Owners Manual – Fitting your bicycle

Fitting your bicycle

When your bike fits well (seat height, handlebar height, seat angle, etc.), you’ll have more fun riding. And when you have fun riding, you’ll ride more often – which is good for everybody. If you’re having trouble getting just the right fit, pop into a Trek bike shop for help. We want to make sure you love the way your bike feels.

How you position yourself on your bike is largely a matter of personal preference – it’s a blend of comfort, efficiency and balance. There’s no hard and fast rule for how to sit on a bicycle, and there are a number of different riding positions and preferences. For example, a more upright position is generally more comfortable for casual riding around town. For racing, an aerodynamic position bent deeply over the handlebars helps a rider increase speed.

Regardless of the kind of riding you do, you should be comfortable. If you haven’t ridden a bicycle for some time, it’s normal to have a break-in period as you get used to the muscular demands of pedalling and to the pressure of pedals, handlebar and saddle. But after this period, a bicycle should be comfortable and not cause aches, pains or numbness.

Check the sizing and fit charts at the bottom of each bicycle’s product page on trekbikes.com for detailed sizing and frame geometry specifics.

Handlebar height

Generally, most of a rider's weight should be on the saddle. The handlebar should be within a few inches higher or lower than the saddle. A lower handlebar position is better for speed, a higher one is better for comfort or balance.

Handlebar angle

Rotate the handlebar in the stem to change the angle of your hands and wrists. Your hands should be comfortable while you ride. You should be able to easily operate all controls (brakes, shifter, seat dropper, etc.) without needing to stretch or having to move your hands too far from your normal riding position.

Seat height

There are two methods for finding the right seat height. Whichever you use, start with the pedal in the 6:00 position.

Without shoes

With shoes

Seat angle

Your Trek bicycle is designed for the seat to be level with the ground. Use a bubble level placed length-wise (front-to-back) on your seat for the best result.

⚠ WARNING – Extended riding with a poorly adjusted seat, or one that does not properly support your pelvic area, can cause injury to your nerves and blood vessels. If your seat causes pain or numbness, adjust the seat position. If after adjustment, your seat still causes pain or numbness, consult your bike shop about adjustments or replacing the seat with one that fits you better.

Seat fore-aft adjustment

Slide the seat on the seat post or rails to adjust it fore and aft. This adjustment changes how far you have to reach to grasp your handlebars, and it shifts your weight distribution on the bicycle, both of which affect how your bike handles.

As the seat position is changed, the angle of the hip rotation also changes. This may put more stress on your lower back.

Carbon seat rails

⚠ WARNING – Only use a Bontrager seat post that has 7x10 rail clamps or has two seat clamp bolts. Non-approved rail clamps can cause the saddle rails to break, which could cause a loss of control resulting in serious injury or death.

Position of your feet on the pedals

The way you position your feet on your pedals determines the efficiency and power of your pedal stroke. Find a comfortable position with the ball of your foot directly over the pedal axle.

For more great bicycle information and sound advice, see our owners manuals