adjust your ride in half an hour with a set of hex keys

When many cycling enthusiasts buy a new bike, they often can't wait to take their new companion out for a spin. However, a bike is usually only adjusted to a standard setting when it leaves the factory. Due to differences in body size and riding habits, a new bike often cannot provide the most comfortable riding experience for the cyclist.

What should you do? Don't worry, Codoon teaches you 3 simple and practical tuning tips. Prepare a set of hex wrenches and spend half an hour to make your new bike more comfortable to ride!

Today's adjustment tips only require a set of hex wrenches.

1. Adjust the height, angle, and position of the saddle.

Height: The height of the saddle affects the pressure on your knees. Before riding, adjust the saddle height so that when the pedal is at its lowest point, the angle between your thigh and the vertical line to the ground is 25-30 degrees, meaning your knee is slightly bent. A saddle that is too high or too low will cause discomfort in your knees while riding. A reasonable saddle height can increase comfort and reduce the stretching and compression forces on your knees.

Correct saddle height.

Angle and position: These also vary from person to person. Adjust according to the shape of the rider's pelvis and their habitual riding posture. The best position is when the rider feels the least pressure on the crotch area and no discomfort in the waist or neck due to excessive bending or leaning forward. Generally, the saddle angle should be slightly downward.

Reasonably adjust the saddle angle and position.

2. Adjust the stem and handlebars.

Stem height: Many sports bikes come with a certain adjustable length of the fork steerer tube. Riders can adjust the number of spacers below the stem to raise or lower the stem height, thereby adjusting the riding posture.

Headset spacers can be used to control the stem height.

Handlebar angle: Even for mountain bikes with straight handlebars, there is a certain degree of curvature. Loosen the front cap of the stem and gently rotate the handlebars to find the most comfortable riding angle. This small adjustment can greatly improve the riding experience.

Note that the screws on the four-bolt stem cap should be loosened/tightened diagonally, while the two-bolt ones should be loosened/tightened alternately to ensure even force distribution.

Please alternately loosen/tighten the stem cap screws (including the end of the stem).

3. Adjust the angle and position of the brake levers and shifters.

Vertical angle: This mainly applies to bikes with straight or riser handlebars. If the brake levers and shifters are too horizontal, it will cause the wrists to overextend upwards, leading to fatigue over time. Conversely, if they are too vertical, it can cause wrist fatigue and make it difficult for the fingers to reach the brake levers, affecting braking performance.

Horizontal position: Adjust the position of the brake levers and shifters according to the size of the rider's hands and the length of their fingers. The goal is to be able to comfortably brake and shift gears while holding the grips.

The vertical angle and horizontal position of the brake levers can also affect riding comfort.