Neutral Position

What is a neutral position on a bike?  I found these tidbits from an old issue of Bicycling magazine.  I always wondered about fit and only had a basic knowledge.

·       When you’re seated, the angle of your knee should be between 25 and 35 degrees when the pedal is at its lowest point.  Or try this very accurate ballpark: With your shoes off, your heel should just brush the pedal at its lowest point.

·       With your hands on the brake hoods, the handlebar should obscure the front hub, or be just slightly in front of it, when you look straight down.

·       With the pedals horizontal, a string dropped from the bony point just below your kneecap should bisect the pedal axle.

·       With your hands on the hoods and your elbows slightly bent, the angle formed by your arms and torso should be about 90 degrees.

·       With your hands in the drops, there should be about a 1 cm gap between your knees and elbows at their closest position.