If you've got an E-bike, aren't there things you're concerned about when it comes to actually riding it?

Positioning, that is, the height of the saddle and handlebars.

Here, we'll inform you about the correct positioning for an E-bike.

First, saddle height and angle

The saddle height of a regular bicycle is set so that both feet can touch the ground when seated on the saddle.

However, with an E-bike, especially sports types like road bikes, it's not necessary for both feet to touch the ground.

It's fine if you can pedal comfortably.

Rather than when stopped, it's about when you're moving, and one pedal is at its lowest point, that foot should not be completely straight but slightly bent with a bit of slack.

If your knee is completely straight at this point, you can't push any further, and there will be a moment where the force applied becomes zero.

Strictly speaking, it doesn't stop at that moment, and since the tires have rotational force, the support force is maximized at twice that.

However, if one foot is completely straight and comes off the pedal at a certain point, it becomes difficult to pedal and apply force.

Adjust the saddle height so that your knee is slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point.

Also, if your knee is always bent at 90 degrees or more, the saddle is too low.

You won't be able to apply enough force, leading to an inefficient state.

In that case, replace the "seat pillar" (or "seatpost," which is the pipe-like part below the saddle) to ensure the saddle is at the correct position.

As a precaution, make sure the saddle is securely fastened.

There are lever-tightened types and bolt-fixed types, but it's common to tighten them loosely during adjustment.

If a screw loosens and the saddle drops while riding, it's very dangerous.

Even if you know you'll loosen it again later, try to tighten it securely each time.

■Next to the saddle: Handlebar height

Among electric bicycles, sports types are specifically called "E-bikes."

Unlike electric assist city bikes, E-bikes typically require the rider to lean forward slightly.

If the handlebars are too high, your posture will naturally become too upright, making it difficult to ride.

Conversely, if they are too low, too much weight will be put on your arms, causing them to tire.

There isn't a fixed numerical value, like a specific centimeter or degree; each person has their preferred and most comfortable, least tiring angle.

Try riding about 5km, then adjust to your own liking while considering fatigue and comfort.

Adjusting it to your optimal state is one of the joys of cycling.

Regarding the specific method for adjusting handlebar height, many handlebars have a cap screw (hex socket bolt) at the very top of the handlebar post (the vertical pipe-shaped part).

Loosening this screw removes the cap-like part called the "top cap."

Next, loosen the "crank bolt" which fixes the rotational direction of the handlebars.

This bolt may be one or two, depending on the model.

Once the crank bolt is loosened, the stem (handlebar part) can be removed.

Below the handlebars, several "spacers" (ring-shaped parts) are stacked; remove the desired amount.

Reattach the stem, put back the removed spacers, and secure the anti-rotation screw.

Attach the top cap and secure it firmly with the fixing screw.

Once assembled, don't forget to retighten all screws.

■Summary

Not only for E-bikes, but all bicycles need to be adjusted to the correct height for the rider at the start.

However, no one knows the most suitable height for each person.

Riding a bicycle, making slight adjustments, and then checking again... While this might seem like a tedious task, it's enjoyable, and by the time you've achieved a satisfactory state, you'll likely have developed an affection for that bicycle.

Simple adjustments are one of the pleasures of cycling, and perhaps a chance to get to know your bicycle, and even yourself.