Saddle Height – The saddle height is one of the most important factors in making sure
you are in control of the bicycle. If you are not comfortable or confident in making the
saddle height adjustment yourself, please seek the help of a qualified mechanic.
Adjusting saddle height – Please make sure you are wearing suitable clothing, either the
same or similar to what you would be wearing when riding.
1. Place the saddle in a position that allows you to get on the bike and sit on
the saddle.
2. Place one heel on the pedal.
3. Rotate the crank arm until the pedal is at its lowest point.
If at this point if you feel that, it is a stretch, or you need to adjust your position on the
saddle to reach the pedal your saddle is too high. If your leg is bent at the knee this
means the saddle is too low.
To adjust the saddle height, you will need to loosen the seat post binder bolt and move
the seat post either up or down. This should be until your leg is straight with a slight
bend at the knee not locked and not too bent.
Adjustment Fore, Aft and Angle – The other adjustments to your saddle is front to back
using the rails of the saddle to optimize your riding position and reach to the handle-
bar. Correct Fore and Aft can increase performance and handling of your bicycle. You
should always stick within the limits of adjustment marked on the saddle rails. The
angle of the saddle should be level or as flat as possible. Some people will prefer it
tipped up or down, however you should seek advice of an experience bicycle fitter
before doing so.
1. Loosen all saddle clamping bolts.
2. Move the saddle Fore and Aft until a comfortable position is achieved.
Once all adjustments are made make sure to tighten all bolts to the recommended
torque settings before riding.
Warning – If you are unsure if your saddle height is correct seek advice from us at
www.cairncycles.com or seek the advice of an experienced bicycle fitter. Riding an
incorrectly adjusted saddle or stand over height can lead to a lack of control and
ultimately injury.
Adjusting Stem and Handlebar – There is limited adjustment that a bicycle stem can offer,
and it is safety critical it is done correctly. So, it is advised if you need to make this
adjustment you seek help from a trained bicycle mechanic. When you receive your Cairn
cycle the stem will be fitted in a stock position for the intended use of the bike. The
handlebars will need to be fitted. A good place to start with handlebars on a drop bar
bike is to make sure the top of the handlebar and shifter hoods are level at 90 degrees
horizontal to the ground. Make sure the bike is on a roughly level surface to do this. For
a flat handlebar with rise make sure the rise is 180 degrees vertical to the ground and
make sure the bar sweeps back and up slightly. For a flat handlebar without rise make
sure the bar is level but has some back and up sweep.
Warning – Adjustments made to handlebars and stems are safety critical and done
incorrectly could lead to serious injury or death. If you are unsure what to do, you
should seek advice of experience bike fitter or trained bicycle mechanic. Make sure all
manufacturers torque settings are followed and never exceeded.
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