A Bike That's a Good Fit is a Happy Fit

By Jody Smith HERWriter

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your bike is a happy fit when it's a good fit

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A woman on a bike that is a good fit for her is a happy woman. How will you know if your bike is a good fit?

It isn't going to hurt when you ride it.

You won't have to stretch out too far or lean too heavily on your handle bars. You won't have pain in your behind, in your back, shoulders or hands.

If for instance, you are an average-sized woman, or smaller than average, you may like a shorter top tube. No, I didn't type the two words in backward order, and this is not a fashion statement, strapless or otherwise.

The top tube is one facet of the top tube-stem combination of your bicycle. Generally women find that a shorter top tube-stem combination works better for them than it would for a man.

If you want to make adjustments to your bike rather than replace the whole thing, you can use a Fit Kit. Keep in mind that its instructions were originally formulated for men who are racing cyclists.

It is easier to make adjustments, or to trade parts, when you first purchase your bicyle.

You can trade in bars, cranks, saddles and stems, often for just a small fee and sometimes with no extra charge. But don't count on it. It can cost more to trade these parts later on after your purchase.

Don't be hesitant about continuing to make small adjustments after you have your bike. Consider it a work in progress as you move toward the perfect fit.

Once you've gotten your bicycle comfortable it's time to enjoy the many benefits of riding that machine.

Your circulation will increase and you will get better delivery of oxygen and other nutrients for your cells. Toxins will be cleared more readily and more effectively.

Your lungs and heart will get a healthy workout, which in turn will enhance the workings of your intestines. You'll not only feel better you will also be at lower risk for bowel cancer.

Moderate exercise like riding a bike causes cells of your immune system to become more active, and better able to defend you from illness.

Riding your bicycle assists in the creation of brain cells in your hippocampus, an important part of your brain for memory. Your brain will have more oxygen and blood flow.

If you've had insomnia, say goodbye and good night to it because bike riding has been noted to make many chronic insomniacs drop off to sleep in half the time it used to take them.

So get that bike whipped into shape. Then go for a spin, knowing you're whipping your brain and body into shape as well.

Sources:

Women's Saddles and Bicycle Fit. Blayleys.com. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
http://www.blayleys.com/articles/womensfit/index.htm

30 reasons to take up cycling. Bikeradar.com. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/30-reasons-to-take-up-cycl...

Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger

Add a Comment1 Comments

ShutterbugRunner

Good article! You really will be so much happier if your bike is fitted correctly. Knee pain due to a wrong sized bike or incorrect adjustment makes rides miserable when it should just be the opposite. I have a great relationship with my local bike shop since getting properly fitted and it's great.

June 26, 2012 - 7:13pm

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Jody Smith HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.