How To Align Your Saddle & Handlebars | GCN's Pro Tips

[@gmbn]

OMG, you roadies are nerds ;)

[@gcn]

Global Mountain Bike Network Less of that cheek. I bet you don't even know your own saddle height.

[@ethansandstedt1551]

Global Cycling Network To be fair, it's harder for most of them. They have two saddle heights that they can switch between whenever they want.

[@flor.e.cultura]

Global Mountain Bike Network Hey guys, i ride an hybrid Bike, AM I an HYBRIDIE??

[@ChristianEilers]

Global Cycling Network Global Mountain Bike Network So sad... I was looking for the way to get my handlebar perfectly straight and here is the one way that does not work with my lefty fork...

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

Flor.e.Cultura Or an HBBer...

[@cup_and_cone]

Close one eye? Noob talk. I close both eyes when aligning my saddle and stem.

[@Sssmoothy]

thechosendude Try not do it while typing.

[@LifeLongRunner]

Close both eyes, and use your third eye, AKA the mind's eye that is in between your normal eyes, to see the true center.

[@Kichologico]

Close ur azz 2 xD

[@eugenelawrence8517]

Easier way for the handle bar. Do the same...Loosen the stem, remove the front wheel, then find a flat surface large enough for you to turn the bike onto its front. So heads of the shifters on the ground and tips of the forks. Give the bike a light push down and they should align perfectly.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

Eugene Lawrence That's really clever. Have you tried it? If it works it's awesome.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

Personal experience yes. Insane how well it works. And takes a few seconds.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

Eugene Lawrence Coooooooooool!!!

[@K.mersch]

I'm finding this hard to imagine. If the bike is vertical (the hoods and sitting on the ground) couldn't the frame still twist from side to side?

[@TrueMathSquare]

Doesn't work. The floor must be perfectly flat.

[@mustcut1]

can we get a video on how to align brake hoods

[@KayReezy07]

Wouldn't have this problem when you have a scott foil. Areo seatposts ftw

[@fellow026]

I just use a circular bar stool for a seat, and a car steering wheel for handlebars.

[@ticyclist529]

Of course, since most people do not have perfectly aligned pelvises, a slight twist of the saddle can be a good thing.

[@Samqui68]

Even with these brilliant tips to straighten it all. I will only be satisfied when I'm riding my bike and really can "see" how beautiful it all aligns. Although the Garmin front out mount has decided it does NOT want to fit straight on the handlebar. Still thinking about returning it with the claim it's not straight. I'm sure it all has nothing to do with OCD. It's just how the bike should be.

[@SKANDaR0875]

For precision I use the Plumb Bob to line the stem to the middle of the front wheel, and the Saddle to the center of the frame tube. Make sure the string is in the middle of both the stem and Saddle. obviously the bike needs to be leveled and straight (not to the left or right)

[@mattdbridges]

OMG! Thank you so much for this!!! It drives me crazy, i instantly did this and now i am at peace with the world!!!

[@ankurasati8037]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@billdemarais7254]

I put a new saddle on but everytime I go to thighten it down the nose comes up. It's a 2013 Domane single bolt system. Right now I'm wanting to try a Specialized saddle..But even when I go to put the bontrager saddle back on the nose comes up..

[@ThijsVandenBrande]

some music to go with this vid: my OCD song by Rhett & Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp_dq2Cbe9J-l9k

[@Nunners42]

Next Global Cycling Network Presenters challenge... ride this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3fddZR4r6efgpI

[@Isabel-of4wq]

Yeah but how do you actually ADJUST the saddle alignment if its skew whiff? You start with assumption its loose??? I’m a beginner so if someone can send me a link to a video that actually tells me how to align the saddle that would be appreciated!

[@VaibhavTipnis]

I relate to this! I spend 5-10 mins aligning the saddle whenever I have to do something as simple as changing saddle height.

[@zdravo4]

For that problem you can get Easton EA90 seatpost, I have it and it is great

[@ChrisCapoccia]

if you can feel that miniscule difference, you might have crooked shoulders or poor flexibility and need something besides perfectly symmetrical fit kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamxq6GoobeLfbc

[@zdravo4]

You could do the handlebar setup without removing front wheel

[@MoonHowler340]

Bike tutorials be like: Talking for x minutes and not showing what screws to loose.

[@leqin]

tiny piece of duct tape & plumb bob (threaded nut on piece of string) - dangle off end of saddle and line up with top tube - dangle off stem and line up with tyre... job done go for ride find cafe and drink coffee and eat cake and wait for next GCN video

[@marchooghiemstra]

I always align the handle bars with the front axle. Works for me. The string is pretty handy though.

[@flor.e.cultura]

Closing only ONE eye should be used to check for alignment and its different for each person. If you close the other eye everything "moves"

[@denniskwok7613]

Flor.e.Cultura It's called 'parallax'.

[@flor.e.cultura]

Dennis Kwok Thanks!! I didnt know the word in english!!

[@denniskwok7613]

Flor.e.Cultura You're welcome! :)

[@MrTchupam]

just use both eyes... and let the frame divide in too.. then just position it at the center. a lot better than closing each eye.

[@lazurm]

I know people who use other people's eyes and it works a lot better, with less effort.

[@MrRicey155VLOG]

How bad are those GCN jerseys made ? white gap at the bottom of the zip nice video some good tips :-)

[@earthstick]

I purposely have my saddle slightly wonky. I tried it straight but find my wonky body complains after a few miles. It can effect comfort. The lesson to take from this is to work on ones body before the bike fit. Sadly I can't straighten the body out instantly so while I am working on that I have to adjust the bike to fit the body.

[@JanMichalDzban]

ha ha handy tips, for the handle bar you don't even need take of the wheel if you turn the level 90 degrees. for the saddle also a good method with two points!

[@tman695695]

wrong. you need to close both eyes for this to work. keeping both eyes TIGHTLY shut helps prevent you from seeing me steal your bike. :)

[@denniskwok7613]

Nice reference to velonews. Saved me saying; "you knicked this from velonews!".

[@RixterNow]

You could also buy a Look 695 or 795 and never suffer from these marginal pains again. So don't give into your inner OCD

[@Toastybear1]

a) your quick release sounds gritty as hell!! and b) i noticed today, that a lot of my bike measurements seem to match my body, i.e, from the end of my aero bars to saddle is arm length, and the saddle fits under my armpit with fingers on bottom bracket, is this just a coincidence/? basically, all my measurements can be taken from my arm... :L

[@josealbuquerque6090]

You need to find out which eye is your "director" eye, it's not any eye some people is left others right. People who served in armed forces now what I'm talking about.

[@nandarizkiee]

My OCD is killing me

[@leedorney]

Think I've just been diagnosed with 'is the saddle/stem straight' OCD! lol - now where's that string!!!

[@adtynkr]

I HAVE WONKY EYES AND OCD!!! THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH for this video!

[@Warfer24]

Just watched the video again because of the black dots with a permanent marker. Poor Si.

[@davepratt9909]

There are some of us that have slightly different length arms / shoulders and have the handle bars set at a slight angle to keep our shoulders square. It does play havoc with my OCD, but it is much more comfortable.

[@TheFlyingPlectrum]

not much point having perfectly aligned bars unless you have perfectly equal arm length.

[@luminousfractal420]

if going to the effort of removing the front wheel..just tip the bike up onto the front side of the forks and bars...that would straighten it all perfectly. tighten stem. job done.

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

a simple but effective way to align your handlebars is , turn your wheel until the slot on the back of the stem can be seen over your tire , place a ruler or other straight edge into the slot and slide it down to just above the tire , then centre it up , just tried it and it does a beltin job :) , look straight down the ruler whilst your doing it though

[@michaelbennett8509]

Nice one 👍. I'm going to give that method a go. I struggle with aliment because i have a wonky eye lol. So the only way for me to get it perfect is to have a direct contact reference point, just like the string from the saddle to the stem method. Never managed to figure out a method for the handle bars though. Your ruler method sounds ideal 👍

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

@@michaelbennett8509 works every time for me mate 😉

[@benstanden8784]

This doesn't provide relief for my OCD, I'm now going to have to do this to both my bikes haha :P

[@paulinturuna]

do you guys have any video about the handlebar position and their respective models?? Thanks!!

[@Alaskanxeotheze]

Is the height equal to 26"?

[@spanish111japan]

Where did you film this? What's that train in the back?

[@christhestone]

Christian Ortega tintern station cafe

[@PunjabiCyclist]

Very useful Si - helped me with my handlebars…

[@spanish111japan]

That seat alignment rope won't be very good, since you're making the rope straight with the tension, it will go either right or left of the saddle just because of tension

[@watcher24601]

Now the saddle is perfectly straight I have OCD about which side to hang the jewels.

[@richwebber4458]

How about mark the center of the front of your stem, and the center of the back of your seat, piece of string between the two and line everything up using the front of your seat and your stem bolt? Works for me :)

[@klarkolofsson]

Well, having the saddle straight is better for comfort and prevents injuries.

[@eddierodden]

The last tip made no sense to me.

[@scloh1]

Why do you have to remove the front wheel? Can't the level go between the spokes?

[@ChickenRiceMushrooms]

SclohOne Good point.

[@richardaustin2234]

SclohOne You try that and get back to us, OK?

[@ChickenRiceMushrooms]

+Richard Austin I did try it, & it works fine. You don't need to remove the front wheel.

[@tristancliffe]

Yup, straight edge through the spokes works well. Just remember to take it out when you're done.

[@QiuyuanChenRyan916]

I guess my saddle don't need that, it is an aero one, always straight. unless it broke. As for my handlebar I done it at home using laser beam and a chart on the wall.

[@abedfo88]

having a straight saddle stops me from getting excruciating lower back pain and numbness

[@Alwen71]

For the alignment of the handlebar I use a tin piece of string and put it between the brake levers. String must be place on the same aria of both lever and after try to match tge string with de drop outs of the fork. I use the same method to align the shifters position with the handlebar or the bolds on the stem.

[@dienal-hakim8649]

Quick install

[@CharlieBennici]

I'm in a predicament Global Cycling Network. I need a new bike. It was made in the 80's and I got it as a rust bucket. So I *REALLY* need a new bike. The problem is, I have a budget of my arms. ( Though many think I lift ) *BUT I NEED HELP FINDING A QUALITY BIKE FOR CHEAP MONEY!!!!* help. Thank you

[@chinarep1]

Charlie Bennici bikesdirect.com is your friend, at least if they offer shipping to where you live. Yeah the brands are unheard of but they get good reviews on the forums and they're best bang for your buck you can get in terms of components.

[@CharlieBennici]

David Livermore Thank you

[@elidouek5438]

If you're looking for a really cheap but good road bike, have a look at a Merida ride 90

[@EvanAube]

How I align my bars is more reliable than aligning the stem and tire, and is faster than removing the wheel and using a straight edge. What I do it line the leading edge of the bar with the front axle/qr ends. Works every time.

[@jp321p8]

I have an aero seat post and my saddle isn's ever straight its locked slightly to the left which is annoying when i'm on the rivets or time trialling

[@iankitchen8853]

Is that a banana?

[@livefreeandshred9818]

Great video for us crazy ocd weirdos

[@chedderwithoutacause]

For the handle bars why dont you use the string technique also, but using your seat as the datum point?

[@pablowilliam60]

It's more zen to close Both eyes when aligning ones handlebars.

[@tebetmania]

Do i need a torque wrench to tighten the stem and top cap on a carbon steerer ? Or allen key is enough ?

[@aliasincognito0]

A carpenters square is a better tool

[@guilhermeisidro1006]

First

[@scottg4523]

GCN rocks!!! Actually useful bike tips, even for long time bike dorks! I also love the British slang (terms for "imperfect") peppered in!

[@fitty77]

So... Why do you need to take the weel out? Just get it through the inside of the wheel...

[@N3pq]

A video about mounting and adjusting clip-on aerobars would be nice :)

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

Daniel Manshanden Don't do it!!!

[@N3pq]

Alexandar Hull-Richter Haha why not? I like to ride TT's, but don't have to money to buy a TT bike (like most people). So clip-on aerobars are an easy affordable option to get more aero on a road bike.

[@kidShibuya]

man loosening the stem makes all the difference, thanks guys

[@carlheinrichstroebel2602]

I've been struggling with this for a week now after installing a new set of handlebars!! God bless you English folk! ;)

[@jadecleveland865]

What is this? Global OCD Network?

[@alonzochristensen6904]

Where I come from my local bike shop teaches to line them up with both eyes open

[@jamesheath4845]

thank you! just in time. i have been battling with my headset for a while now. for some reason handlebars that look straight from every angle off the bike do not look straight once on the bike... it works!

[@woozertoo]

Yes! The GCN Presenter Obstacle Course Race needs to happen.

[@luminousfractal420]

what if its all really straight but it feels wrong due to one arm being longer than the other? 😂

[@larsbevers]

Simon has his fly open during the entire video. LOL

[@samwilkinson4912]

A marker pen!? How would you rub it off.

[@1xRacer]

mmm yes it is quite annoying, however having your handlebars and front wheel misaligned takes the cake on most annoying

[@1xRacer]

Its almost, as annoying as subscribers commenting before theyve seen the entire video

[@bjarnestrand-henriksen]

You dont need to take rhe front wheel off. Just put it through the rim.

[@gerardvanommenkloeke9464]

man how many bikes do you gcn presenters own! :)

[@NewbArchitect]

Definitely OCD for me...:'(

[@NightmirrorXx]

Good video, I've easily spent over 30min realigning a saddle alone.

[@jamesrenninger1834]

What is "wonky"??? Or is that "wanky"?

[@pacman4568]

I had to watch the lining up the handle bars three times before i got it lol

[@4yeahprettymuch]

I just align the bars with the axel, but the seat kills me haha

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

Good video guys. I enjoyed that.

[@santibergallo]

Nice video guys, very well done and useful too.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

I happen to think Si's bike is still bent.

[@dthr]

how long is that piece of string?

[@UrsulDaniel]

raise ur hands to OCD !

[@icac426hk]

awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MagliaNera]

I always use steel tape measure.

[@jspark156]

There is tool produce by "Tune" called 'spurtrue' its a handle bar alignment tool

[@flor.e.cultura]

Jin Soo Park Great comment! Nice Tool!

[@theshellsaround9293]

Thank youuuuuuuu

[@arturosanchez6554]

Mind blown...

[@bjrahl]

Love it.

[@TonyFlexPromo]

Wow, thank you for awesome tips!

[@marcmg4234]

Sometimes it doesn't feel right even after straightening the bars using measurement tools.

[@gcn]

You can get a laser alignment tool if you want a *really* precise fit - but in our experience you can do it by eye

[@TeemAndreau-Leautes]

squiffy?!

[@tomthebomb3572]

0:12 damn Si has been working on those guns!