This guide brings together reliable information on setting up your bike, maintaining it, and coping with issues on the road. It’s aimed at riders who want to get the most comfort, efficiency, and reliability from their bikes — without needing to be a mechanic.
Overview
· Setting your saddle height
· Getting the right tyre pressures
· Setting up your chainset
· Getting your bike ready to ride
· Doing bike maintenance
Saddle Height and Fit
Why it matters
Getting your saddle height right is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve comfort and efficiency. A bike that fits properly reduces strain on the knees, hips, and back, and helps prevent long-term injury. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
How to get started
· Saddle height guide 1 (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVu5Zrktm40
· Saddle height guide 2 (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIwsWFENnG4
Key tips
· A common starting point is the “heel method” or using an inseam-based formula (inseam × 0.883), but this should be fine-tuned for your leg length, crank length, and riding style.
· Check saddle fore-aft and tilt — a level saddle works for most riders, while small nose-down adjustments can help relieve pressure.
· Don’t forget reach and handlebar height: a correct saddle height feels off if your cockpit setup is too long or too low.
· When possible, get a professional bike fit from a trained fitter. It can eliminate pain, improve power transfer, and prevent long-term injury.
Tyre Pressures and Setup
The modern view
Tyre technology and understanding have evolved dramatically. Cyclists have moved away from narrow, rock-hard tyres towards wider tyres run at lower pressures, improving comfort, grip, and rolling efficiency — especially on real-world roads.
Recent tests show that lower pressures reduce vibration losses (“suspension losses”) and can actually increase speed on imperfect surfaces.
Calculating your pressure
Tyre pressure depends on:
· Tyre width
· Rider + bike weight
· Road surface
· Tubeless vs. tube setup
· Temperature and season
Use these calculators to find an appropriate range:
· Simple Tyre Pressure Calculator – Rene Herse Cycles https://www.renehersecycles.com/tire-pressure-calculator/
· Comprehensive Tyre Pressure Calculator – SILCA https://silca.cc/en-gb/pages/pro-tire-pressure-calculator
(Tip: The maximum pressure printed on a tyre or wheel rim is a safety limit, not the target pressure. Always use the lower of the two stated limits.)
Practical guidance
· Rear tyre: typically 5–10 psi higher than the front (since it carries more weight).
· Tubeless setups can run 10–15% lower pressure safely.
· Adjust downward slightly for rough roads or wet conditions for better grip.
· Re-check pressures weekly — floor pumps often lose calibration over time.
Chainset, Chains, and Gears
Chains and Gears (Coventry CTC PDF) – http://coventryctc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-11-16-Chains-and-Gears.pdf
Modern drivetrains — especially 12-speed and electronic systems — have tighter tolerances and demand regular care.
Maintenance recommendations
· Check chain wear regularly using a chain-checker tool – https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/workshop/how-to-know-when-its-time-to-replace-your-bicycle-chain
o Replace at 0.5% wear for 11–13-speed systems.
o Replace at 0.75% wear for 9–10-speed systems.
· A worn chain accelerates cassette and chainring wear, leading to expensive replacements.
· Clean and lubricate your chain every few rides, or immediately after wet rides.
· Avoid extreme cross-chaining (big chainring + big cog, or small + small).
· Keep chainset bolts tight and cranks correctly pre-loaded — any play can cause noise or wear.
Electronic systems (e.g., Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS)
· Keep firmware updated.
· Regularly charge the battery and check connections.
· Use manufacturer-approved chains — compatibility matters.
Getting Your Bike Ready to Ride
A quick pre-ride check can prevent most roadside issues.
· Trek Bikes – How to Get Your Bike Ready to Ride – https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/how-to-get-your-bike-ready-to-ride
The “M-Check” (five-point safety check)
1. Wheels & tyres – properly inflated, no cuts, secure quick-releases.
2. Brakes – pads not rubbing, levers firm, cables/hydraulics intact.
3. Chain & gears – shifting cleanly, chain lubricated.
4. Saddle & bars – tight bolts, comfortable position.
5. Accessories – lights charged, bottle cages and mounts secure.
Maintenance and Further Learning
If you’re unsure about a mechanical task, don’t hesitate to visit your local bike shop — especially for brakes, bottom brackets, or wheel bearings.
A selection of recommended resources are linked to below:
· Park Tool Maintenance Videos (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/parktool
· Better Shifting – Di2 Help (optional) – https://bettershifting.com/
· Book: Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance – https://zinncycles.com/new-zinn-the-art-of-road-bike-maintenance-4th-edition/
· Basic Maintenance – Cycling UK – https://www.cyclinguk.org/essential-cycle-maintenance-advice
On-the-Road Essentials
A little preparation can turn a potential disaster into a minor delay. Always carry:
· Mini pump or CO₂ inflator + cartridge
· Tubeless repair plug kit or spare inner tube
· Tyre levers
· Multi-tool with chain breaker
· Spare quick link
· Small wipes or gloves
· Cash / card / ID
· Contact info for your local bike shop or roadside assistance
(Tip: Learn how to remove a rear wheel, fix a chain break, and plug a tubeless puncture — they’re the three most useful emergency skills.)
Final Thoughts
A well-set-up and maintained bike is safer, faster, and much more enjoyable to ride. Even basic checks — like tyre pressure, chain cleanliness, and saddle position — can dramatically improve how your bike feels on the road. For deeper tuning, consider a professional bike fit and keep learning from trusted sources such as Park Tool and Cycling UK.