Recently purchased a mid range hybrid bicycle. Picked a M frame based on stand over test (the frame rail presses against my crotch and seems like L Frame would be too big). Bare foot I'm about 5'9.5 or 5'10. Inseam is about 30" (31" would be pushing it).

Anyways I was reading that I should adjust my seat so that my knee should line up with the pedal axel(KOPS). I have the seat adjusted back to the max line, but seems like my knee is still a slight bit too forward. How else can I adjust this?can I slide the seat further back that the "max" lines? Am I close enough? Thanks for any input you have. I know I don't have a road bike and I'm just looking to do some riding to get in shape.

UPDATE: Now i measured more on level ground and i am closer to the correct position. As long as im close am i fine?

On a hybrid, not a racing rig, you'll be fine with close enough. Even for most of us with high-end road bikes it's close enough. There is a lot of contention and back-forth on this subject, most of which you can disregard for your application. The real test will come when you ride the bike for a significant length of time. You will almost certainly be making minute adjustments based on feel alone (bring a multitool/hex wrench with you). Just pay attention to your own comfort level. If you have it all the way back but there is undue pressure on your hands then you may need more setback to your seatpost. If the reach is too long then the issue is with the stem. If you notice knee pain during or excessive soreness after then you are indeed in the incorrect position (assuming seat height is correct). You very well may not encounter any of these issues on your hybrid. Those bikes are made with a wide range of positions/sizes in mind. My simple advice is: get it close enough and then go ride.

OK thank you. I was worried i should have forced my self on a larger size, but it sounds like its more of an adjustment issue, and not an incorrect frame. By the way, thanks a ton for the answer. Really helped out!

a seat post and saddle change alters Setback . that being the distance behind

a Plumb line through the BB axis rearward & is a way to measure that .

different seatposts have different set back capabilities.. as do the rails of different saddles.

so the adjustment is not part of bike size selection,
but changing some of the component parts that were chosen to complete it as a bicycle,

for initial shipping.


parts can be changed

Thanks for the help everyone. Seems like i have it pretty close. Just going to work on RIDING and getting in shape. Looking forward to getting more involved!

If you find yourself with a huge amount of pressure on your hands you may look into seatposts that have a setback built in. KOPS is nothing definitive, just a starting point. You may indeed need to move further back , or move a bit forward. Time will tell. Pay close attention to how your knee reacts and how much pressure you have to use to hold yourself up. If your hands hurt due to pressure consider a setback seat post as one thing you might try, but save up for a serious professional fitting. There is no substitute.

Yes, stay involved, share your experiences with the forum...it's fun, but also helps keep you motivated to ride. Well, for me that's true, anyway!