Bike problem
10-23-19, 01:10 PM
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Bike problem
I bought a Schwinn Crosscut. The seat is adjustable but at the lowest setting the seat is still a little high. I am 6ft 2in and can barely tip toe the ground from the seat. Any ideas??? Jack597
10-23-19, 01:27 PM
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If pix I have found is correct, the bike has a down sloping top tube and probably an extended length seat
post. If the seat post is longer than say 10-12" it is safe to cut off 1-2" which should get you into a
more comfortable range. The post should have a minimum insertion distance mark on it perhaps 3-4"
above the lower end of the post. Any amount you cut off should leave at least as much as the minimum
insertion distance on the post after cutting. ie you need at least 3" of post into the seat tube, and even
more if the seat is more than 4-5" above the top tube. But it sounds like you want less distance above the
top tube. I am assuming a BMI of under 30 (weight under 235.
pix: https://imgur.com/dJoHHrY
post. If the seat post is longer than say 10-12" it is safe to cut off 1-2" which should get you into a
more comfortable range. The post should have a minimum insertion distance mark on it perhaps 3-4"
above the lower end of the post. Any amount you cut off should leave at least as much as the minimum
insertion distance on the post after cutting. ie you need at least 3" of post into the seat tube, and even
more if the seat is more than 4-5" above the top tube. But it sounds like you want less distance above the
top tube. I am assuming a BMI of under 30 (weight under 235.
pix: https://imgur.com/dJoHHrY
10-23-19, 01:30 PM
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Saddle-to-ground is nearly entirely unimportant for riding. Saddle-to-pedal is far, far more important. It is VERY common only to reach the ground with your toes from butt-in-saddle when using a traditional bike properly sized for riding.
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10-23-19, 01:36 PM
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dabac is correct, but for occasional bike riders, which I suspect the OP is, feet flat on the ground is more reassuring
than standard bike fit dictates. My assumption is the seat post won't go any further down. Schwinn Crosscut was
only sold 1993-4 if google is correct, so the bike is 25 yrs old.
than standard bike fit dictates. My assumption is the seat post won't go any further down. Schwinn Crosscut was
only sold 1993-4 if google is correct, so the bike is 25 yrs old.
10-23-19, 01:46 PM
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Can you take it back and get one that fits?
Is the pic linked in the 2nd post related to the first post?
10-23-19, 01:56 PM
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If your seat is low enough to stand while in the saddle it is too low to pedal efficiently. Learn how to mount/start and stop/dismount and you will be able to adjust your seat properly and enjoy riding more: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/starting.html https://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html#height Crosscut is a nice ice bike BTW, I have a Crisscross, a close relative to yours. https://waterfordbikes.com/SchwinnCa..._Crosscut.html
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10-23-19, 02:10 PM
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OP is 6'2" tall. It is very unlikely that any mass-produced bike is too large. It sounds more like they have a misunderstanding of how bikes should fit.
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10-23-19, 02:16 PM
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To give a ball park idea of correct seat height, your legs should be "about" fully extended with your HEELS on the pedals, without (barely) rocking the hips.
The flex in your ankle should provide close to the proper extension.
Get OFF the seat to dismount.
Riding with your knees over bent is a sure ticket to knee pain. Maybe it'll be later, but it's REALLY rough n them.
The flex in your ankle should provide close to the proper extension.
Get OFF the seat to dismount.
Riding with your knees over bent is a sure ticket to knee pain. Maybe it'll be later, but it's REALLY rough n them.
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10-23-19, 02:26 PM
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This is not a bike problem, rather, it is a problem that many new riders face in that they feel uncomfortable sliding forward off the saddle when they stop and have to put a foot down. Being able to put a foot down on the ground sitting on the saddle while stopped is very nice, but it sucks big time while riding for extended periods
10-23-19, 03:55 PM
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to give a ball park idea of correct seat height, your legs should be "about" fully extended with your heels on the pedals, without (barely) rocking the hips.
The flex in your ankle should provide close to the proper extension.
Get off the seat to dismount.
Riding with your knees over bent is a sure ticket to knee pain. Maybe it'll be later, but it's really rough n them.
The flex in your ankle should provide close to the proper extension.
Get off the seat to dismount.
Riding with your knees over bent is a sure ticket to knee pain. Maybe it'll be later, but it's really rough n them.
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
10-23-19, 04:08 PM
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As others have noted, being able to place one's feet on the ground while remaining on the saddle is not standard practice. Come forward off the saddle to allow your feet to reach the ground when you stop.
N.B. if you really need to be able to place your feet on the ground while in the saddle, there are "crank forward" designs that allow you to do this, but you do sacrifice pedaling efficiency with this design. So, you need to decide which is more important to you: being able to place your feet on the ground while remaining in the saddle, or more efficient riding.
N.B. if you really need to be able to place your feet on the ground while in the saddle, there are "crank forward" designs that allow you to do this, but you do sacrifice pedaling efficiency with this design. So, you need to decide which is more important to you: being able to place your feet on the ground while remaining in the saddle, or more efficient riding.
10-23-19, 05:46 PM
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Like others have stated. Your feet are not supposed to be flat on the ground when you are in the saddle. It’s not a BMX bike. When you stop you take one foot off the pedal, get out of the saddle and move forward over your top tube and then put your foot on the ground.
10-24-19, 01:53 AM
#13
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Actually even with a correct seat height you should be able to stand on your toes on one side, slightly leaning the bike to one side. That's what I usually do when stopping shortly at the lights (where there is no curb to rest my foot) - works ok for short periods.
10-24-19, 02:39 AM
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Just learn to trackstand 
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Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
