A biking vacation is an excellent opportunity to purchase your own mountain bike.
If you do not own a mountain bike and you're not planning on purchasing one, you can rent one at one of the many rental shops in Morzine. In any case, you should know that it is not an easy task finding and fitting a suitable mountain bike. There are many variables which range from our budget, the style of biking we are intending to do and most importantly - the bike's size.
Just like shoes, you have to know what size you wear. Many bike riders are not aware as to the importance of riding a bike that fits the rider's dimensions. There are many consequences and medical ramifications that become possible, due to performing physical activity in a wrong posture. Riding a bike of the wrong size, beyond being uncomfortable, is a medical hazard. Therefore, fitting the right bike size is an important issue for anyone intending on riding trails especially in the French Alps, whichever kind trail he intends to ride.
One of the important measures of a bike is its height. When you find a bike of you're liking, stand over it. It is most important to have some space between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. If you can pick up the handle-bar to the point which there is an inch and half between the floor and the front tire - the height of the bike is about right. There can be a bit more of space - although any less can cause injuries while riding. Sit on the Saddle and put your feet on the pedals. For this stationary examination ask someone to support the bike so you will be able to put both your feet on the bike and pedal. Pedal to the point where one leg is at six O'clock and the other at twelve.
The leg who's foot is at six should have a slight bend at the knee, yet not completely straight. The other leg's thigh should be close (yet not completely) to being horizontal. These measurements will allow you to have healthy and enjoyable rides on the bike of your choice.
