Problems after raising my saddle height

downhill paul

After experiencing a bit of pain on the top of my knee, a quick search online led me to think that my saddle might be too low. I had previously set my saddle height by placing my heel on the pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke. then I tried the 109% method. with a 32.5 inch inside leg length that means my saddle height should be at 35.4 inches from the pedal axle at the bottom of the pedal stroke to the top of the saddle.
since making this change my average speed, top speed, my speed on flat roads and my climbing speed have increased. I also feel like I am putting out more power. I have also noticed that the amount of time I can sustain my speed on a flat road or during a climb has reduced and I have a slight pain in my thighs. so it seems like I have more power but less stamina. am I experiencing pain because something is still not right with my setup, or is it because I am using muscles that I haven't in the past? if it makes any difference, my saddle is a specialized riva road saddle, the new type which is slightly curved. I have it set level from nose to tail which leaves the nose pointing up slightly. is also set so that the front of my knee is just slightly forward of the center of the pedal axle. for some reason I also find myself sliding forward on the saddle, I don't mean I have to push with my arms to keep myself in one spot on the saddle, but I do find I have to keep shifting back in to the middle of the saddle. I have had my saddle in various positions and I always notice myself sliding forward. is my saddle in the wrong position or do I simply need a flatter saddle?
I know this seems like a lot of problems rolled in to one, but hopefully someone can help me.
I thought about going to my LBS for a bike fit, but if it's something I can sort myself then I would prefer to do that.

jackc6549

Not much help, but it might just be you need time to get used to the new height.
Last year, I set my saddle height using the 109% method and I also got thigh pain but only in one leg. Lowering the saddle resulted in knee strain and raising it ended up with rocking hips. I think my thigh pain was either some underlying problem in my leg or I was simply over training for my abilities. At the time, I found having more saddle setback helped a lot without any noticeable lack of power.

I stopped cycling for a few weeks whilst getting a new bike. Upon getting my bike, I didn't bother measuring the saddle height. I just looked in a mirror and aimed for a slight knee bend with my foot level at the bottom of the peddle stroke. This seemed fine for a while but it started to feel uncomfy on the inner thighs. I lowered the saddle by about 3mm and it immediately felt more comfy and seated spinning felt more fluent. However, I started to get the thigh pain/ache in my left leg again I recall posting about this last year (using a different account) and it was suggested it could be due to a weak, under/over used or just fucked vastus lateralus muscle.

tuneskyline

If your sliding back just move your saddle slightly so you wont slide back otherwise it all sounds good, more power.
Let your body get used to the new height, give your self a chance. You see people adjusting their set up all the time but you have to give yourself a chance to get used to a new position.

downhill paul

I did read somewhere that if you are sliding forward, you should move your saddle back.
maybe its worth a try.

ai_1

Sliding forward on the saddle when it's nit tilted down is most likely due to the reach to the bars being too long I think. It could also be that you just prefer a more forward position relative to the BB but if it's a reach issue then moving the saddle would be the wrong fix.

kajjal

Ai_1 wrote:

Sliding forward on the saddle when it's nit tilted down is most likely due to the reach to the bars being too long I think. It could also be that you just prefer a more forward position relative to the BB but if it's a reach issue then moving the saddle would be the wrong fix.

That would be my guess as well.

giant_man

downhill paul wrote:

I know this seems like a lot of problems rolled in to one, but hopefully someone can help me.
I thought about going to my LBS for a bike fit, but if it's something I can sort myself then I would prefer to do that.

You NEED a bike fit, simple as that. Don't try and shortcut it.

bikes`n`guns

Bike fit, or you could be guessing at a solution for long enough.

kajjal

I did my bike setup myself and it took about two weeks to get it just right. If you want to do it yourself you need to read up on bike setups and the theories behind them first. Then make gradual changes until you get it right. I started off with back, ankle, knee and seat pain. After a correctly fitting wider saddle and few simple cost free changes I now ride injury free over shorter sprints or longer rides. Remember you want the correct setup for you whether that is head down racer or more upright position.

Old_Timer

Agree with the above about doing a complete fitting, either in a proper shop, or yourself by using one of the many manuals, or even those on You Tube, et al, and you'll have everything knitted together properly. Don't neglect your shoes and cleats when you get things sorted out, also.

Knee pains are not something to allow to progress, the damage gets you deeper in the hole, set up everything properly and enjoy your riding.

downhill paul

I am also a little unsure on saddle fore and aft position.
everything I have found suggests that the front of your knee should be over the pedal axle, or slightly in front of it.
my knee sits just at the front edge of the pedal axle when I am sat upright on the saddle. however when I put my hands on the top of the bars or the brake hoods, the front of my knee falls closer to the end of the crank arm.
which position is correct? do you check your saddle position while sat upright on the saddle or while in your normal riding position?

kajjal

It's just a starting point really. My saddle is slightly further fowards than using KOP's as it suits me better. Try both and see which works best for you.