| Saddle |
Frame Size |
Handlebars |
| Use three-point positioning (see column) to adjust height for on-road use,
but for continuous use off-road, such as on forest trails, lowering the
seat so that one foot easily touches the ground makes a mountain bike much
easier to ride. |
To provide better footing when off-road, select a slightly smaller frame
size that allows both feet to safely touch the ground when straddling the
frame. |
Standard practice is to have the saddle's surface and the handlebar grips
at the same height. |
| Brake Levers |
Chain |
Handlebar Stem |
| Actually get on the bike and adjust the position of the levers so that you
can grasp them securely. Safe braking is only possible if the angle of the
levers is neither too high or too low. |
If you ride off-road frequently, make sure to clean and oil the chain often. |
Having the handlebars too far back or forward makes the bike difficult to
handle, placing excessive force on the upper body which can tire you out.
Refer to the three-point positioning method to select a handlebar stem that
fits your body size. |
| Tires |
Air Pressure |
Quick Release |
| There are knobby tires for off-road use and slick tires for on-road use.
In particular, there are many types of knobby tires fit for specific uses,
so make sure to select the right ones. |
Make sure to adjust air pressure to manufacturer specifications. Standard
practice is a pressure of 1.8 to 2 atmospheres for off-road use, but when
riding on-road more often than off-road, an additional 0.5 to 1 atmosphere
increases riding efficiency. |
Always check to make sure that both the front and rear quick release levers
(cam levers) are securely locked. |
| Gears |
|
| Since mountain bikes require frequent gear changes, make sure to properly
adjust the shift levers and derailers. |
