Saddle Height

newpot
newpot Posts: 34
edited July 2010 in Workshop
was in the lbs today and a debated started about saddle height, I was told that the heel just touching the peddle technique should be done with no shoes on, this would bring my saddle down quite dramatically, any theories on this?

Comments

  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    That is only a 'rule of thumb'... It puts your seat roughly in the right position... From there you tweak it to suit.
    If you're comfortable with your present seat position, leave it alone...
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • newpot
    newpot Posts: 34
    I think the comfort is important but there is a little more science to the correct height and efficiency
  • M.ister W
    M.ister W Posts: 4
    Different people get maximum efficiency from different seat heights and unless you have a power meter it's pretty much impossible to find the "perfect" position. So we have to start from the "rule of thumb" position and adjust it until it feels about right.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    Should the seat be higher than the handlebars? Mine are currently level, but I'm starting to think this is wrong.
  • newpot
    newpot Posts: 34
    Beginning to wonder if you guys know stuff or like sounding like a guru, original question, heel method shoe on shoe off
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    The most scientific method currently available to determine saddle height is trial and error.

    None of these stupid 109%/89%/heel on pedal are much cop IMO.
    I like bikes...

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  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    rodgers73 wrote:
    Should the seat be higher than the handlebars? Mine are currently level, but I'm starting to think this is wrong.

    For a road bike the saddle should normally be higher than the bars by a few inches (unless you have back problems, in which case a road bike probably isn't the best choice).
    Cycling weakly
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    As far as I was concerned, the heel on the pedal thing was with shoes on, and when you then pedal with the proper part of your foot, your leg will still be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

    Best way seems to involve measuring the angle of that bend using a big, plastic protractor
  • Coach H
    Coach H Posts: 1,092
    Just had my saddle height (amongst other contact points) set by Adrian Timmis at Cadence Sport using a goinometer (probably spelt wrong) to messure ange of knee flex at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

    Came in at 25mm lower that what I thought was right and, whilst I have only done a couple of 10 milers since it has been a revelation
    Coach H. (Dont ask me for training advice - 'It's not about the bike')
  • m00nd0g
    m00nd0g Posts: 176
    I am just back from a Bike Fit.
    Giant Stores do them for forty pounds.
    Might save you some aches and pains.
  • MickTup
    MickTup Posts: 159
    Where abouts is Adrian Timmis Cadence Sport based?
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    newpot wrote:
    Beginning to wonder if you guys know stuff or like sounding like a guru, original question, heel method shoe on shoe off

    We know stuff, which is why we haven't given a hard and fast answer... as there isn't one!

    Are youi wearing cleats, or not?
    If you are, what type are they?
    Shoes, or not, your stack height has an effect on this outcome, too.
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • newpot
    newpot Posts: 34
    Wearing sidi shoes and look cleats, put the saddle back to height it was and finnished 3rd in a race tonight so seems good
  • anto164
    anto164 Posts: 3,500
    I did that 'foot on the pedal' thing..

    I've since raised the saddle about 15mm since i have big feet, and also because of my pedal technique.. Still think i should go a bit higher too.
  • garrynolan
    garrynolan Posts: 560
    rodgers73 wrote:
    Should the seat be higher than the handlebars? Mine are currently level, but I'm starting to think this is wrong.

    My saddle is a fraction lower than my bars - I'm 5' 4 " but only have a 27" inside leg ( was 22" long when born - I should be 6' 6"!!). Everyone is different but the heel to pedal with leg straight (no shoes) worked for me for saddle height.
    Visit Ireland - all of it! Cycle in Dublin and know fear!!
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  • Coach H
    Coach H Posts: 1,092
    MickTup wrote:
    Where abouts is Adrian Timmis Cadence Sport based?

    He works from his house in a village near Burton on Trent.

    Should be quite easy for you to get there off the M1

    Well worth the time and money as many posters on here will testify to.

    http://www.cadencesport.co.uk/
    Coach H. (Dont ask me for training advice - 'It's not about the bike')
  • dag_on_a_bike
    dag_on_a_bike Posts: 581
    Previously I have used the 109% of inside leg to floor as a guide. Seemed comfortable enough.

    Recently had a BG Fit session. Saddle height went up by about 2". Still comfortable. So far so good. Performance seems to have improved by an increase of about .75mph average.

    May be just my imagination but I can't offer any other explanation than the BG Fit.
    There's no such thing as too old.
  • dreamlx10
    dreamlx10 Posts: 235
    messure


    That is wrong though !
  • red dragon
    red dragon Posts: 263
    Why not invest in a bike fit? I had one a year ago and it was really worthwhile, I learnt alot and it made such a difference to my comfort when riding.

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