Seat height for climbing/flat

[Banjo]

I seem to find that on climbs I want the seat a little higher but for speed on the flat a bit lower is good.

I am only talking of about 4 or 5 mm difference. Is this a known fact or am I just imagining it?

 

[HLaB]

I seem to find that on climbs I want the seat a little higher but for speed on the flat a bit lower is good.

I am only talking of about 4 or 5 mm difference. Is this a known fact or am I just imagining it?

I think you are probably imagining it If the bike is set up properly in the first place I can't see it mattering.

 

[Baggy]

It sort of makes sense, on longer climbs I always sit right at the back of the saddle.

I read something about it recently, but cant remember where! The gist was when you shift around on the saddle if you're "on the rivet" powering along on the flat you sit forwards, which effectively shortens the leg, whereas if you're climbing sat down, you probably sit further back, which lengthens the leg.

If you don't shift round on the saddle much I can see why it might feel as if you want to adjust your seat height. Having faffed around measuring my bike setup recently have noticed my saddles are roughly the same height, but as the frame geometry on each is different each is in a different position fore and aft. They've evolved that way based on what feels comfiest.

Tourer, further back, slightly lower = more relaxed
Road, further forward, slightly higher = whizzier (or not, if you're me!)
Audax, in between the two.

 

[Steve H]

I agree with your thinking Banjo. I always feel I could have the saddle a touch higher when climbing.

MTB'ing has it sorted. They have quick release on the saddles so they can adjust for the terrain. But this is to allow them to get behind the saddle easily on steep descents.

 

[Paulus]

When climbing, slide tour bum back a bit along the saddle, this has the effect of lengthening your leg stroke so you get more strength and power into the stroke.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Wot Baggy said.
It's why I tend to go for longer saddles like the Arione Wingflex and my Brooks B17. The Brooks is particularly good because the rear of the seat raises up a tad.

 

[Garz]

Could indicate your fore/aft position needs a slight adjustment.

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the replies. You may be onto something there Garz my seat is fairly forward due to short torso ,has to be a bit of a compromise really unless I had a frame custom made which is unlikely in the forseeable future.

The bike is pretty comfortable now and with some long (for me) rides coming up soon I dont want to do any radical tinkering with the bike fit now. I made that mistake last year and suffered on some rides on untried bike fit adjustments.