CycloZeal Cycling Tips - Library

Short, practical cycling lessons built from years of coaching racers, endurance riders and brevet cyclists - focused on early decisions, not personalised coaching.

Part of the Cycling Tips Library - focused on early decisions, not personalised coaching.

Short explainer videos — designed for clarity, not cinematic visuals

How to Choose the perfect Bike

Road vs Hybrid vs MTB - Tips to select the right bike type

Choose your perfect Bike

Confused between a Road bike, Hybrid bike, or Mountain bike? 🚴‍♂️

In this CycloZeal Tips short, we explain the key differences between Road, Hybrid, and MTB bikes to help you choose the right bike based on where and how you ride.

✔ Road bikes – speed & efficiency on paved roads

✔ Hybrid bikes – comfort & versatility for daily riding

✔ MTB – control on rough terrain and trails

Choosing the right type of bike is the first step toward enjoyable and safe cycling.

Bike Sizing and Selection Tips

Ensures the bike matches your body dimensions.

the right bike size

Choosing the right bike size is more important than choosing the bike itself.

In this CycloZeal Tips video, we explain the basics of bike sizing using rider height and frame guidelines to help you get a comfortable and confident start.

✔ Why bike size matters

✔ Height-to-frame size basics

✔ Common sizing mistakes to avoid

Use this as a starting point, and always consider a professional bike fit for best results.

Basic Bike Fit Tips / Essential Bike Setup – DIY

Getting Fitted On The Bike Rather Than Bike Fitting You

Step One: Measuring Inseam Height

Measure your inseam height, which is the length from your crotch to the ground.
Stand with your feet apart, about 12 inches between them.
Hold one end of a measuring tape at your crotch or use a stick between your legs to make a small pencil mark on the wall.
Measure from the mark you have made to the ground.

Step Two: Stand Over the Frame

Stand over the bike frame with both feet on the ground.

Note: Skip this step for women's bikes without a top tube.

Frame-Specific Hacks for Optimal ComfortRoad/Hybrid Bikes:

Ensure a top tube clearance from the crotch of about 1"-2" for a comfortable fit.

Mountain Bikes (MTB):

Measure the clearance by checking if the width of your hand across your fingers comfortably fits between the top tube and your crotch. Adjust as needed for a snug fit.

Bike Fit DIY - Part 1

Getting started with bike fit? 🚴‍♂️

Step-by-step guide for beginner adjustments.

This CycloZeal Tips clip explains two basic DIY bike fit ()Part 1) checks — how to measure your inseam length and use the stand-over method to find a comfortable starting point, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified bike fit professional.

✔ Inseam measurement
✔ Frame stand-over check
✔ Beginner-friendly guidance

Please note: The guide to bike fit is for BASIC set up meant for riders to get a start, however, we strongly recommended to get a pro fitter to do what they are best at.

Bike Fit - Intermediate Level

Advanced positioning for better performance.

Bike Fit DIY - Part 2

This is Part 2 of our basic DIY bike fit series.

Here we break down the correct bike fit sequence — starting with the saddle, then pedals, and finally the handlebars.

Saddle setup for comfort & efficiency
Pedal position for power transfer
Handlebar reach & control

Setting these in the right order helps improve comfort, performance and injury prevention, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified bike fit professional.

Adjust saddle, handlebars, and pedals.

Three crucial points of contact on your bike that you should not compromise and setting the priorities right when it comes to your bike's comfort and performance is key. Prioritizing the #1 saddle, #2 pedals, and #3 handlebar in order, can make a significant difference in your riding experience:

Saddle:

Start with the saddle because it's where your body directly interacts with the bike. Ensuring the right saddle height and position is crucial for comfort and injury prevention.

Pedals:

Next, focus on the pedals, as they are where you transfer power to the bike. Choose the right type of pedals (flat or clipless) and make sure they are positioned correctly to optimize your pedaling efficiency.

Handlebar:

Finally, fine-tune the handlebars to ensure the right height and reach for stability and control. Handlebar adjustments should complement your saddle and pedal setups to create a balanced and comfortable riding position.By addressing these three key components in this order, you can achieve a well-rounded and enjoyable cycling experience while minimizing the risk of discomfort and injuries.

Saddle Height got to be right, saddle height is a critical aspect of bike setup, and it's essential to get it right for a comfortable and efficient riding experience. Adjusting the saddle height based solely on whether your feet touch the ground can lead to several issues, especially for more experienced riders. Here's a summary of the key points:

Proper Saddle Height: Set your saddle height so that your legs can almost fully extend when seated on the saddle, with a slight bend at the knee joint when your foot is at the bottom position (6 o'clock) on the pedal. This optimal saddle height allows for efficient pedaling and minimizes the risk of knee strain.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: Many riders make the mistake of adjusting their saddle height too low, which can lead to reduced power output, discomfort, and an increased risk of knee injuries.
Balancing Comfort and Efficiency: Finding the right balance between comfort and efficiency is essential. A saddle height that enables efficient pedaling while maintaining comfort is key to a successful riding experience.

By setting the saddle height correctly, riders can pedal more efficiently, mitigate the risk of injuries, and enjoy a smoother and more comfortable cycling experience.

Right saddle height

Start with measuring your Inseam length in cms x 0.889 = Saddle Heighte.g. 86.7 X 0.889 = 77.10cms
Maximum Knee angle that as per many theories have found the sweet spot is 140-150 degrees as seen in the picture. If you experience rocking moment on the saddle you will need to lower the seat height, if your hips still rock side ways it can either be due to stiff muscles (non flexible muscle group) or you might need a different saddle for your pelvic bone to settle down on the saddle.If you experience knee pain while riding you might need to increase your seat height to the desired height only in increments of 2-3mm only.

Saddle Fore-aft

Fore-aft (seat forward and backward in relation to the seat post)Road Bike/Road TTNose of the Saddle = 5cms behind from the center of the crank (as per UCI guidelines for majority of events)

Triathlon BikeNose of the Saddle = 2cms ahead from the center of the crank, this helps keep your hamstrings more relaxed for the run.

Navigating Cleats and Pedal: Finding Your Perfect Combination

Road Pedals and Cleat Angles - Shimano vs. Look Cleats

Keeping it specific to preferred choice by Road cyclists we will focus on Shimano and Look Cleats for Road pedals.
Avoid 0° Floats unless you are a Track Elite/Pro or Expert Bike Fit, accurately dial in cleat position for you,.

The variety of cleats and pedal options available in today's cycling market can be overwhelming. When choosing the right combination, consider factors such as your riding style, preferences, and goals. It's essential to strike a balance between comfort, efficiency, and your specific needs as a cyclist. If you're unsure, seeking advice from experienced riders or a professional bike fitting expert can help you make an informed decision tailored to your individual requirements.

Cleat Adjustment - A Step-by-Step Guide

Improve pedaling efficiency and reduce injury risk.

Cleats and Pedal Positioning

Following Tips for Bike Fit DiY – Part 2,

This clip explains cleats and pedals, covering cleat float, natural foot alignment, and why correct cleat positioning matters for comfort and injury prevention.

For precise cleat setup, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified bike fit professional.

Cleats should allow for a neutral position without causing twisting or discomfort in your ankle, knees, and hips.Important Note:

Proper cleat positioning is crucial for a better and faster ride.
If you experience any discomfort or sensations, consider repeating the process or seek help from a specialist to get it right.
Notify your Coach/ trainer when experimenting with cleat adjustments to ensure your training plan can be adapted accordingly.
Incorrect positioning can lead to injuries.

External Link - replacing cleats made easy