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Custom Electric Bike Factory since 2010.
Adjusting the saddle height is one of the most crucial changes for a better fit while cycling.
In this instructional guide, we'll cover how to find the correct height for your bike saddle, including adjusting its fore/aft position and tilt angle.
While the focus here is on adjusting road bike saddles, the principles apply to mountain bikes, e-bikes, and gravel bikes.
Getting the saddle height, fore/aft position, and tilt angle right is key to a comfortable and efficient riding experience.
Failure to adjust properly can lead to discomfort or even injury. Many common pain symptoms are associated with improper bike saddle height.
How to Adjust Your Bike Saddle Height
It's a good idea to note your initial position before making any adjustments. This will be helpful, especially if you find the adjustments aren't working—remembering your starting point allows you to reset.
Apart from saddle height, consider the saddle's fore/aft position (displacement) and tilt angle.
1. Measuring the Bike Saddle Height
Measure the front-to-back length of the saddle and find its midpoint, marking this point on the saddle.
Using a measuring tape, measure from the center of the saddle's top down in a straight line to the center of the pedal axle.
Record the closest measurement (e.g., 764mm).
2. Measuring the Saddle Fore/Aft Position
Lean your bike against a wall or use a bike stand to keep it steady. Ensure the bike is perpendicular to the ground and the wall.
Measure the distance from the wall to the bottom bracket as one value and from the wall to the top of the saddle as another. Calculate the saddle's backward movement by subtracting the first measurement from the second.
3. Measuring the Saddle Tilt Angle
Since saddles come in various shapes, it's best to measure the overall tilt. Aim for precision to the nearest 1°/10.
Achieving the Perfect Bike Saddle Height？
With these three measurements, you're ready to proceed.
Using the Heel-to-Pedal Method for Saddle Height
The "heel-to-pedal" method establishes a baseline height. This can be done at your doorway or better yet, with your bike on a stand.
Wear the shoes you intend to ride in, straddle the bike, and place your heels on the pedals. Gently pedal backward/forward. If the saddle is too high, you'll struggle to pedal smoothly unless you rock your hips side to side to stretch your legs.
Lower the saddle by 1-2 cm increments until this discomfort disappears. Conversely, if you pedal smoothly, try raising it incrementally until you begin to stretch your legs. Then move the saddle backward until pedaling at the bottom of the stroke feels natural.
Using a Smartphone Camera to Determine Saddle Height
You can have someone use a smartphone camera to capture your riding stance for assessing saddle height. The goal is to record the bend of your knees. Alternatively, place your bike on a stand and use a hand to support against the wall.
Attempt to place both feet on the pedals as you would when riding. If this means toe-tipping the pedal, continue with this position. For flat pedal riders, place about 1/3 of your feet ahead of the pedal's center and 2/3 behind.
At the lowest point of the pedal stroke (more like 5 o'clock than 6 o'clock), a knee bend between 30-40° is acceptable.
If your knees are less than 30°, the saddle might be too low, leading to tension in the front of your knees or strained quadriceps. If the angle exceeds 40°, the saddle might be too high, potentially causing lower back discomfort. Keep adjusting until you find a comfortable and balanced height.
Now, take your bike outside for a test ride. Carry a hex key or portable tool kit for immediate adjustments.
Adjusting Saddle Height Using Formulas
Two common methods use your inner thigh length to reference saddle height.
The LeMond method is your inner thigh length (mm) × 0.883. This value represents the distance between the saddle's top and the bike's bottom bracket. It doesn't account for crank length.
The Hamley method involves multiplying your inner thigh length (mm) by 1.09. This value represents the distance between the saddle's top and the 6 o'clock position of the pedal axle.
Achieving the Perfect Tilt Angle for Your Bike Saddle
Your saddle should adequately support your sit bones (ischial tuberosities). If you feel these bones aren't supported when seated, it might be due to two reasons:
1. The saddle's contour/width doesn't match your body structure.
2. The saddle's tilt doesn't support your sit bones.
In the first scenario, check if your saddle suits you. If the tilt angle is correct (placing pressure on the pelvic bones), it might be a fit issue. If the front of the saddle is too high, the sit bones can't provide support. Conversely, if the saddle is excessively forward-tilted, you might slide forward, resulting in pressure on your hands.
Use a wooden plank and a digital level (or a smartphone app) to determine the saddle's tilt angle and note it down.
Ensure your bike is level; if not, adjust until it perfectly supports your hips. Most saddles have a tilt range of 0-6°.
How Do I Know if My Saddle Height is Correct?
The right saddle height should result in:
- Feet in a horizontal position without excessive toe pointing or heel dropping.
- Stable pelvis without rocking side to side. If it does, the saddle might be too high.
- Consistent saddle position. Riders with incorrect saddle height often shift forward/backward.
- Stable pedaling motion without feeling like your feet are about to leave the pedals.
- No discomfort, especially around the knees.
- Even muscle load distribution.
If you've adjusted the saddle height but haven't achieved these effects, consider checking your handlebar height/lever positions.
Adjusting your bike saddle height is a critical aspect of achieving comfort and efficiency while riding. Mastering these adjustments ensures an enjoyable cycling experience while minimizing the risk of discomfort or injury.
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