How to Fit a Bicycle

Hello Everbody,

My wife is about to do her first Sprint Triathalon.  Her training partner just bought a great new bike and asked me to help her out making sure the fit was right.  I don’t claim to be an expert, but I do know a few things about bikes.  I have been an avid moutain bike enthusiast for years!

To make sure I was giving her the right information, I double checked the web.  In doing so, I found this fantastic website – Peter White Cycles.  It is so great, I decided to post it here.  His section on How to Fit a Bicycle  is one of the best I have ever come across.  He goes into great detail on the following topics:

• Overview
• Crank Length
• Saddle Tilt
• Saddle Height
• The Fore-Aft Saddle Position
• What about knee over the pedal axle?
• Handlebar Position
• Handlebar width (road & ATB) and drop for road style bars
• Fine tune saddle height
• Stock frame sizing
• Methodology

Peter’s methodolgy is unique to him, but easy to follow.  Here is an exert:

 ”Notice that in most of this there is no mention of measuring body parts. And nowhere do I have you dropping plumb lines from knees, positioning handlebars so they block views of front hubs, comparing the length of your forearm to the distance between the front of your saddle to your handlebar, etc. My methodology is quite different from what most people are doing in bike shops.”

  

Needless to say, the article is too good to keep to myself.  Here is the link – http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

 

Don’t forget…. cyclists love The Stick too!!  

Wisdom From a 90 Year Old!

I love to read motivating things and looking at the positive side of life. One of life lessons that I have learned is to listen to those who have experienced more than you.

You just cannot replace experiences… that is life experiences. Wisdom is something that is gained from experience. It does not just happen. Here is part of an email I received the other day that reminded me of this concept.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.. It
is the most-requested column I’ve ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone…

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry;
God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second
one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take
no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words
‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because
of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw
everyone else’s,we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

What is “The Stick”? A Video From Tim Borland

Here is a fantastic video from Tim Borland speaking about what The Stick is and how it works.

Tim does a great job speaking about his top 3 reasons for using The Stick:

1. Injury Prevention
2. Recovery
3. Performance

 

Popular Comments About The Marathon Stick.

Here is a blog entry I found from Massage Therapy Supplies about the Marathon Stick!

 

 

Product Description
The Stick Marathon Stick. The Stick is a non-motorized device that is composed of a semi-rigid core around which independent, 1 inch spindles freely spin. This instrument was engineered to assist health-care providers in the deep manipulation of soft tissues such as muscle. Measuring 20 with 10 spindles, this model was made popular by world-class distance runners. Most flexible of the small models, it is preferred for those with lean muscle mass.

Customer Reviews

If you run, it’s worth every penny! (2009-04-24)
I’ve already recommended it to all my friends who run. I can’t afford to get professional massages all the time, but this is 50% as good for way less cost Couldn’t be happier.

Practical and Effective (2009-03-28)
I cycle 4 times a week, for at least 2 hours each time. My leg muscles, particularly the hamstrings, get very tight and often sore. “The Stick” has been very effective at loosening up the tightness and reducing soreness. It’s a simple gadjet, easy to use, and easier than using my fingers for massage. I use it every day, often more than one session. I can feel the difference when I cycle, much less stiffness and pain.

Best Pain You’ll Ever Love! Get one! (2009-03-05)
I recently started training for my first marathon, and I learned immediately about “the stick.” Apparently, I was one of the few that DIDN’T know about this amazing product. Most people write “love” on one side and “hate” on the other side of the stick. The stick definitely gives you a chance to dig in a massage any muscle, bringing blood flow back to the muscle to heal it. It really is so nice to get a massage after running.

Just an FYI, the yellow handle stick is great for those beginning out in the sport. It’s a little more flexible and the length a tad bit longer than some of the professional lengths. I highly recommend it!

handy gadget! (2009-02-17)
i like this self-massager because it is portable and easy to use. It is perfect for those of us whose muscles are usually tender and need just light massage to benefit.

also great for swimmers (2009-01-09)
I am a college swimmer, and my coach has a few of these on deck that are available for use post-practice. The stick is great for working out leg cramps, but I also use it on my shoulders, neck, and back. I find that this particular model of the stick is the best match for massaging body parts other than my legs (esp. shoulders) due to its flexibility. This is a great buy for any athlete.

For more testimonials from people I have met go here.