If your indoor cycle isn't adjusted for your specific needs, you run the risk of injury and a less than stellar workout. Since there are a wide variety of bikes out there to accommodate riders of all shapes, sizes and skill levels, the only way to determine the bike that best fits your needs is to test ride it first.
Step 1
Look to see that the seat is parallel to the ground. Once you sit, hinge from the hips at about a 45-degree angle. If your kneecap is above the center of the pedal and there is a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke, the seat is in the right position.
Step 2
Make sure that your knees are not opened to the side as you sit on the bike. If they are, then your seat is too low. If your hips are rocking from side to side as you pedal, then the seat is too high. Your seat should come up to your hip when you stand next to the bike.
Step 3
Reach for the handlebars while seated and make sure that there is a slight bend in the elbows in all hand positions. The handlebar height shouldn't be too high or low, which will put strain on your neck or back.
Step 4
Stand up on the pedals and lightly rest your fingertips on the lowest part of the handlebars. If you can do this, you're in the right position. You don't want to lean on the handlebars.
Step 5
Adjust the clips on the pedals if you have cleats on the bottom of your shoes. Make sure that while clipped into the pedal you can push down and pull up on the pedals in a circular motion. If you have toe straps on the pedal instead of clips, make sure that they are tightened enough to keep your foot in place as you pedal.
Step 6
Stand out of the seat on the bike with a high resistance and make sure that the bike isn't grinding beneath you and can accommodate your weight. Also make sure that while you stand on the bike you're not bouncing, which means that you don't have enough tension on your resistance knob.
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