How to Set Up Your Bike – Cycling for Beginners

You’ve done your research, you’ve tried and tested the latest models in the shop, and now your new bike is with you at your door! 

It now needs to be assembled, and of course, there are many bike professionals available to help with such matters, but if you are thinking of doing it alone, then this guide is for you! 

Setting up your bike 

Step 1 – Bike Basics

Firstly, remove all packaging and make sure that a) it is the right bike and b) you have all the parts it says you should have. 

Then comes things like inserting and fitting pedals, manoeuvring handlebars into position, inserting seatposts, pumping the tyres to the right pressure allowances etc.

Tip:  Apply a tiny sliver of grease to your pedals – it helps to keep them moving in years to come! 

When going through the necessary steps of setting up your bike, you should assume that the brakes will be working, and the gears will be properly indexed – but to be on the safe side; please check. 

At this point, your bike should now look like an actual bike, and in the next few steps, we’ll talk through how to customise it to your riding requirements. 

Step 2 – Sort Your Pedals/Cleats

2a) When it comes to pedals these are left and right specific, so identify the left and right cranks, and start tightening the pedals by hand at first then using a spanner until you begin to feel the resistance. 

2b) To make sure cleats are positioned right it’s important to start in a neutral position.  So, for example, we’d recommend putting your shoes on and marking where the padded part of your sole, between your toes and the arch is.  From here, draw a line along the bottom of the shoe (not of course if they’re good shoes, or maybe use a pencil!), and look for the marker line on your cleats.  These two then need to be positioned so the cleat marker line, meets your drawn line. From this neutral position, cleats can then be adjusted accordingly for comfort. 

Step 3 – Adjust Your Saddle

3a) Saddle height.  It’s important to set and adjust your height to suit your requirements.  To do this get on said bike and place your heel on the pedal with the chainwheel to the seatpin.   

Now in this position, your leg should not have a bend at the knee, not even slight.  (If set up correctly, when clipped in, at full extension you should have a slight bend – touching the ground with the tip of your toe). 

Ultimately, you’re looking to achieve the ability to place a reassuring foot on the ground.  Creating good contact with the pedals, you can reach the handlebars and brakes with ease, allowing you to always be in control. 

3b) Saddle forward or saddle back.  Too far forward can cause pressure on your front knee and too far backwards you run the risk of overstretching your hamstring.  When it comes to getting the perfect fit, we’d advise that your knee should be slightly overhanging the pedal. 

There are exceptions to this rule however.  For example, if you’re riding one of our triathlon bikes or road race bikes and taking part in time trials, most cyclists prefer to be set further forward, offering a more aerodynamic performance. 

Overall, you need to make sure your leg pushes down vertically on the pedal and using an adjustable spanner or Allen key (depending on bike) loosen and move to the most comfortable position for you. 

Tip:  There are hundreds of different saddles available.  There are also different saddles for women (unfortunately we have wider hips for cycling!) so make sure you sit on the right seat for you! 

Step 4 – Set Your Handlebar Height and Get the Perfect Reach

4a) It is most common to have your handlebar height set where there is a bend (even slight) at the elbow. To achieve this, place your hands on the hoods and look down at the central part of your bike’s wheels – if you can’t see it, then the reach is about right.  

4b) Make sure that your front wheel is the right way around! For example, on some road bikes, the rim brake caliper should be in front of the fork, or disc brake rotors are both on the left side of the brake. 

4c) Look to line up your handlebars with the type of stem you have.  To check your stem is secure, place the front wheel between your legs and jiggle the handlebars from side to side.   

Make sure to loosen and tighten bolts, rotating them to the correct position and tightening them until the bars are secure with even tension on both sides. 

4d) If you’re looking to achieve a more aerodynamic position with your head down, then we’d advise making your handlebar height the same as your saddle height. 

When it comes to setting up your bike, every setup is different.  Just like every cyclist. It’s about taking the time to adjust to your style of riding, as well as what feels comfortable to you. 

Wheelbase is the UK’s largest online cycling shop, specialising in a range of bikes as well as the equipment required to go with these and you perfectly.  If you’d like to find out more check out our bike and accessory pages or call us on 01539 821 443 

Oh, and one final note, for setting up e-bikes, please make sure you firmly press the battery into the frame before locking it in place.  You need to make sure that it’s not only housed correctly but that it also doesn’t move!