1. How to Find the Right Seat Height

Start by standing face-forward next to the bike and moving the seat so that it’s level with your hip bone.

2. Stop at the Bottom of the Stroke

Next, sit down and rotate your feet until one leg is extended fully so you can measure from the bottom of the pedal stroke, says Atkins. “Your leg shouldn’t be locked or too bent,” she adds. If it’s almost completely straight, move the seat down a notch.

3. Check Your Knee Bend

If your leg is bending too much at the bottom of the pedal stroke, move the seat up a few notches until there’s just a slight bend in your knee.

4. How to Measure Handlebar Distance

Pro trick: The handlebars should be about a forearm’s distance from the start of the seat. “This is a good starting point,” says Atkins. “Depending on your torso, you’re typically going to go within two numbers up or down from here.”

5. Lean In (Just a Little)

“You don’t want your elbows locked. By having a slight bend forward you can engage your core and avoid crunching your lower back,” explains Atkins. “You don’t want to be sitting up high like you’re on a beach cruiser.”