Do you tilt your seat

mosa
mosa Posts: 754
edited February 2013 in Workshop
1st ride on bike today. Set fore/aft up quickly using plum bob from knee to pedal etc. always seemed to end up on front of seat. Does anyone tilt there's back over or is there something else I should try ?
My bikes

2018 Trek Emonda SL6 Pro

Comments

  • Both road bikes are horizontal. You might find that its the seat itself, as it took me a while to get used to when I changed mine and found myself moving forward, after a little tinker time have come to a good position.
    Pain hurts much less if its topped off with beating your mates to top of a climb.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,538
    i hope this isn't confusing, i'm just trying to give you an idea of what's involved and list a few sources of guidance to help set up the bike to suit you, but there's no one method guaranteed to be correct

    if you've not had a good bike fit and there's no one to help you, it could take a while to reach the best set up for you (even then it will probably change as you develop)

    the order in which to do things is...
    saddle height
    saddle setback
    bar reach and height - not so easy/quick to adjust
    ...there is interaction, and it takes your body time to get used to changes, so expect to tweak things over time

    if you're using cleats, they also need to be in the correct position

    knee over pedal spindle (kops) is *a* way of setting things up, but as far as i know there's no proof that it's the *best* way, and there're alternate views on the subject, for instance...

    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/kops.html

    you may need to adust saddle height and/or setback to get it in the best place for you, but if the bars are in the wrong place or you need to work on core strength or flexibility, it will also affect your position

    if the saddle is too far forward, it will affect balance, which may cause you to slide further forward, it may seem counter intuitive but moving the saddle further back *might* help

    try using one of the (many) bike fit guides, they do not all agree, people are all different, and 'correct' set up depends also on what type of riding you are doing

    don't be afraid of varying things if that's what works best for you, the objective is to be well balanced, comfortable and to avoid unnecessary stress

    http://www.bicyclefitguru.com/fit-tips/saddle-position/
    http://www.bikefitting.com/English/Theo ... ction.aspx
    http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html
    http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Nose-up saddles aren't really recommended as it puts a lot of pressure on the perineal area - a degree of two down is OK, but level is preferred. Also depends on saddle shape - a few have a pronounced kick at the back
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • sigorman85
    sigorman85 Posts: 2,536
    Nose down for me stops the bit in between going numb on longer rides ( if you get my drift)
    When i die I just hope the wife doesn't sell my stuff for what I told her I paid for it other wise someone will be getting a mega deal!!!


    De rosa superking 888 di2
  • smidsy
    smidsy Posts: 5,273
    Put book on saddle and then spirit level on book. That will get it flat.

    After that you can adjust very slighty if it is not quite to your liking.
    Yellow is the new Black.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    I don't buy the 'horizontal' mantra, sorry.

    Nose up for me, on a curvy saddle (Spesh Romin), so you naturally slide back onto the wider area, where your sit bones should be. Cut out stops any perineal issues. Sorted. On flatter saddles this sliding back thing doesn't really work.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    maddog 2 wrote:
    I don't buy the 'horizontal' mantra, sorry.

    Nose up for me, on a curvy saddle (Spesh Romin), so you naturally slide back onto the wider area, where your sit bones should be. Cut out stops any perineal issues. Sorted. On flatter saddles this sliding back thing doesn't really work.

    Trouble with this set up is it can also rotate your hips backwards, potentially leading to lower back problems and also affecting pedalling technique. It would be pretty poor advice to suggest someone tried this approach, it is far more likely to be an issue of saddle height and fore/aft adjustment.
  • nolight
    nolight Posts: 261
    Nose down had been proven to be bad for me as it caused me to put a lot of weight on the arms and wasted more energy during braking. Level is best.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Nose down can also be a sign of people trying to ride with too deep a drop to the bars 'cos they think it looks cool..weight should be on the back of the saddle if you want to stay comfortable in the trouser department
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • caad5
    caad5 Posts: 76
    level for me