Stupid Q - 22mm saddle ht difference.

[novetan]

I experimented on saddle ht using 155 and 145 degree between thigh and leg. It seems any angle between these 2 values are the most adopted angle and I just hv to find one that is suitable in time to come. I used a home made cardboard cut to these angles for my trial testing. I found there is a 22mm in height difference between these 2 angles.

Can anyone testify is this ht difference about right? I may be asking a stupid question as you may said why not just find one suitable angle that suit me. Why bother to know the diff. Its because I'm still searching for a right ht and I like to do it within these 2 recommended angle.

Or it varied from person to person.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

It sounds like some basic trigonometry would explain the difference based on the lengths, angles, and such. I have no idea what you are actually measuring though.

This might be useful > LINK

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Guessing you are referring to the height of where you sit?
if you alter the seat angle, it lowers/highers where you actually sit therefore you would need to alter the height of your actual seat (and said seat post) to compensate to get same leg angle on pedals...

Same applies if you change saddles or if you have an eccentric bottom bracket as I do on my tourer. every time I need to tighten my chain, I need to alter the saddle... fine if I do it, because I watch how it changes my overal riding position and adjust saddle position on rails and seat height accordingly; downright annoying when some tries to be helpful and does it for me...

 

[wheres_my_beard]

It may be useful to note that your saddle should be completely flat. Saddle angle should be totally horisontal, based on the highest points across the top. The saddle height (ht) should be based on your leg measurements (inseam etc), or some rule of thumb, such as raising the saddle to the the height at which your heel can reach the pedal with the leg at full extension - that one works fine for me, but I'm a casual cyclist.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

yep - heal on the pedal at full extension is what we use here as well.

 

[novetan]

Gentleman,

I'm not refering to saddle angle. I'm refering to saddle ht.

The 155 or 145 angle is the obtuse angle between thigh and leg (some may be more familiar between 25 to 35 degree). The diff in angle will means diff in saddle ht.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

What is HT?????!!! Use words. It will help us help you.

Of course there will be a HEIGHT difference if you are setting the HEIGHT based on how bent your leg is. You reach a longer distance the more extended your leg is. Thats why your legs don't drag behind you when you walk. Well mine don't anyway, your's might.

Unless you are going to follow a set angle, no matter what, you should consider, which of those HEIGHTS/ angles feel most comfortable for the type of riding you do. Pick one. Try it for a few days. Try the other one. Which is best for you?

Remember that we don't all have the same legs, some people have longer femurs, some have longer lower legs, long feet, etc etc. Using a fixed angle for the bend ignores these variations and could cause problems, either with your stroke, power or muscles/ tissue damage.

 

[black'n'yellow]

if there's a hard way of doing something, someone will usually find it.....

 

[fossyant]

You are best off with the heal on axel to start with - tried and tested, works a treat. Wouldn't start inventing a new fitting process. If unsure, either get a book, or get it done professionally.

Oh and don't go switching between the 2 heights - you'll cause some damage to you !

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Gentleman,

I'm not refering to saddle angle. I'm refering to saddle ht.

The 155 or 145 angle is the obtuse angle between thigh and leg (some may be more familiar between 25 to 35 degree). The diff in angle will means diff in saddle ht.

so in other words, you are referring to how far you stick your knees out when you cycle?

I was reliably informed by a national cycling physio (whilst I was in anoter country) that the only correct angle for how far you stick out your knees when you cycle is the one where it maintains your toe, knee, pelvic bone allignment. anything else can cause knee or ankle issues (which is what I was there for in the first place, an ankle issue relating to bad posture).

 

[Globalti]

I wouldn't agree that the saddle should be flat - I always find it better with the nose up by around 5 degrees. This has the effect of "cupping" the pelvic bones on the broad part of the saddle and sharing a little weight with the perineum, enough that the rider's weight isn't all thrown forwards onto the hands.