How do YOU calculate how much setback / layback you need ?

Raffles

Could you please let me know how you determined the setback / layback you need for your seatpost , which factors did you have to take into consideration ?

cyberknight

This is a starting point that gets you into what is considered to be the right area assuming oyu have got your seat height set up right.

napoleond

I used KOPS, was crap, so I got a bike fit with Adrian Timmis at www.cadencesport.co.uk

Raffles

cyberknight wrote:

This is a starting point that gets you into what is considered to be the right area assuming oyu have got your seat height set up right.

so is KOPS fundementally critical in determining seatpost setback, even though there is a school of thought that gives a lot less creedence as far as KOPS is concerned ?

jouxplan

Have a look at this - http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/blog/2011/05/seat-set-back-for-road-bikes/

Which is how I do it now. I used to use the traditional plumb line from knee to centre pedal spindle when cranks horizontal technique (so called 'KOPS'), but not anymore.

Raffles

NapoleonD wrote:

I used KOPS, was crap, so I got a bike fit with Adrian Timmis at http://www.cadencesport.co.uk

posted whilst I was quoting cyberknight, so Nap........how was YOUR setback worked out ? there are lots of setback articles on the web ,but Ill be darned if i could get a clear, unequivocal, unambiguous explanation as to how the setback distance arrived is at :?

Raffles

jouxplan wrote:

Have a look at this - http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/blog/2011/05/seat-set-back-for-road-bikes/

Which is how I do it now. I used to use the traditional plumb line from knee to centre pedal spindle when cranks horizontal technique (so called 'KOPS'), but not anymore.

read the link, waffle waffle waffle waffle...............far too much blah to take in. i want an answer like " I set my setback by doing ................(concise and to the point clear explanation )"

napoleond

Raffles wrote:

NapoleonD wrote:

I used KOPS, was crap, so I got a bike fit with Adrian Timmis at http://www.cadencesport.co.uk

posted whilst I was quoting cyberknight, so Nap........how was YOUR setback worked out ? there are lots of setback articles on the web ,but Ill be darned if i could get a clear, unequivocal, unambiguous explanation as to how the setback distance arrived is at :?

With me sat on the bike on a turbo with Ada using sticky dots, lasers, a funny protracter thing and his vast experience...

ShutUpLegs

Is this about peddling?

Barteos

There is no scientific evidence in support of KOPS method but it's a good starting point.

The more aggressive the position is (long reach, significant handlebar drop) the more setback you need in order to counterbalance the weight of your torso and avoid putting too much weight on the handlebars - unnecessarily engaging additional muscles. Like when skiing, the lower you go the more you need to bend over.
I believe that's the reason why you see very generous setback on pro bikes.

There is no magic formula for it and the only way is to experiment or to have a decent bike fit session.