Seat height for road bike?

[billy1561]

Been pondering this for a while.

Most pics of road bikes seem to have the seat higher than the bars, some considerably so. Mine are set just a touch above level and the comfort is good. However, i go get a burning sensation in my thighs when i have to push it a bit. Not had my bike fit yet so not really got my optimal position. I was considering taking the seat up a touch. Would i ease the ache in my thighs by doing this or worse cause a knock on effect somewhere else?

 

[What's that clunking?]

I generally aim to get the saddle height so there only a slight bend at the knee when the pedals are at their lowest possible point. Sort out saddle height first and then get the bars to a comfortable height from there....

 

[JNR]

This is such a mine field of a topic I honestly don't know if anyone can give you any advice that will be 'right' for you. In my experience I had it set too short to begin with, by a touch, and over time as I became fitter and fitter I increased it and increased it until it was just right. By just right I mean that I could get full power through the majority of the pedal action when it was needed and didn't move on my seat. When coasting I can put one pedal straight down so one 'crank' is verticle to the floor and my knee has a small angle bend. If HEEL was touching the pedal it would probably be totally extended.

I also changed my stem, right up to 130mm and I have dropped my bars right to the bottom for maximum seat to drop height. This is different for every single rider and I've heard so much untruths, for me, that I am happy to let my year of gradual improvements be enough. And that is what is was, gradual improvements. Mark where your seat post USED to be if you change it, using electrical tape, and then you can move it back if it doesn't work out. I've still got a strip of tape on my seat post after my last change 1000 miles ago - since then I've had zero problems. I'll remove it soon

You are literally talking millimetres here so make sure that your changes are on one thing at a time and very small. In my experience you will know immediately when you move from 'perfect' to 'too high' in terms of saddle height.

 

[billy1561]

I moved my seat up by 20mm and it feels better on my legs but numbs my groin slightly. Will drop it down 5 mm and try that before adjusting the angle maybe.