Find the Right Bicycle Seat Height With This Quick and Easy Method
he right bicycle seat height will help you avoid saddle sore and other saddle pain and discomfort. But bike seat height adjustment has always been a bit tricky. A good and experienced bike shop can figure it out scientifically, but check out this quick and easy process to get an estimate of the right bicycle seat height that suits you best.
1. Set cleats.
With your cycling shoes on, run a marking tape along the instep. Then mark it at the widest spot of your foot. And then align the center of the cleat with that marking line or up to 2 cms behind it.
2. Assume a natural riding position.
With a trainer, warm up for 15 minutes. Extend your right leg assuming the position of the clock's little hand pointing to 5:30. Most rider's heels rise when pedaling, so lift your heels 2 cms above the pedal when you leg is extended.
3. Measure your knee angle.
Raise or lower your bicycle seat. Have somebody measure your knee bend. You must aim for 25 to 35 degrees. It is the most ideal range for creating maximum pedaling power. Normally, most people have more than 30 degrees of knee angle at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If your hips rock a little as you pedal, lower your bike seat a few millimeters and then test again. Repeat if needed until the rocking stops.
4. Set fore/aft position.
For many years, people think that saddle fore/aft position was determined by the knee over pedal spindle or KOPS. This is done by placing a foot forward assuming the 3 o'clock position, with your crank arms parallel to the ground. Then making sure that the forward knee cap is just over the center of the pedal. This method works well enough for some riders.
Another method is this: With your cranks level, lower a plumb bob starting from the front of your kneecap to the spot where the spindle touches the crank arm. If a plumb bob is not available, you can tie a small and heavy object at the end of a 30-inch piece of string. If the line falls in front of the spindle, slide your saddle backward. Slide it forward if the line falls behind the spindle. Then check again.
5. Record.
Measure starting from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of your seat. Then drop the plumb bob starting from the tip of your saddle and then measure from the string to the center of your bottom bracket. Record the two figures and mark the right position on your saddle rails and seat post.
1. Set cleats.
With your cycling shoes on, run a marking tape along the instep. Then mark it at the widest spot of your foot. And then align the center of the cleat with that marking line or up to 2 cms behind it.
2. Assume a natural riding position.
With a trainer, warm up for 15 minutes. Extend your right leg assuming the position of the clock's little hand pointing to 5:30. Most rider's heels rise when pedaling, so lift your heels 2 cms above the pedal when you leg is extended.
3. Measure your knee angle.
Raise or lower your bicycle seat. Have somebody measure your knee bend. You must aim for 25 to 35 degrees. It is the most ideal range for creating maximum pedaling power. Normally, most people have more than 30 degrees of knee angle at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If your hips rock a little as you pedal, lower your bike seat a few millimeters and then test again. Repeat if needed until the rocking stops.
4. Set fore/aft position.
For many years, people think that saddle fore/aft position was determined by the knee over pedal spindle or KOPS. This is done by placing a foot forward assuming the 3 o'clock position, with your crank arms parallel to the ground. Then making sure that the forward knee cap is just over the center of the pedal. This method works well enough for some riders.
Another method is this: With your cranks level, lower a plumb bob starting from the front of your kneecap to the spot where the spindle touches the crank arm. If a plumb bob is not available, you can tie a small and heavy object at the end of a 30-inch piece of string. If the line falls in front of the spindle, slide your saddle backward. Slide it forward if the line falls behind the spindle. Then check again.
5. Record.
Measure starting from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of your seat. Then drop the plumb bob starting from the tip of your saddle and then measure from the string to the center of your bottom bracket. Record the two figures and mark the right position on your saddle rails and seat post.
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