seat height

[mark1974]

ok as daft as this sounds how do you guys work out how high/low to have your seat?
if i can sit on my seat and have feet on the floor still is this to high or to low?

all suggestions how people find there suitable height appreciated

cheers

 

[The Brewer]

knee slightly bent with the ball of the foot on the pedal at six o'clock......does that sound okay

 

[Psycolist]

wot he said

 

[mickle]

Here.

 

[black'n'yellow]

ok as daft as this sounds how do you guys work out how high/low to have your seat?
if i can sit on my seat and have feet on the floor still is this to high or to low?

all suggestions how people find there suitable height appreciated

cheers

being able to touch the floor while seated is completely irrelevant to establishing your saddle position. If you want to touch the floor, get off the saddle. Saddle height should be set according to your leg length and the optimum distance between saddle and pedal. Lots of info on the internet about how to do this correctly...

 

[Pauluk]

ok as daft as this sounds ....

Its not a daft question at all. Saddle height and position is vital for comfortable, efficient and safe riding.

As 'The Brewer' said. Another way is to use your heal with the pedal at 6 o'clock your leg should be straight, but I use The Brewers method. Make sure you're sitting up straight and level on your saddle.

Also, when the pedal crank is horizontal to the ground and the ball of your foot on the leading/forward most pedal (pedal at 9 o'clock) the front of your knee should be directly in line with the ball of your foot. If not your saddle may need moving on its sliders.

There are plenty of videos on youtube to show you how to correctly fit/adjust your bike and riding position.

 

[biggs682]

as you can see loads of right ways to do it , also depends on style of frame to a degree , some people ride bigger frames than needed , like a lot of things its trial and error to try and find the comfy position

 

[Brommyboy]

Many modern bikes have too high a bottom bracket. If your feet could touch the ground, then your legs would be still bent on the down stroke and the saddle too close to the pedals. This is less of a problem with road bikes than hybrid, utility or MTbs. The usual height used to be about 10 1/2 inches, but many are now at 12" or even more! Set the height for pedalling, and leave the saddle for stopping!

 

[sidevalve]

As above but I would add as a beginner you might find being able to get just your toes to the ground usefull [don't overdo it though]. I still do as I find lifting on and off the saddle a pain in stop start town riding. Each to his [or her] own but I would say only make SMALL alterations at a time.

 

[Davidc]

Do what Mickle's linked article says, but pay most attention to what it says about the position being approximate. Be prepared to spend some time adjusting height in 1mm steps, and the front to back adjustment in 1mm steps as well.

As well as comfort the position can make a big difference to power, but I've always found that it has most effect on endurance.

It's worth the time spent getting it right.

 

[cyberknight]

Mickle has about covered it , a site i like is this one ...
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html