Bike Dynamics

Louise Gebbett

01 February 2012

Cycling is one of those things I've never been able to get right.

I spend the whole time shifting my position, but never find that perfect pose. If one thing is right, something else is wrong. Whatever I do with my handlebars, seat, gears or feet, I end up twisted and unbalanced.

I've always blamed this on the fact that I ride horses, making me instinctively sit bolt upright and straight-backed. Bikes are not designed to be ridden that way.

If I'd been born 100 years earlier my cycling posture would be perfect. But things have moved on a lot. Suspension, gears, lightweight materials, aerodynamics - with the help of modern technology the humble bike has come a long way.

With Friends of the Earth's Big Green Bike Ride fast approaching, I need something that vaguely resembles a normal cycling pose.

After some initial research it turns out that bike positioning is very complicated. It's dependant on your proportions and style of bike, the type of ride you're doing and what you need to get out of your bike. It's certainly not one-size-fits-all.

You have to consider efficiency and strength, comfort, the hours you're in the saddle, and if you're cycling over consecutive days.

It's all about angles. If your seat's too far forwards or back you'll put too much weight on your hands and arms. If your saddle too high or low by 2-3mm you'll be uncomfortable and lose power. Your need to make sure your knees are over your pedals, and your handlebars must be fixed according to your upper body position.

I think I need expert help.

Bike Dynamics, a company that specialise in bike fitting, has kindly provided Big Green Bike Ride participants detailed information about setting up their bikes for the challenge and offered a 20% discount for a personalised fitting service.

If you're an experienced cyclist you're probably already in the know. For a novice like me, it's a whole new world, but one I'm determined to crack.

I doubt it'll make me the next Victoria Pendleton, but I'm pretty sure my muscles will thank me. Either way I have new found respect for my bike. Who would have thought such small changes can make such a big difference.

Tonight's job - find my Allen key.

Louise Gebbett, Big Green Bike Ride Team