How to set up my bike?

Rider setup:

A perfect setup of the bicycle is essential to get the most out of your power and the machine without risking discomfort or even injury. Your bike will be setup by your dealer when buying a CarbonRecumbent, however there are probably further fine tunings to be done as you use the bike. Here are the steps:

• Horizontal seat position: sit up in the seat, and set one of the crankarms in a horizontal position pointing away from you. When you place your heel on the pedal, your leg should be fully extended without bending your knee. This way your knee will be slightly bent in this pedal position when pushing the pedals with the front of your feet. The seat can be slided back and forth by first undoing the three screws in the seatclamp and the screws in the seat stays.
• Seat angle: a more laid back position also means reduced air drag, although after a while it can be tiresome to hold the head upright in this position. If you do not want to put on a head support, then you can also amend the seat angle.
• Angle and length of the tiller: the handlebar should be as low as possible, because it is more comfortable and it does not restrict your sight, but at the same time you should be careful that neither your legs or arms touch the handlebar while pedalling. The angle can be adjusted with the screw at the tiller pivot, and the length can be adjusted with the quick release at the stem.
• Angle of the handlebar: the handlebar is ergonomically bent to provide a comfortable feel for your hands. It can be rotated to the perfect position by first undoing the clamping screws in the middle of the bars.
• Shifters and brake levers: the brake levers should be in a position so that if you stretch out your fingers straight on the grips, the fingers should reach the levers without a bending your wrist. The shift levers or the twist shifter should be in a position that provides an easy and quick shifting.

Any of the above changes can also mean that you will have to make some further changes as well. The perfect position can only be reached slowly by making small incremental adjustments from time to time. During the first few rides it is advisable that you keep the necessary tools at hand. After making changes, double check, that you properly tightened every screw, however, pay attention to the right tightening torque as overtightening the screws can damage the composite material.

Preparing your bike:

For a safe and comforable ride it is essential that the bike is fitted with some necessary accessories. These are the following:

• reflectors on the spokes (2 on each wheel), rear and front lights and reflectors;
• at least one or even better, two rear view mirrors;
• saddlebag with a pump, puncture repair kit, spare inner tubes, multitool, and some remaining space for extra - clothing and food;
• bottlecage and bottle;
• optional: GPS and bicycle computer/ speedometer