Bike Fit

[G3CWI]

Having got a road bike a few weeks ago I have now read up on bike fit. Using the 109% inside leg measurement system seems to result in a saddle that feels very high indeed. Certainly I will not be able to stop without getting off the saddle to put my feet down. Is this normal or have I done something wrong?

Cheers

Richard

 

[Rob3rt]

Having got a road bike a few weeks ago I have now read up on bike fit. Using the 109% inside leg measurement system seems to result in a saddle that feels very high indeed. Certainly I will not be able to stop without getting off the saddle to put my feet down. Is this normal or have I done something wrong?

Cheers

Richard

Well, the formula is an approximation so you may have the saddle too high, however, to not be able to touch the floor when seated on the saddle is not that uncommon.

 

[G3CWI]

Thanks Rob. Just discovered Sheldon Brown says:

Do not try to sit on the saddle while the bike is stopped, this is not usually possible if your saddle is properly adjusted.

 

[Easytigers]

I agree. I have to slide forwards off the seat when stopping (or find a decent curb!)

 

[G3CWI]

Okay - looks like the height is not crazy then! Now I need to try it out a bit.

 

[cyberknight]

I find the 109 % to low by about 1 cm , all these formulas are an approximation though .
Heel on pedal = leg straight gives me the best feel .

 

[G3CWI]

Thanks Cyberknight. I realise that there are many opinions on what is the best height, it was just the unfamiliarity of not being able to reach the ground that was concerning me.

 

[Rob3rt]

There are many videos and instructional websites to help with doing a bike fit. Have a look about and see if your setup matches what other methods would predict, you can always post up a side on pic here for feedback. If you choose to upload an image side on for feedback, upload one with cranks horizontal and one with them vertical. Have your hands on the hoods and try to get into your natural riding position (usually with your elbows slightly bent rather than locked out) don't do anything unnatural, else you will void the advice when you inevitably go back to your natural position.

I find the 109 % to low by about 1 cm , all these formulas are an approximation though .
Heel on pedal = leg straight gives me the best feel .

This one can be a good starting point for many, I usually use it, but it's effectiveness is dependant on your feet size in relation to your leg length, for some it won't work out.

 

[Rob3rt]

Well, the formula is an approximation so you may have the saddle too high, however, to not be able to touch the floor when seated on the saddle is not that uncommon.

I think someone already said that, word for word

 

[malcermie]

I was surprised how much difference even 1cm change in seat height made. Having read many different methods of seat height adjustment I just kept moving it up a cm at a time till it 'felt right'

 

[G3CWI]

Just took the bike out for a spin. Just 8km but it rides fine so time will tell. Thanks all.

 

[WobblyBob]

Having got a road bike a few weeks ago I have now read up on bike fit. Using the 109% inside leg measurement system seems to result in a saddle that feels very high indeed. Certainly I will not be able to stop without getting off the saddle to put my feet down. Is this normal or have I done something wrong?

Cheers

Richard

That sounds about right to me height wise as i'm no where near touching the floor when i'm in the saddle.
Don't know if you got your bike from a LBS or not, if so i'm sure they would give you a 'mini fit' just to make sure you have the basics right.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Sounds like you're on the right track, good luck with the saddle height. You still may have to fine tune your saddle angle for comfort, but this will be a good start.

 

[cyberknight]

http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html
http://bikedynamics.co.uk/guidelines.htm

 

[G3CWI]

Good links. Thanks b