Saddle height .... seems odd sometimes

[Mozzy]

When I look at cycles in general I note that 'mostly' the seat post seems to be really high up with the saddle much much higher than the handlebars. I have to be really dumb and honest and say to a beginner it looks really odd. I suppose in general terms it kind of makes me think that the bike in each case is not really big enough; hence why the seat post seems so high.

I'm really puzzled by this configuration, can you put me right? My own Cannondale hybrid is a 53 and with the seat in line with the bars it is perfect for my legs on the petals. I'm 5'10 and when I sit on the saddle my feet can just make teh ground so mostly I always slid fwd to the x-bar when I stop. I'm then feet flat on the deck with about an inch or so under my twernt area. My buddy who is 6'4 took the bike out for a spin today and lifted the seat up about 8". It looked daft (IMHO) but he thought it was perfect.

I'm really confused by this post extension malarkey so if you could as I said put me right I'd be ever so grateful.

Mozzy

 

[smokeysmoo]

I suspect some of the ones you have seen will have been compact frames, these generally end up with with a lot of seatpost on show, alternatively, if you'd seen my bike it also has a lot of seat post showing despite having a horizontal top tube, but you should know, I'm 6' 5"

 

[cyberknight]

The adverts for bikes in magazines always have a lot of seatpost showing because it looks "cool" like the peleton ride .......this is interesting.

http://kingbikefit.c...he-pro-peloton/

As far as i can tell the pros ride smaller frames so they are stiffer but overcompensate by having more seat tube showing and a longer stem, the smaller frame also gives them a shorter head tube so they have more drop from saddle to handlabar making them more aero .Of course they are all pros and are expected to be flexible enough to ride them.

Even within the peleton guys of the same size will ride different setups, take the schelks , frank is a a bit older and has a bike with a little less reach and drop..

(sorry my search power is weak i cant find the article )

My bikes both have the same amount of drop ( about 4 cm)from saddle to handlebar yet they have different amounts of seatpopst as one is a compact and the other is a semi compact frame .As long as the bike is comfortable and your have not got the saddle over the maximum setting then ride it how you like.

 

[Mozzy]

Very interesting link CK. No definitive answer then, just as you say, what works for the individual.

Cheers

Mozzy

 

[okeydokey79]

I think i read sumwhere that having more post showing acts as a dampner on the road, but unsure where i read that

 

[briantrumpet]

I ride with a 10cm drop from saddle to handlebars (see links in signature), as it means that whether I'm on the hoods or the drops my torso is getting tucked out of the wind. As I'm still fairly flexible I find this perfectly comfortable, but others might not find it so.

 

[Cosmicned]

I have only about a 2cm drop- but I'm 52 & not as flexible as I'd like (considering Yoga!) but it's all down to comfort- I'd rather be comfortable than cool/aero looking but in agony after a few miles! ;-D

 

[gaz]

It is totally dependant on the bike you have and your personal preference.
A road bike is always going to have the saddle higher than the handle bars. That is the way they are designed to be, racey and aero.
Hybrids and town bikes are different. The frame geometry's are different and offer a more upright and relaxed position.

 

[Mozzy]

Thank you everyone.