Ideally, go to a bike retailer where they promise you will receive help from sales assistants with a knowledge of bike fit.

It is possible to set yourself up before the test, but the experienced eye on a fitter will help ensure you have the saddle position right, and they may also be able to make suggestions as to any tweaks you need to make or even set the bike up so it’s perfect for you there and then.

If you find, for example, you are stretched out, a shorter stem or in-line seat post might be available for you to try the bike as you would ride it, and if you are feeling cramped, a longer stem could be available.

Common Cycling Niggles and Bike Fit Fixes

If you find the brake or gear levers are difficult for you to reach, you may be able to adjust the levers themselves, or you’ll be looking at new handlebars. This can be fairly inexpensive, but unless you adore the bike, it is worth considering another bike that fits you comfortably without modifications.

Ideally, the bike should be within reasonable limits so you’ll be able to adjust it over time – if you’ve got the seat post set right on the ‘maximum’ limit, you’ll be in trouble if, after a year or so, you decide you want to pop it up a few mm’s. Even if the bike feels perfect as it is, remember that changes to your flexibility over time can mean you want to make alterations, and little changes like new shorts, shoes or pedals in later years might make bike fit tweaks necessary.