Bikability Question

[Tin Pot]

I know the several of the good aldermen of CC are Bikability boffins so a question on the requirement for:


"Saddle height: Child must be able to touch the ground on both sides with the ball of each foot"

Is that right? I can't do that on my bike, it would screw up the riding position having the seat that low. I've set it up for reach and an appropriate knee extension while pedalling.

 

[e-rider]

that is good advice for children as safety is more important than pedalling efficiency

 

[boydj]

e-rider is correct. Similarly for older beginners - building confidence is more important than efficiency in the early stages. I'd usually discuss how to determine the optimum saddle position, but for beginners that can feel precariously high. What I've found is that people will gradually move their saddle up as the confidence and experience grows.

 

[Dave Davenport]

Kids quite often turn up on a bike that's far too big for them, we usually have a couple of spare loan bikes so it's not a problem. You get the odd one who's a regular cyclist on a road bike, if they're obviously comfortable with a higher saddle position I'll let them get on with it.

 

[Tin Pot]

Ok, cheers - I'll change the set up tomorrow.

Thanks all.