Saddle to low?

[Matchstix]

 

try the heel on the pedal method' date='works for me[/quote']

 

thid works to a 30 degree knee angle for me. . . . the size of your foot will have an influence on this however. .

 

 

[cycleq]

Closest so far is the heel on pedal/pedal backwards without hip tilt. Frankly you'd be better off going to a qualified fitter (there are some qualified BG fitters in town - Anton at Summit is really good - trained in the US).

 

BTW the LeMond method is NOT 109% of inseam length.

 

A neutral knee angle would be around 30% (road or MTB) but actual really depends on quad/hamstring flexibility, pedal style, cleat position, setback and a number of other factors best left to an experienced fitter.

[skaduwee]

I found this article on www.velosmart.com (Hope its ok to post this here else i will remove)

 

 

 

"Saddle height

 

 

 

Alteration of the saddle height changes joint angles and muscle lengths, thereby changing the kinematics of cycling and the force output of muscles. In a number of studies relating power output to saddle height adjustments, the optimal saddle height, using a seated upright position, has been reported to be 109% of leg length. This height is considered most efficient for tasks requiring anaerobic work of high intensity for short durations, and approximately 1% less power is delivered for every 1%that the saddle height deviates ? in either direction ? from 109% of leg length. This is obviously of particular importance to track sprint cyclists, who are required to produce extremely high power outputs for very short periods.

 

 

 

Studies looking into the effects of saddle height adjustments on oxygen consumption and lower limb kinematics have shown that, under steady state conditions against a moderate workload, a saddle height of between 105%and 107% of leg length requires the lowest oxygen consumption. Lower oxygen consumption for the same power output denotes increased efficiency, which is of particular importance to both touring cyclists and endurance stage racers, who have to ride for long period."

[cycleq]

I hope you noticed this refers to a percentage of leg length and NOT inseam length. Leg length is a completely different measurement and is measured from the head of the greater trochanter to the botom of the calcaneus. It is imprecise when measured otherwise than by X-ray.

[skaduwee]

I hope you noticed this refers to a percentage of leg length and NOT inseam length. Leg length is a completely different measurement and is measured from the head of the greater trochanter to the botom of the calcaneus. It is imprecise when measured otherwise than by X-ray.

 

 

 

I think your wrong, with leg length they mean inseam.

 

 

 

1)For most people the inseam * 109% is slightly too high. And you want to tell me you want to multiply the LEG LENGTH by 109%???

 

 

 

2)Why would they post a tutorial on how to set saddle height when it requires X-Rays.

 

 

 

That just doesnt cut it for me im sorry.

[cat-i]

how much do you ride a week? and how fast? and what gears?

 

 

 

cycle where you're comfortable, if it feels too hight, drop it, but small bits at a time - your body knows where it wants to ride. if you ride more than just an hour or 2 on weekends, then your bicycle shop might be able to set it up for you?

[cycleq]

I hope you noticed this refers to a percentage of leg length and NOT inseam length. Leg length is a completely different measurement and is measured from the head of the greater trochanter to the botom of the calcaneus. It is imprecise when measured otherwise than by X-ray.

I think your wrong' date=' with leg length they mean inseam.

1)For most people the inseam * 109% is slightly too high. And you want to tell me you want to multiply the LEG LENGTH by 109%???

2)Why would they post a tutorial on how to set saddle height when it requires X-Rays.

That just doesnt cut it for me im sorry.[/quote']

 

Let's see what does cut it: Are you using the Rivendell method of inseam measurement? Are you measuring to pubic symphysis or soft tissue? Are you aware that the original studies (before LeMond and used by Eddie Borysevich in the early seventies) did in fact use 106 - 109% of full leg length measurement? Are you aware of the actual difference in measurements between pubic symphysis and greater trochanter?

 

As I mentioned earlier, measurements are imprecise, formulae for achieving saddle height even more so. I suggested seeing a decent, qualified fitter. Your choice I suppose but measure and multiply as much as you like - it is just a general ballpark and forms a small part of an overall bike fitting.

cycleq2009-08-13 02:56:25

[HeartCoppi]

Keep it simple.

Sit on your saddle, keep your right leg straight, turn your crank to 17h30.

Set your saddle till your pedal is parallel to the floor

 

[skaduwee]

I hope you noticed this refers to a percentage of leg length and NOT inseam length. Leg length is a completely different measurement and is measured from the head of the greater trochanter to the botom of the calcaneus. It is imprecise when measured otherwise than by X-ray.

I think your wrong' date=' with leg length they mean inseam. 1)For most people the inseam * 109% is slightly too high. And you want to tell me you want to multiply the LEG LENGTH by 109%??? 2)Why would they post a tutorial on how to set saddle height when it requires X-Rays. That just doesnt cut it for me im sorry.[/quote']

 

?

 

Let's see what does cut it: Are you using the Rivendell method of inseam measurement? Are you measuring to pubic symphysis or soft tissue? Are you aware that the original studies (before LeMond and used by Eddie Borysevich in the early seventies) did in fact use 106 - 109% of full?leg length measurement? Are you aware of the actual difference in measurements between pubic symphysis?and greater trochanter?

 

?

 

As I mentioned earlier, measurements are imprecise, formulae for achieving saddle height even more so. I suggested seeing a decent, qualified fitter. Your choice I suppose but measure and multiply as much as you like - it is just a general ballpark?and forms a small part of an overall bike fitting.

 

 

 

Take your LEG LENGTH and multiplay that by 109%, then post the pick so whe all can have a laugh at your hips rocking like a hippo.skaduwee2009-08-17 00:26:55

[CaptainDura]

I hope you noticed this refers to a percentage of leg length and NOT inseam length. Leg length is a completely different measurement and is measured from the head of the greater trochanter to the botom of the calcaneus. It is imprecise when measured otherwise than by X-ray.

I think your wrong' date=' with leg length they mean inseam. 1)For most people the inseam * 109% is slightly too high. And you want to tell me you want to multiply the LEG LENGTH by 109%??? 2)Why would they post a tutorial on how to set saddle height when it requires X-Rays. That just doesnt cut it for me im sorry.[/quote']

 

Let's see what does cut it: Are you using the Rivendell method of inseam measurement? Are you measuring to pubic symphysis or soft tissue? Are you aware that the original studies (before LeMond and used by Eddie Borysevich in the early seventies) did in fact use 106 - 109% of full leg length measurement? Are you aware of the actual difference in measurements between pubic symphysis and greater trochanter?

 

As I mentioned earlier, measurements are imprecise, formulae for achieving saddle height even more so. I suggested seeing a decent, qualified fitter. Your choice I suppose but measure and multiply as much as you like - it is just a general ballpark and forms a small part of an overall bike fitting.

Take your LEG LENGTH and multiplay that by 109%, then post the pick so whe all can have a laugh at your hips rocking like a hippo.

 

 

I have never seen a hippo rock !!

[splat]

  

I have never seen a hippo rock !!

 

Bit it can get you up to 8 insurance quotes...

[splat]

Its for Road and my cranks are 172.5

I dont like the 0.883 method since it doesnt really support for different crank arm lengths.

 

None of these methods and formulae take into account your shoes or pedals (stack height) and how cushy your saddle and shorts are.

 

Saddle height should also be done in conjuction with fore and aft adjustments - and that will be affected by the ratio of your upper leg to lower leg lengths. Rule of thumb is the straight line from knee to pedal etc.

 

These are all starting points and a proffessional bike fitter the adjusts from there.

[Bionic man]

Your body is the best judge of what is right and what is wrong, ride the bike and make small changes as you go along, otherwise go for a Pro Setup and then do the same.(At least you have a good starting point)

 

Remember to stretch those leg muscles also (something I always neglected) - has made a huge difference to comfort in the saddle, nevermind power and speed.

[Cassie]

I came from a "fitting" and got serious backpains (after ~15km or so)...felt like my hips were rocking a bit... dropped the seat by ~15mm and pains were gone forever!!

 

Go for a fit - still woth every cent spend on it!!