Frame height
How do you determine the correct frame height?
Much has been written about sizing, and what is the correct sizing for an electric bicycle? The fact is that if you want to 'cycle' with your electric bicycle, you can observe a number of rules of thumb. When we talk about the correct cycling position, we distinguish three main elements. These are:
- Frame height
- Saddle height
- Position and upper body posture
Electric bike frame height
If you would like to know which frame height is most suitable for you, we always recommend that you visit an expert VanDijck dealer. He has the experience in measuring a bicycle and can give you sound advice. The frame size is the distance in centimeters from the bottom bracket - the heart of the total pedal revolution - to the point of the frame where the seat post exits the frame, expressed in centimeters. To determine your frame height you can apply the following table;
Body length -- Frame height
150-165 cm -- 46
155-170 cm -- 49
160-180 cm -- 51/53
170-190 cm -- 56/57
185-195 cm -- 61
190-210 cm -- 65
Measure the frame height of your bicycle yourself
You can also measure the frame height of your bicycle yourself. You need a tape measure for this. Take off your shoes, stand up straight – the easiest is against a wall – place your legs about 20cm apart and have your crotch height measured. To find your cruising altitude, you can place a broom handle against the wall. When the broom handle is placed against the wall, lower yourself onto the broom handle and raise it as you stand up. When the highest point is reached you have the actual cruising altitude. You can try to find your cruising height yourself with the part of the tape measure and have someone else pull the tape measure down to the floor.
Multiply this by 0.67 and the result is 'almost' your frame height. Why almost? Slightly different standards apply to low step-through frames. The top tube length can vary, for example compact models are often equipped with a longer top tube. A nice fact: when you multiply the result by 0.885, you have the distance to the top of the saddle, measured in line with the seat tube. This is a sporty height, you may be shocked if you have never been in contact with setting a correct saddle height. See seat adjustment for more information.
In summary:
- Put on comfortable pants.
- Without shoes, stand upright against a wall.
- Put your feet up to 20 cm apart.
- Have someone measure your cruising altitude. Or do it partially yourself by pressing the tape measure against your crotch yourself and having someone else pull the tape measure out to the bottom.
In practice there is a deviation in the measurement, something that does not apply to the saddle height, but to the frame height. With a small cruising height, the outcome of the frame height becomes relatively slightly larger, with very large cruising heights, the outcome of the frame height becomes relatively smaller.
Set the bicycle saddle height
Important when setting your saddle height correctly is the setback, the horizontal position and the width of the saddle. A saddle alone is a science in itself. Which width, which materials, which length. A rule of thumb for this is the more upright you sit, the wider the saddle. When you adopt a more sporty position - bent forward - the saddle can be narrower. In this case, it is best to contact your VanDijck dealer for correct advice. He is an expert by experience. You can also test a saddle with him. In any case, first important to set your saddle height.
Sweat is also a factor in saddle soreness. Good cycling shorts with a 'chamois' ensure good drainage of moisture. Cycling with normal pants can trap sweat, which can have unpleasant consequences.
Setback
- Have the pedal point forward.
- Ball of foot on the center of the pedal axle.
- Line from knee should now be on or slightly in front of the pedal axle.
- Place the saddle horizontally or at least in the position where you have the feeling that it does not slide forward or backward. It is possible that saddles have a different design, which gives a different meaning to horizontal adjustment.
You may want to get your feet to the ground quickly, for example if you want to quickly stop f. Then follow the above procedure and then lower the saddle until you are satisfied with the cycling position. Then adjust the saddle horizontally backwards. After all, it remains a choice between an optimal cycling position or a comfortable dismount. A recumbent bike is in fact the maximum solution to this problem.
Suitable cycling position electric bicycle
With the arrival of electric bicycles, the cycling posture has also changed. People like to sit upright, and this changes the pressure on the saddle. Something that can lead to sitting and posture problems. We recommend adopting a cycling position as much as possible.
Research shows that it is important to find a position where your arms are relaxed and your hands only hold the handles. You can find that position as follows:
- Adjust your saddle and saddle height.
- Adjust your handlebars so that your hands comfortably fall into the grips (while stationary). This involves the rotation of the handlebars so that your wrists are in a relaxed position.
- Set your handlebars so that you have the feeling that you want to cycle with support (while stationary). Please note, when you are standing still you have a strong tendency to want to sit upright. This does not apply when you are cycling.
- Then start cycling with your preferred support on.
- While pedaling, try to release your hands slightly so that you are in balance with your upper body. The weight of your upper body is then in position and in balance with the degree to which you are pedaling (counter-pedal pressure). You will then feel whether the steering wheel should be slightly raised, towards you, away from you or lowered.
- Repeat this also against the wind. You then automatically lean forward more and you can feel whether you are not too close to the steering wheel.
- Adjust the handlebar to your desired position.
Handlebar position
The handlebar width of your electric bicycle can also be adjusted. E-bike handlebars are often delivered with a maximum width. A handlebar can be made narrower by cutting off a part on both sides. A rule of thumb for handlebar width is:
- Sit in cycling position
- Draw an imaginary line from the outside of your shoulder straight out to the handlebars. Your hand is just outside that line.