How to Make Bikes Easier to Ride

Make sure you have the right bike seat.

"As easy as riding a bike," the old phrase goes, but if you're bike is not adjusted correctly, it's likely not that easy to ride. Choosing the right equipment and using it prroperly will make riding your bike easier and more enjoyable. If you use your bike for fitness or ride on tough terrain, good alignment can prevent injury as well. Make small changes for the more comfortable ride possible.

Things You'll Need

• A bike

Instructions

1. Pick a frame in the correct size. Straddle the bike with both feet on the ground. If you have a road bike, there should be 1 inch of space between the top bar and your body. If you have a mountain bike, leave 2 inches.

2. Make sure your bike seat is at the proper height. When you are sitting on your bike seat, put one pedal straight down at the 6 o'clock position. Your knee should be very slightly bent, and if you stretched out you should just be able to touch the ground with your toes. Make sure your seat is parallel with the ground.

3. Make sure you have the right seat for your activity level. If you do leisurely rides, a wider saddle would be best. If you go on longer, more strenuous rides, choose a narrower saddle.

4. Use and shift gears correctly. Use lower gears when you are climbing hills for easier pedaling. Use higher gears for flat surfaces so that you can travel more distance with one full leg cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you wear a helmet while biking

• When riding on the streets, make sure you have reflectors

References

• REI: How to Choose a Saddle
• REI: Fitting Your Bike