Your enjoyment, comfort and efficiency dramatically increase with a few minor adjustments.

Seat height : Your seat adjustment is determined from your foot on the lowest pedal not from your foot on the ground. While coasting or with someone holding your handlebars as you sit, extend your leg almost straight with a 10 degree bend at the knee. Most of your power is at the end of your stroke when your leg is practically straight. Anyone having attempted a leg press at the gym knows this to be true. Your legs are least likely to tire with a properly adjusted saddle. Anything straighter than a 10 degree bend will cause your leg to over extend and your pelvis to move and this means rubbing in all the wrong places meaning your seat is too high; anything more than 10 degrees and your seat is too low. Your pelvis will remain stationary and parallel to the ground on a properly adjusted saddle. Trust me, nobody wants saddle sores.

Seat angle : Typically seat angle is parallel to the ground or tipped slightly forward to get it out of the way of your soft parts and permit the bones of the pelvis(the hard parts) to sit squarely on the rear twin oval portions of the saddle. Saddles are gender specific, so have the right one.

Seat size : It may seem counterintuitive, but a narrow, firm saddle allows the pelvis to remain in one place and eliminates more undesirable rubbing than does a wide, squishy saddle. If you want padding, then get it in a good pair of gender-specific cycling shorts.

Inflation: Tires inflated to maximum recommended pressure roll easier, faster and longer with less effort. Properly inflated tires are also less likely to develop a pinch flat that would require stopping to change or patch your inner tube to continue your journey. Proper tire inflation can only be accurately determined with a pressure gauge. Recommended inflation is listed right on the side walls of your tires.

Handlebars: Should be securely wrapped and at a height that does not require disproportionate distribution of body weight on the hands. Arms should be slightly bent while riding. Elbows should never be locked in a straight-arm position. This helps absorb shocks and avoid injuries to hands.