Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

We have noticed that there is a wide range of ways in which our dealers have been setting up the Day 6 bicycle.  Most of them are acceptable but there is a way that will work best for the most people and look the best on your floor.

There is a tendency to set up the bike with the backrest far back and up and the handlebars way forward as shown.  First of all this looks awkward and it will move the center of gravity rearward and cause the rider to lean forward.  The steering will be compromised because of the shift in weight and the handlebars being past parallel with the head tube.  Also, the rider’s arms will be extended which will make it difficult to turn the bike because the rider will now have to lean forward.   Also notice that the brake levers are pointed down.  This is most likely because the person setting up the bike also builds mountain bikes.  This will be an awkward brake position for someone sitting slightly relaxed and upright.

This is the correct way to set up the bike.  Backrest is positioned to touch the rider in the small of the back and give them good support to push into when accelerating and climbing.  The handlebars are slightly past parallel with the head tube (toward the rider) which allows the rider to relax into the backrest and keep their arms in a neutral position for relaxed cruising and easy turning.  The brake levers should be parallel with the floor so they are easy to reach.  The seat should be parallel with the floor.  In general, the feel of the bike should be relaxed.  In addition it does not look so awkward and stretched out.  It looks more compact and inviting.

Hope this helps.

The Day 6 guys.