Saddle Height Woes

[Rickshaw Phil]

I've done a wee bit of searching and found the original thread that Pat refers too. Aren't we a rotten lot, teasing like that.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I've done a wee bit of searching and found the original thread that Pat refers too. Aren't we a rotten lot, teasing like that.

it worked though: nowadays I hop up and down the saddle with my wee legs like a grasshopper

 

[S.Giles]

Not that interesting imo.

We're all different, I suppose. I like trigonometry, so tend to think in terms of thetas, sines, cosines and suchlike when considering seat heights and knee angles (and many other things). Not that I'd ever bother anyone else with it (they'd think I was mad, and would probably have a point!).

Steve

 

[Nigelnaturist]

(they'd think I was mad, and would probably have a point!).

Steve

I think most that have some intelligence are a little.

 

[S.Giles]

Hi Nigel,

I do aspire to normality, but rarely manage to achieve that level of mediocrity!

(have just realised the above sounds arrogant, but it was just an attempt at a one-liner, so please forgive me!)

Steve

 

[midliferider]

Well, S. Giles, I may be the first and the only one to disagree with you.
You are teaching beginners.
All cyclists are not racers or sportive riders who does 50 miles or more.
Many cyclists, like me, are still scared of riding on the road.
Therefore for most of us, the most important thing how safe we feel. For example, however much you tell me the advantages of it, I don't use clip on pedals. I am just too scared of falling off on the traffic.
In my view, cycling is primarily for leisure and commuting. For a short ride of few miles, seat height and all that does not really matter.
Let people just enjoy their bikes.

 

[midliferider]

Not that interesting imo.

We're all different, I suppose. I like trigonometry, so tend to think in terms of thetas, sines, cosines and suchlike when considering seat heights and knee angles (and many other things). Not that I'd ever bother anyone else with it (they'd think I was mad, and would probably have a point!).

Steve

Now I have a very clear understanding what the problem is.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Hi Nigel,

I do aspire to normality, but rarely manage to achieve that level of mediocrity!

(have just realised the above sounds arrogant, but it was just an attempt at a one-liner, so please forgive me!)

Steve

Shouldn't worry about it, I gave up trying to be normal in my teens and get less normal as I get older, normal to me means trying to fit in, I think on the whole cyclists dont ( we all cycle for different reasons), as you can guess from my screen name I am a naturist (though not possibly how people would imagine, I dont even fit in the norms of being a naturist, what ever they may be), is that why I cycle so much I see so much nature.
I think what I am getting at, is that to be normal doesn't require much thought other than trying to fit in, I dont even have a mobile phone, thats seen as a bit eccentric these days, but I have no use for one, I have a gps unit for the bike its sole purpose is to record the ride (which it usually does pretty well, tool for the job ect....)
Its good to be abnormal it gives you a different view on life............

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Now I have a very clear understanding what the problem is.

I ride with cleats to the shop less than a 100 yards away, why because me feet wont slip ( I tried it once, and I swore then I would never do it again) I dont have a problem unclipping have had a few moments.
As for seat height it really doesn't take long to get use to it, it is also one of the reasons people take up cycling only to find it too difficult because the seat height is wrong and give up (though they are not aware of it, you are and its a choice).

 

[S.Giles]

I'd love to sample normality, just to see what it's like. I do have a mobile phone (£9 Nokia), but leave it at home these days and just use it like a land-line.

I can sense the Battle of Saddle Heights turning against me now, so I'm going to run away and hide in the tech section or somewhere.

(The idea of clip-on pedals scares the living daylights out of me, BTW).

Steve

 

[Nigelnaturist]

The thought of being normal scares me .

 

[midliferider]

I'd love to sample normality, just to see what it's like. I do have a mobile phone (£9 Nokia), but leave it at home these days and just use it like a land-line.

I can sense the Battle of Saddle Heights turning against me now, so I'm going to run away and hide in the tech section or somewhere.

(The idea of clip-on pedals scares the living daylights out of me, BTW).

Steve

Now that is interesting. You perhaps know that it is one of the most significant inventions in cycling for so many reasons.
Much more than saddle height.

 

[S.Giles]

The thought of being normal scares me

Reading tabloid newspapers, listening to horrible music, slumping in front of a soap opera, liking Top Gear, wanting a conservatory, not knowing too much about anything (with the possible exception of premier league football), believing the royal family are 'just like us', copying everything 'celebs' do, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc...

What's scary about any of that?

You perhaps know that it is one of the most significant inventions in cycling

I didn't, but I do now. Thanks for the info.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

The thought of being normal scares me

Reading tabloid newspapers, listening to horrible music, slumping in front of a soap opera, liking Top Gear, wanting a conservatory, not knowing too much about anything (with the possible exception of premier league football), thinking the royal family are 'just like us', etc, etc, etc, etc, etc...

What's scary about any of that?

All of it

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Well, S. Giles, I may be the first and the only one to disagree with you.
You are teaching beginners.
All cyclists are not racers or sportive riders who does 50 miles or more.
Many cyclists, like me, are still scared of riding on the road.
Therefore for most of us, the most important thing how safe we feel. For example, however much you tell me the advantages of it, I don't use clip on pedals. I am just too scared of falling off on the traffic.
In my view, cycling is primarily for leisure and commuting. For a short ride of few miles, seat height and all that does not really matter.
Let people just enjoy their bikes.

I clicked "like" for the general sentiment of your post, I'm not a beginner anymore but neither I am a "road warrior", can totally relate to your point of view.
Nevertheless, I believe proper bike seat height is important for the health of your knee joints, even if you only cycle a few miles along the canal.
It makes the leg movement so much easier.