Uncomfortable seats

There’s a bit more to the “ideal” seat than meets the eye. These days we are spoilt by an unsurpassed range with both unisex and gender specific designs available. Men and women aren’t the same and for this reason manufacturers like Specialized have scientifically researched how to distribute pressure for greatest comfort and your health. Most Specialized saddles come in 3 sizes and we have the special “sit bone” measuring pad in both our stores to ensure you get it right first time..

We can recommend a seat based upon how you ride. But, your anatomy has a lot to do with which saddle feels best, so trying a new model is often helpful. In some cases, you might need to try several seats to find one that fits comfortably. Before you start swapping saddles however, be certain that the adjustment is correct. The seat's top should be level and the height and fore-and-aft positioning must be right because if these settings are wrong, even a super seat will feel bad. We can advise you on these important adjustments.

If your seat still isn't comfortable even after it has been correctly adjusted, there are other things you can try to improve your comfort.

• Try buying a good pair of cycling shorts. These include padding and are worn without underwear, so that there are no seams.
• Ride regularly to get your body used to the seat - it usually takes a few weeks of regular riding to get used to sitting on a bike.
• If these things still don't help, you might want to consider buying a better seat. Drop into Fleet Cycles and we can give you advice on the best seats out there.

Parking your bike safely

Sometimes the only place to park your bike is against a pole, but often bikes will fall if you don't do it properly!

Make sure you rest the side of the seat against the pole, then turn the pedal closest to the pole backwards until it comes to the top and touches the pole. This will ensure that the concave side of the seat stops the bike from rolling forward while the pedal will stop it from rolling backwards. No more returning to find your bike lying on the ground!

Bike size

It’s imperative to find the bike size that not only fits your body but just as importantly, your preferred type of riding. That means different things for different people. The best approach is to come into one of our stores. We'll get you to stand over and sit on a few bicycles so we can make recommendations. From here we can ascertain what bike size is right by checking for these things:

1. That you can comfortably (and safely) get on and off the bike.
2. That the seat can be placed in a comfortable and efficient position for pedaling.
3. That the handlebars can be placed at the right height for your torso length, flexibility and riding style.

Keep in mind that all bikes from Avanti, Giant, Specialized, Orbea and Bianchi come in a variety of frame sizes but there are often sizing differences from brand to brand, the same way shoe and clothing fit varies. Once we've determined the correct size for you, we can fine tune the fit as needed by adjusting the seat and handlebars.

Frame materials - aluminium vs carbon

Each material has specific characteristics, benefits and disadvantages. So what really matters is finding a bicycle that fits, rides and handles the way you like and one that suits your needs and budget. What the frame material is should almost be an afterthought.

We suggest you narrow your decision down to 2 or 3 models regardless of frame material and ride them – then decide based on the feel not the material. At the end of the day, we want you want to enjoy riding your new bike so feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Here are the basic differences between Aluminium and Carbon:

• Aluminium: Modern look, lively ride, durable, corrosion resistant, lightweight, affordable.
• Carbon: High-tech look, lively ride, durable, corrosion free, lightweight, usually a little more expensive than aluminium.

What's the best way to prevent bike theft?

Believe it or not, the majority of stolen bikes are NOT locked – simply left for that 2 minute dash into the deli or in your own garage – yes, lock your bike up at home too! According to police, most thieves will bypass a locked bike simply because there is bound to be an unsecured one just around the corner.

Be mindful of how you actually lock your bike – if you have quick release wheels, you have to secure not only the frame, but the wheels also. When selecting an object to lock your bike to, ensure it’s immovable and that the thief can’t simply “lift” the bike – lock intact, over the object i.e. parking meters!

Fleet recommends the “Doberman” range of locks, particularly the “U” type, which are virtually indestructible and the “Specialized” range which feature a titanium core – almost impossible to defeat so don’t lose those keys! For more detailed information on bike. For more detailed information on bike locks click here.