BIKE SET UP

Proper bike setup helps ensure maximum exercise efficiency and comfort as well as increase power while reducing your risk of injury. It also helps minimize wasted energy and assist with proper pedaling mechanics by distributing your body weight appropriately throughout the saddle, pedals, handlebar and frame.

If you are new to cycling, be sure to arrive to class 15 minutes early so I can help you with bike set up.

Saddle Height

At the proper height, there should be a slight bend in your knee when you're at the bottom of a pedal stroke. A saddle that is positioned too high will generally cause a rider’s hips to rock side to side and can often lead to pain in the back of the knee. A saddle that is positioned too low will usually cause a cyclist to ride “bow-legged” and can often lead to pain in the front of the knee. If you’re unsure about the saddle height position, it is best to err on the side of being slightly higher versus shorter as long as the knee joint does not lock out at the bottom of the pedal stroke. To adjust the seat height:Turn the seat height pop-pin counterclockwise  and pull out on the pin to release it from its current preset location. Raise or lower the seat to the desired height, then gently release the pop-pin. Raise or lower the seat slightly, if necessary, until the pop-pin engages a preset hole. Turn the pop-pin clockwise to secure. Be sure to tighten firmly.

 Saddle Fore/Aft Position

Once the proper height has been achieved, adjust the seat forward or back so that when the feet are in the 3:00 and 9:00 positions, the forward knee is directly over the pedal axle. Recheck the seat height after making the fore/aft adjustment, as moving the seat forward and backward can have the same effect as moving it higher or lower. If your knee is too far out in front of your foot it shears the back of your kneecap. If you’re unsure about the saddle fore/aft position, it is best to err on the side of being slightly farther back versus forward. This will help protect the knee by keeping the knee joint less flexed during the pedal stroke. To adjust the seat horizontal position:Loosen the seat fore-and-aft tension knob by turning the knob counterclockwise. Move the seat forward or back to the desired position, then tighten the tension knob by turning clockwise. 

Handlebar Height

Position the handlebar at the same height as your seat, or higher if you feel anY discomfort in your back.To adjust the handlebar height:Turn the handlebar height pop-pin counterclockwise and pull out the pin to release it from its current preset  location. Raise or lower the handlebar to the desired height, then gently release the pop-pin. Raise or lower the handlebar slightly, if necessary, until the pop-pin engages a preset hole. Turn the pop-pin clockwise to secure. 

Foot Position

Place the balls of your feet securely in the toe cages, with the ball of the foot (or the widest part of your shoe) over the center of the pedals. As you pedal, concentrate on keeping feet flat, which enables a more powerful pedal stroke. The front of the shoe may not completely fill the toe cage. The pedal straps should be adjusted to hold the foot snuggly in the pedal.

Resistance Control Knob

Pedaling resistance is controlled by the knob located below the handlebar. Resistance adjustments can be made while riding to vary the intensity of your workout. To increase resistance, turn the knob clockwise; to decrease resistance, turn the knob counterclockwise. 

***MAKE SURE THAT ALL POP PINS ARE ENGAGED AND SECURE AFTER ADJUSTING YOUR BIKE.

*** IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, YOU MAY PRESS DIRECTLY DOWN ON THE RESISTANCE KNOB TO BRING THE FLYWHEEL TO AN ABRUPT STOP.

Moving and Leveling:
To move the bike to a new location:
Lift the bike from the rear and use the front wheels to oll the bike from one location to another.
 
To level the bike:
Use the four leveling adjustments (located on the underside of the front and rear legs) to compensate for uneven floor surfaces.
 
Daily Maintenance per Manufacture's Instruction Manual
 
The service life of the new bikes will be determined by how consistently daily maintenance procedures are performed. Following these 3 simple procedures at the end of each class will help.
 
1) Release all tension from the resistance knobs to allow for perspiration to evaporate.
2) Raise all posts to the highest setting to expose moisture.
3) Wipe down the bikes to remove sweat and moisture to help prevent build-up of rust and other forms of corrosion. Areas where perspiration can settle include the handlebars, the adjustable slide of the seat, flywheel, chain guard, tension knob and pop-pins.