Seat Placement

[Liza]

Hi everyone



I have noticed the past two days that I find myself occasionally pushing myself backward on my seat. I am generally comfortable with my seat position but sitting a little bit further back is very comfy too,

especially for my shoulders and arms.



I was measured for the bike and it was setup accordingly (Specialized Dolce Woman’s Road Bike).

I’m very new to cycling and it is a new bike, so I’m not sure whether I just need to get used to it or whether riders can position their seats?

Have you got some advice please?

 

[tyred]

It is possible to slide the saddle back and forward, but only do so about 1/2" at a time until you have tried it out for comfort on a longish ride.

Seatpin designs vary and I ride old bikes so aren't familiar with the latest types but there should be a bolt that tightens the clamp on the saddle rail and this will allow the saddle to slide back or forward. Some saddles allow a very limited amount of movement.

Traditionally, a saddle should be positioned so that the front of your knee is directly over the pedal axle when the pedal is horizontal but many experts say this is rubbish.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi Liza

Yep, it's necessary to do some experimentation or 'tweaking' of your position on the bike, particularly saddle height and fore-aft position.
I think the explaination here is good:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

I tend to sit quite far back on the bike (compared to others), it makes me more comfortable and enables me to put more power down and use my hamstrings more. It's worth experimenting, but just make some marks with a pencil or tape when you make each adjustment so you can return from where you've started. Also, make small adjustments, believe it or not a few mm can make a difference.
It takes a bit of time but you'll find the right combination eventually! It's all part of the fun.

 

[Liza]

Ahhh…thank you for the tips and insights.

I will be taking a look “under the hood” tonight after my commute home. Role on home time.

 

[Broadside]

You may want to try tilting the nose of the saddle up a bit to stop you sliding forward on it. With that said however only adjust one thing at a time so you work out if it has made things better or not.

 

[Liza]

I have tweaked my seat a little this evening. I’m sure I’ll find out tomorrow on my way to work if it is more comfy.


Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

What is often not appreciated is that the relative heights of saddle and bars can have a significant effect on the bum/saddle interface. (Can't think what else to call it). If your bars are too high in relation to the saddle, there can be a tendency for you to pull yourself forward off the saddle when pedalling hard.

 

[Liza]

Wow, this morning was a comfy breeze, and what a difference a little tweaking can make. I will have to go for a bit longer ride (other than my daily commute to work), possibly around Richmond Park on Saturday just to do a proper test and see how the seat placement feels doing longer distances, but for now the change seems good .



Now I just need to start doing pushup to strengthen my shoulders and arms, baby steps.

 

[02GF74]

check the angle of your saddle - if the nose (i.e front) end is too low, then there will be a natural tendency to slip forwards.

a rough test, by no means definitive, is to place a ruler or other straight object e.g. book on the the front and rear of the saddle and generally that should be horizontal.