as level as possible so that your pelvis can comfortably rest on a flat surface. If it is not level, loosen the screw on top of the seat tube with the Allen wrenches and tilt the seat in the appropriate direction to make it level.
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Step 2
Use the Allen wrenches to tighten the seat down in position and mount the bicycle. Put your dominant leg on the pedal and turn the pedal until it is forward and horizontal. Have a friend drop the line with a weight on it from the front of your knee. You want the line to pass through the middle of your crank. If it is too far forward or back, loosen the seat again and scoot it in the applicable direction.
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Step 3
Extend your leg to the bottom of the pedal stroke. There should be a slight bend in your knee, but less than 30 degrees to ensure that you are maximizing the strength of both your hamstring and your glute. If your leg is straight, lower your seat and if it is bent more than 30 degrees, raise your seat.
