Are your feet supposed to touch the ground when the bike is at a still? Also, is it possible to replace the seat on your bike, by yourself?
2007-05-31 19:16:19 · 10 answers · asked by lirael1019 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
"Cruiser" type bikes - those where the pedal is located forward of the normal position - almost always allow the rider to stand flat-footed while remaining seated. In this instance, the seat may need to be raised slightly to obtain optimum leverage on the pedals ... resulting in a toe-touch or ball-of-foot touch, with the rider seated and the bike completely vertical.
Road bikes often have the seat mounted higher (to maintain that leg angle while pedalling) and to promote hunkering down over the handlebars to lower wind resistance. This means the rider has to get off the seat and stand over the top tube (the one between the seatpost and the handlebar stem mount). Usually, this means the bike has to have a very slight sideways tilt to it when the cyclist is touching the ground with the ball of their foot ... or a slightly greater (30 degree) angle when standing flat-footed.
Mountain bikes are yet another breed - but in general, riders cannot touch the ground while remaining seated. They have to do the "stand over the top tube" thing ... but there's often more clearance there, so the bike can remain vertical while the feet touch down.
Lastly - replacing the seat is fairly easy to do. If you're unsure, or just want to see how the mechanics do it, take it in to your local bike shop and ask to watch while it gets done. Most shops don't mind, especially if you're showing interest in how to maintain your bike.
2007-06-01 07:39:30 · answer #1 · answered by CanTexan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
On a regular bike your feet usually don't touch the ground as you come to a stop. However, I have a bike, the Giant Suede, which has the pedals about 4 inches forward of where most cranks/pedals are placed. I can touch my toes to the ground easily and still have my leg almost straight as I pedal. The Trek Pure also has this design. Cruisers are lower to the ground and let you touch your toes to the ground when stopped and seated. Electra Townies and some other brands have the pedals forward design so you can reach the ground while still in the saddle.
2007-06-01 08:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by Rose P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO and Yes.
No, on most bikes, although the cruiser typer, possibly. When you are peddling your legs, at the lower end of the arc, should be nearly straight, this being the most efficient geomentry. That being the case, you should not have enough leg length left to touch the ground.
There are a variety of saddles on the market, but most will use a clamp method, usually tightened by a single bolt, to attache the saddle to the seat post. Loosening the bolt will also allow you to alter the angle of tilt on the saddle. Simply undo the bolt, take the old saddle off and replace.
Luck
2007-06-01 03:36:44 · answer #3 · answered by Alice S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way to tell if the seats current position is fit to tour height is to, ask someone to hold the bike steady while you get on and then pedal until one of your pedals is at the lowest point it can go,at this point your knee should have a very slight bend. This way you are doing the least amount of work and producing the most power while not hurting yourself. However if this is not the case and you cant reach once the pedal goes as low as it can or you have minor then a slight bend in your knee you have to adjust the seat. You do this by getting an allen wrench and loosening the screw. You then adjust the seat accordingly and try the above method until you get the best position. FYI be careful not to raise the seat above the marked line, it is not safe and may come off. GOOD LUCK AND GOOD RIDDING
2007-06-01 02:23:44 · answer #4 · answered by charvd 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Are we talking about a standard bicycle? Not a motorized one? Yes, you can adjust seat height or replace the seat with standard tools. Find a bike shop if you need to purchase a new seat. As for your feet, I try to make sure that my toes can touch the ground, but I think that's a matter of personal preference.
2007-06-01 02:19:13 · answer #5 · answered by Snoopy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you're straddling the top tube, yes your feet should touch the ground. You should not be able to touch the ground when you're in the saddle.
Yes, you can change the seat, it's not a difficult job. But any bike shop can help you out if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
2007-06-01 06:08:55 · answer #6 · answered by crazydave 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Preferably if the bike is still you would want your feet on the ground unless you have some crazy balancing skills. If the seat is bad and you do not like the bike, throw it away and opt for a newer better model. Go ahead and get one that you can reach the ground with.
2007-06-01 10:24:18 · answer #7 · answered by PK 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you're sitting on the saddle, your feet is NOT supposed to touch the ground.
The proper seat height should leave a little bend on your knee when you pedal.
2007-06-01 02:27:16 · answer #8 · answered by riqtan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its possible to replace the seat
but your toes should touch the ground, not on a flat foot
2007-06-01 13:52:26 · answer #9 · answered by whitecomet_28 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A ricket scientist like you can do it.
2007-06-01 02:18:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋