City bike accessories

City bike saddle: gel, springs or foam

On a city bike, the torso is almost vertical: the weight rests on the sit bones much more than on the hands, hence the wide saddles that are generously padded. The gel conforms to the shape of the pelvis and absorbs small vibrations, while the springs placed under the back absorb the strong shocks from cobblestones and curbs. The Selle Royal Drifter combines both, while the Avenue features a central channel that relieves pressure on the sensitive area. Founded in 1956 in Pozzoleone, Italy, Selle Royal has specialised in comfort saddles. For a bike parked outside, a waterproof saddle cover, like those from Urban Proof, prevents sitting on a soaked foam seat.

Diameter and length of the seat post

A seat post must match the internal diameter of the seat tube of the frame to the nearest tenth of a millimetre: 25.4, 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6 millimetres are the most common sizes, often engraved on the original post. Kalloy posts, made of aluminium, are available in several diameters and lengths. A post that is too short forces you to exceed the minimum insertion mark, which puts the frame at risk of cracking. The telescopic XLC drops the saddle with a press of the handlebar control: you put your foot flat at a red light, then return to the pedalling height as you set off again. The right height allows the leg to be almost straight, with the heel on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke.

Raised handlebars and ergonomic grips

A raised handlebar, with the ends angled back, straightens the torso and relieves the wrists: the riding position becomes more comfortable and you can see further into traffic. The further it is back towards the cyclist, the more relaxed the ride becomes, at the expense of agility in tight turns. The ergonomic grips, with a flattened palm rest, spread the pressure over a larger surface and limit finger numbness, which is common after half an hour of riding. They are tilted slightly downwards, in line with the forearm. Models with a clamping collar do not rotate on the handlebar, even in the rain, and can be removed with a simple Allen key.

The selection

The components are organised by part:

• Saddles and Saddle Covers.
• Seat Posts.
• Handlebars and Stems.
• Grips.
• Pedals.

The city bike is completed with bikes, transmission, wheels, tyres and braking, luggage and transport, equipment, on the city page.

City pedals: platform and mounting direction

In the city, you pedal in everyday shoes: the pedal must offer a wide platform and a surface that grips both leather soles and trainers. The VP Components pedals, made of aluminium, provide good grip even in the rain. The highway code requires orange reflectors on pedals, which most urban models integrate directly. Folding pedals save a few centimetres to store the bike in a corridor or narrow space. When reinstalling, be mindful of the direction: the left pedal screws in the opposite way, with a reverse thread marked by the letter L, to prevent it from loosening while riding.

Frequently asked questions

How do you adjust the tilt of a city bike saddle?

You place a spirit level on the saddle: it should be horizontal, or very slightly raised at the front on a very wide model. A tip that is too low causes sliding forward and puts pressure on the hands, while a tip that is too high compresses the perineum.

Is a very thick gel saddle suitable for long rides?

Beyond an hour, a very thick gel compresses and can create pressure points. A saddle that matches the width of the sit bones, with moderate gel, remains more comfortable over time than a very soft model that feels good on first try.

Is a suspended seat post useful in the city?

It absorbs some shocks before they reach the back, which is a real advantage on cobblestones and curbs for a bike without suspension. You check its diameter, insertion length and the weight range for its elastomer or spring.

Why does my saddle keep sinking?

The clamp is not tightened enough, or the post doesn’t have exactly the right diameter. You clean the post, apply a thin layer of grease on the aluminium and tighten it to the torque indicated on the clamp.

Can all pedals be mounted on any crankset?

Almost all adult three-piece cranksets use a 9/16 inch thread. Some children's bikes or older bikes with a one-piece crankset require a smaller thread, of 1/2 inch: check before ordering.