Bike Fit
Jim Langley’s thorough discussion of bike fit starts with the seat. More tips on fit and buying a bike at http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/crank.html.
Level and center the seat: Start adjusting fit by placing the bicycle on a level
surface and checking that the seat is level (photo). A good way to check is to place a carpenter’s level on top of the seat. If you don’t have this tool, place a yardstick on top of the seat and compare the edge of the yardstick to a horizontal sight line, which you know to be level such as a windowsill or the top of a building. While adjusting, ensure that the seat is centered on its rails over the seatpost, too.
Another in the series from Langley’s great web site.
–Corrie
surface and checking that the seat is level (photo). A good way to check is to place a carpenter’s level on top of the seat. If you don’t have this tool, place a yardstick on top of the seat and compare the edge of the yardstick to a horizontal sight line, which you know to be level such as a windowsill or the top of a building. While adjusting, ensure that the seat is centered on its rails over the seatpost, too.