How do I get the optimal seating position?
There are three ways to get to the optimal seating position.
- Setting the correct saddle height
- Setting the correct saddle angle
- Setting the correct horizontal saddle position
We'll introduce you to the possibilities one by one.
Adjusting a bicycle saddle correctly
Sitting comfort is one of the prerequisites for a relaxed bicycle ride. If you’re not sitting well, long and even short distances stop being fun. Therefore, it is important that the contact points between you and your bike are the right models and adjusted correctly. Contact points are the grips, pedals and saddle. In this guide, we want to show you how to adjust your saddle properly. We are assuming that the saddle mounted on your bike is already the right one and that it fits your behind.
Simply adjusting the saddle height – the "heel method"
If you don't feel like measuring and calculating, there is an even simpler option. Just sit on your bike and turn a pedal downwards. Sit on the saddle and place the heel on the pedal. If your leg is stretched, you already have the right saddle height. If not, adjust the height of the saddle.
Tip for setting the saddle height on an MTB
Do you ride your mountain bike a lot off-road and have a rigid seatpost? Then it may be useful to go with a lower saddle height, so you have more freedom of movement off-road to cushion bumps or for when it gets steep.
Tips for adjusting the saddle height on a road bike
Efficiently moving forward is the most important thing in road cycling. So it's important to adjust the saddle to make the most of what your muscles have to offer. This means when the pedal is at its lowest, your leg should be almost completely stretched. A knee angle of 25-35° is optimal, with a stretched knee marking the zero point.
Tips for adjusting the saddle height for inexperienced cyclists
If you haven't been on a bike for a while and don't feel safe, adjust the saddle so that you can reach the ground comfortably with your feet. This way, if you don't feel safe, you can simply get off at any time. As you ride more, you can raise the saddle bit by bit.
Different bikes, different saddle heights
Bicycles are as different and individual as their owners. For an enduro mountain bike, you choose a different saddle setting than for a road or trekking bike. In addition to an efficient cadence, mountain biking is also about freedom of movement on the bicycle. Road bikes are primarily designed for speed, so the riding position on it is very sporty and is designed for efficiency. This means that the saddle is often much higher when compared the handlebar. Quite the opposite for a trekking bike. The following applies to a trekking bike: Comfort is king. There are, of course, a lot more bicycle types, all of which have their own ideas on saddle adjustment. In addition to the correct saddle height, there are also other saddle settings, which are important for comfortable cycling. The angle of the saddle and the horizontal position can also be adjusted. If the settings are incorrect, you will feel it.
Setting the correct saddle angle
The angle of the saddle is also very individual. If the saddle angle is incorrect, you pubic area can become numb on long rides. This is because there is too much load on your perineal area. This hinders the blood supply to your genitals. Getting up out of the saddle occasionally is only a temporary solution. In the long run, however, you should check and adjust your saddle.
The basic setting of the saddle is initially horizontal. In order to really be horizontal, we recommend a spirit level. Just put it on the saddle and adjust the saddle accordingly.
Adjusting the angle on seatposts with a single clamp bolt
When it comes to seatposts with only one bolt, the saddle is held in place by multiple groves. The clamping force of the bolt results in a stable connection. So if you want to adjust the angle of the saddle, you have to loosen the clamp bolt so that the groves are loose. By slightly lifting the clamping plates, you can adjust the saddle angle more easily.
Adjusting the angle on seatposts with two clamp bolts
Adjusting the angle on two-bolt seatposts is easier. If you want the saddle nose to be lower, simply loosen the saddle clamp’s rear bolt a little and tighten the front bolt a little. If you want the saddle nose to rise, you'll do it the other way around.
Setting the correct horizontal saddle position
Is your behind slipping forward and back while riding, because you feel like the saddle isn’t properly adjusted? And on long rides, does knee pain become a problem? One reason for this may be an incorrect saddle position. In addition to the height and angle, you can also move your saddle horizontally. But how do you find the right saddle position?
When adjust the saddle, pay attention to the clamp area marked on the saddle rails. Be sure to only clamp down in this area. Otherwise, there is to much leverage on the saddle frame and it can break. If you are still sitting too far forward despite pushing the saddle as far back as it goes, there are seatposts with setback. Setback refers to the offset of the centre point of the seatpost and clamp. A seatpost with 20 mm setback has a clamp that is set two centimetres back from the tube of the post.
In addition to the different uses on different bikes, there are of course also personal preferences. Therefore, correct saddle adjustment is a very individual thing. This mean that all our recommendations on saddle adjustment are to only be used as a guideline. For personal and individual advice, head to your dealer of choice.
Setting the correct saddle height
In order to delay muscle fatigue for as long as possible, the correct saddle height is important. If the saddle is set too low, the knees are bent too much and the risk of knee pain increases. In addition, muscles tire out quicker because they need to work more. Therefore, it is advisable to first calculate the theoretical optimal saddle height. To do this, first measure your inseam length. We’ll show you how it’s done here.
Formula for calculating saddle height
The basis for calculating the saddle height is the inseam length. Once this is determined, multiply it by 0.885. The distance from the centre of the pedal bearing to the top edge of the saddle should correspond to this dimension. On most bicycles, the height of the saddle is adjusted by pushing in or pulling out the seatpost. To do this, loosen the clamp bolt or the quick-release on the seat tube with an Allen key. Adjust the saddle height, go for a test ride, and see if you're happy with the new setting.
Distance between centre of pedal bearing and top edge of saddle = step length x 0.885
The correct saddle position is achieved when your knee is centred above the pedal when the crank is horizontal. You can make the adjustment by looking into a mirror, or you can make a plumb bob from a piece of string and a small weight. Just hold the cord in front of your knee and see where the plumb settles. If it stops in the middle of your pedal, everything is good. If the plumb is too far back, you should push the saddle a little forward. If the plumb stops too far forward, the saddle should be pushed backward a bit.
Mounting a saddle
You bought a new saddle and now you want to install it. We'll show you how.
/
Build your own plumb
You can build a plumb with a piece of string and washers.