Small question about a bicycle's fit
 

Hi, I'm pretty new around here and recently bought a hybrid bicycle to be used for commuting and light rides on local streets. I haven't ridden a bicycle in many years until this one, so I felt pretty awkward and lame taking it for its first test drive after its first tune-up. I've read some articles on how to correctly fit a bicycle, and these forums seem to support the simple golden rule that in the end, it's just up to my personal comfort. I know a few basic guidelines: the handlebars are usually most comfortable when approximately level with the saddle, and when my foot is at the lowest point in pedaling, my leg should be just slightly bent (around 30 degrees). Though a sloping top tube makes this less clear than I'd like, I think the frame is about the right size too, since when I straddle it and lift it into my crotch, the bike's wheels are about two inches from the ground.

What really bothered me though, was finding that once I came to a stop, I found it difficult to keep standing with just one foot on the ground. Maybe it's just because I'm only recently bicycling again, but it seemed hard to balance when at a stop. I think I've read on these forums that this is irrelevant to my fit on the bicycle, when I'm actually on it when riding, and that it's acceptable.

Is the fact that I (so far) find it hard to balance and stay somewhat on the saddle when at a stop something that's indicative of an improper bike fit? Or is this separate from the bike's fit and an acceptable hindrance that should be solved by just trying to tiptoe or dismounting?

You got it,just slide off of saddle straddle, the bike(good reason for some top bar clearance),if i tiptoe to long i get a cramp in my calf which causes real havok at street lite.

Yes, slide off the saddle and straddle the bike's top tube when you come to a stop.

30º knee bend sounds like a lot, but maybe a good starting point until you get more comfortable on the bike. You should probably raise the saddle a little at a time until you have only a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the stroke.

Enjoy the ride!

To get the knee bend right, sit normally on the seat, and pedal backwards with just your heel on the pedal. You should be able to do this without rocking side to side, and your leg should be almost perfectly straight.

Then, when you pedal with the balls of your feet, the angle will be perfect.

Yepper. Go to a large parking lot and practice coming to a stop and sliding off the saddle as you stop so you can put your foot down. Then practice taking off by mashing a pedal to get going and slide back up into the saddle. 1/2 hour of practice and you will have it down.

Thanks, guys! :D

Both of us had the same problem, we had been on department store bikes only and never knew about proper fit so it felt like the seat was too high. Wife we lowered hers and let her start out there then gradually lifted it up.

When you’re coming to a stop, stand on one pedal, and slide forward off the saddle. Lean the bicycle a little to the side and place your free foot on the ground. When stopped, raise one foot and its pedal into the 2 o’clock starting position.

Thanks. I read about that technique and practiced it today. ;)

On which gear is this recommended?

Whichever one is comfortable to you. You want some resistance, and the ability to get up a little speed without stopping to shift.

Of course, on a hill, you will need a lower gear, but one you still might need to stand to pedal. It's always nice to stand whenever you are leaving a stop - it helps you get up to speed using your body weight, rather than your muscles.