seat height accuracy, knee pain .....

daffyavfc
daffyavfc Posts: 237
edited January 2014 in Training, fitness and health
Since fracturing my ankle in October my only fitness training has been on the turbo trainer. This prolonged use sat down has caused me some anterior knee pain in my good leg. I've looked at saddle height and comparing the heel to pedal method to the 109% inside leg measurements and there's quite a difference . I've always used the former but that must vary depending on what heel depth you have on your shoes . i always thought my saddle was too low but the 109% confirms it is too high by a couple of cms ..

Im yet to try it having had a session on it this morning and then changing the height after some research .

Anyone else have it too high rather than low?

Any other thoughts on this?

Comments

  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    edited January 2014
    Mine is set slightly higher than recommended and has been fine, I recently got some new shoes and had knee pain in both knees and had to jiggle the cleat position to cure it.
    I think this link is really informative re knee pain, hope you get it sorted.
    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/t ... t-2-17445/
    Edit for new link.
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    Forgot to mention I used the 109% method for seat height which needed adjusting upwards slightly.
  • buckles
    buckles Posts: 694
    daffyavfc wrote:
    i always thought my saddle was too low but the 109% confirms it is too high by a couple of cms ..
    It's doesn't confirm anything.... the 109% method doesn't produce the 'correct' saddle height for everybody as everyone has different foot lengths and different upper & lower leg lengths.... It should only be used as a guideline.
    25% off your first MyProtein order: sign up via https://www.myprotein.com/referrals.lis ... EE-R29Y&li or use my referral code LEE-R29Y
  • mentalalex
    mentalalex Posts: 266
    Just get a bike fit,

    1 formula won't work for everyone, it my get you close, but a proper bike fit will make a far better job of it.
    it isn't just about saddle height, its lay back, cleat position, etc then the front end can alter your pelvis angle as well.
    the saddle position needs to be set first then the front end.

    I use Adrian timmis, very well known and a very good guy!
    I do science, sometimes.
  • littledove44
    littledove44 Posts: 871
    diamonddog wrote:
    Mine is set slightly higher than recommended and has been fine, I recently got some new shoes and had knee pain in both knees and had to jiggle the cleat position to cure it.
    I think this link is really informative re knee pain, hope you get it sorted.
    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... -12-46608/
    That link is a bike review????.
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    Oops new link below :oops:
    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/t ... t-2-17445/
    I hate touch screens. :roll:
  • daffyavfc
    daffyavfc Posts: 237
    Where is Adrian Timmis based?
    Or can anyone recommend a good bike fitter in or near Leeds?
  • cookiemonster
    cookiemonster Posts: 668
    Steve Hogg has a short DIY guide thats worth a look http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bikefit/2011/02/seat-height-how-hard-can-it-be/

    Personally I think its worth being able to set your own seat height correctly as it'll likely change over time with flexibility, injuries and stiffnesses, changing bikes, pedals or saddle, etc, etc.

    jon
  • mentalalex
    mentalalex Posts: 266
    Midlands "Barton under needwood"

    owns a shop called cadence sport

    http://www.cadencesport.co.uk
    I do science, sometimes.
  • dw300
    dw300 Posts: 1,642
    diamonddog wrote:
    Oops new link below :oops:
    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/t ... t-2-17445/
    I hate touch screens. :roll:

    Coulda been porn / 10
    All the above is just advice .. you can do whatever the f*ck you wana do!
    Bike Radar Strava Club
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  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    ^^ :lol::lol:
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    daffyavfc wrote:
    This prolonged use sat down has caused me some anterior knee pain in my good leg.

    Not sure how you have determined that this is, in fact, the cause of your knee pain?
  • daffyavfc
    daffyavfc Posts: 237
    Quite simple. Didn't have it previously and have not injured it as have been incapacitated for the last 13 weeks on crutches.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    daffyavfc wrote:
    Quite simple. Didn't have it previously and have not injured it as have been incapacitated for the last 13 weeks on crutches.

    Basing a knee injury on some percentage for a seat height or thinking it's because you have been sitting on a bicycle is not what I would call being very open minded to other possibilities. You overlook the possibility that it's maybe your fault for working a weak knee too much. Or something along those lines. You made the decision to do what you are doing and blaming an injury on a number is denial.
  • daffyavfc
    daffyavfc Posts: 237
    Thanks for your careful insight and helpful comments everyone, :-)
  • mattbabs
    mattbabs Posts: 86
    daffyavfc wrote:
    Where is Adrian Timmis based?
    Or can anyone recommend a good bike fitter in or near Leeds?
    A friend of mine went to the guy at Chevin Cycles in Otley and felt he was very good.

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