When is a saddle level?

am7

When is the saddle tilt level? Is it when the rails are level or when the top part of the saddle is level?
I mean do manufacturers specifically set their rails in a way that when they are level that is the "correct position"?
I set my saddle level by eye drawing an imaginary parallel line to the ground from the nose of the saddle to the rear of the saddle. The top of the saddle is deeply curved, which a significant channel in the middle and a tall tail at the back so I improvised. Looking at it I can say that the top is what I would consider as level but the rails are not. If the rails were level the top would be nose down. Is this the "correct" level position? To make myself clear I want to know when the saddle is at its level position not find the correct tilt for the rider/bike.

chris_bass

am7 wrote:

To make myself clear I want to know when the saddle is at its level position not find the correct tilt for the rider/bike.

why would you want to do that?

Dippydog3

Curved saddles are generally considered to be "level" when the central one third is actually level.

I am sure you will get a dozen different answers here at least.

Google "how to level a curved saddle" and you will get fifty more.

And none of the above matter one bit......, as you know.

am7

Chris Bass wrote:

am7 wrote:

To make myself clear I want to know when the saddle is at its level position not find the correct tilt for the rider/bike.

why would you want to do that?

I need a reference point like the markings you get on the rails indicating the fore aft position. They show you the middle and +/- markings.
I need to know where I am level and take it from there.

wongataa

am7 wrote:

Chris Bass wrote:

am7 wrote:

To make myself clear I want to know when the saddle is at its level position not find the correct tilt for the rider/bike.

why would you want to do that?

I need a reference point like the markings you get on the rails indicating the fore aft position. They show you the middle and +/- markings.
I need to know where I am level and take it from there.

Choose your own reference point then. What you choose as a reference doesn't have to be what other people use. Just be consistent with your own measurements.

Anonymous

You could create your own reference point couldn't you? Then just go from there.

Edit: beat me to it lol.

Dippydog3

No reference point needed.

Get a spirit level app on your ipad.

Matthewfalle

Either spirit level on the seat or put a hard backed book or similar on the saddle and put the spirit level on that.

imposter2.0

am7 wrote:

When is the saddle tilt level? Is it when the rails are level or when the top part of the saddle is level?
I mean do manufacturers specifically set their rails in a way that when they are level that is the "correct position"?
I set my saddle level by eye drawing an imaginary parallel line to the ground from the nose of the saddle to the rear of the saddle. The top of the saddle is deeply curved, which a significant channel in the middle and a tall tail at the back so I improvised. Looking at it I can say that the top is what I would consider as level but the rails are not. If the rails were level the top would be nose down. Is this the "correct" level position? To make myself clear I want to know when the saddle is at its level position not find the correct tilt for the rider/bike.

Don't over-think it...

DCI Gene Hunt

Ensure bike is level

Take something solid and flat like a short bit of wood.

Set it on top of saddle

Take spirit level and set on top of plank

When bubble in middle the saddle is now level.

Matthewfalle

DCI Gene Hunt wrote:

Ensure bike is level

Take something solid and flat like a short bit of wood.

Set it on top of saddle

Take spirit level and set on top of plank

When bubble in middle the saddle is now level.

Or a book like that bloke above said. I have lots of books he could borrow, but not many planks. They all seem to be in the commuting section.

keezx

The level of a saddle is 100% irrelevant.
Choose the position that keeps you in place without sliding forward or back.
For me it's horizontal, but that's coincidence.

Druidor

Hats comfortable for the rider is the only sure thing with a saddle

tehtehteh

my specialized saddle had a diagram with it which showed the middle third of the saddle was the part that needs to be level

might be different for each saddle though

your bottom will tell you if it's right or wrong

darkhairedlord

look it up on the UCI website. IIRC put the book on a level surface then stick a spirit level on the saddle. not sure on the permissible deviation.

debeli

Get the saddle at the right height and set the fore-aft position.

Then set it so it looks level and go for a ride.

Then nudge the nose up a tad and go for a ride.

Then nudge the nose down a tad (past level) and go for a ride.

This takes a few days and a few rides, but you will chance upon a tilt that fits your pistol, so to speak. If it is comfortable, it is good.

I use a spirit level for bricklaying and putting shelves up and floors and so on... but bicycles are more about comfort and fit than the application of geometry to the union between two curved, non-rigid surfaces.

I am right. Any and all other opinions are pernicious and fraudulent nonsense.

g00se

Best way to keep different saddles and bikes combinations the same - if you've got a smart phone - download clinometer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... clinometer, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clinome ... 15117?mt=8)

Rest the side of the phone on the top of the 'perfect' saddle; note the angle - and refer to that when setting up any new bikes or after making changes.

The bubble level is also good for the anally retentive trying to level off wobbly tables in the pub.