How low should you go?
Throughout the years seat height has been a constant discussion and many times a frustration. I have heard “this bike is too tall” on the sales floor so many times. Mostly from women, because they tend to be shorter, but also men, including myself. I have fought the “bike is too tall” all of my life. My opinion is that if you can get the balls of both of your feet onto the ground at the same time while sitting on the bike, then the bike is a good height.
A lot of people prefer that both feet be flat on the ground. I actually prefer both feet flat on the ground and my legs bent when sitting on the bike. The balls of your feet is where your power is (think of how boxers and other athletes move around). You can handle your bike better like that than on your tip toes. If you can be flat footed with knees bent it gives you more confidence and, to me, is more comfortable.
Which stance is better is subjective, but I will say, at least, have both the balls of your feet planted when sitting at a stop. It is very easy to tip over when you stop and there is a road irregularity, and you’ll wish you had longer legs! That is why I favor the flat foot bent knee stance. If you lower your bike to achieve this stance, you’ll lose some ground clearance and sometimes even have to have the side stand cut down a bit. If you do not come close to using your cornering clearance you should never really notice. Most modern bikes have tons of clearance.
You don’t always have to get a different bike if yours is too tall or the one you want to buy is tall. There are ways to lower your bike to help it fit you better such as lowering the suspension, getting the seat cut down or buying shorter shocks. We know how to and have lowered many to help riders fit their bikes. Come talk to us.
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