Newbie who is Very Sore

[Kano]

What if it's too high? We were talking about this at work today and it is possible that the seat might be too high for me. I'm not sure how your feet should touch the ground when stopped but sitting on the bike.

"How your feet should touch the ground" depends on the bike. "Cruisers" you generally can put your foot flat on the ground while seated on the bike. Maybe it's MY hybrid, but I hop off the saddle just like I do my road bike when I stop -- it's not stable to have just the tip of the toes on one foot on the ground, at least not MY toes!

I actually had my saddle height adjusted on Monday -- during a bike fitting. Boy oh boy, it feels HIGH right now! Just a wee bit spooky now and then, but I know I'll get used to it.

(the bike fitting is a story on its own -- VERY interesting process!)

Karen in Boise

[Triskeliongirl]

Actually, your feet should not touch the ground while seated on the saddle. This is a big mistake 'newbies' make. If you need to stop at a light, you lean the bike to one side, disengage one cleat, get off the saddle, and touch the ground with one foot.

Saddle height should be set to have just a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. The shop that sold you the bike should help you get this set up correctly. Saddle fore aft too needs to be set, as does cleat position, for optimal performance and comfort both.

[Kano]

Actually, your feet should not touch the ground while seated on the saddle. This is a big mistake 'newbies' make. If you need to stop at a light, you lean the bike to one side, disengage one cleat, get off the saddle, and touch the ground with one foot.

Personally, I save the leaning for last!

[Triskeliongirl]

Personally, I save the leaning for last!

You are right, I thought about it more on my commute today. I actually disengage the right cleat first, then stand up (i.e. lift off the saddle) and start braking, and last lean to the right and put my right foot on the ground. Its hard to put it in writing, but my point was that the feet are not supposed to touch the ground while seated.

The OP also needs to be sure the bike is checked for assembly defects in view of her initial problem with the handlebars being loose. Based on this problem, I am guessing the bike was purchased either used, at a dept. store, or poor quality bike shop.

While many shops will charge $100 for a 'pro-fit' the OP may be able to find a shop that will give the bike a going over, and check her set-up (saddle, cleat, and bar position) for less than that, especially if they are trying to aquire a new customer.

[Wolf]

The OP also needs to be sure the bike is checked for assembly defects in view of her initial problem with the handlebars being loose. Based on this problem, I am guessing the bike was purchased either used, at a dept. store, or poor quality bike shop.

*hangs head in shame* I got it for $86 at Toys 'R Us. My dad got took real bad at a bike shop, so when it was time for mine and I was testing the waters as to whether this was my thing or not, I opted for an el cheapo from Toys 'R Us, with the plans of getting a better bike when my bank account allows. I just discovered a bike shop locally that has been getting rave reviews and hasn't been there long, so I'll probably stop by, with the bike, on Sunday to have them give me an assessment, and if they seem ok, I'll eventually be buying a better bike from them.