what a difference an inch makes!

[gavroche]

I raised my saddle by about an inch yesterday before going for a ride. What a difference!
I had more power when going uphill and felt much more confortable.
I think that to find the optimum set up is really by trial and error as my recommended height was below the one I have now.

 

[david k]

yeh ive done the same in the past funny aint it

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Congrats on trying out a new hight Many people calculate the optimum hight this way - when your foot on the down stoke takes your knee to about 95% extension. I has always worked for me. Good luck with your trialling

I raised my saddle by about an inch yesterday before going for a ride. What a difference!
I had more power when going uphill and felt much more confortable.
I think that to find the optimum set up is really by trial and error as my recommended height was below the one I have now.

 

[Paulus]

I notice that many people have their saddle to low for their leg length. Their knees are coming up under their arm pits, it must be really hard work to pedal. As a rough guide, with the pedal at the bottom, 6'oclock position, put the heel of the foot onto the pedal and the leg should be almost straight. Then put the ball of the foot onto the pedal and there should be a slight bend at the knee. from there it is all down to preference and comfort for what works to you.

 

[Hip Priest]

I did the same just the other day. It has not only made my ride easier and more enjoyable, but has eradicated my knee-ache and saddle sore.

 

[gallego1968]

was going to say something rude but i thought better not to.

 

[Andy_R]

was going to say something rude but i thought better not to.

+1


.....ahead of me there

 

[PaulSecteur]

Had a sililar thing with my brother the other day. He isnt a regualr cyclist, but when he does get on it its not unknown for him to do a 60 miler. It aint fast, but 60 miles is 60 miles, and that with a month break between rides.

He was still using the cycling proficiency rule of "both feet flat on the floor" when on the saddle, which was ok when he had a Grifter (You needed a sure footing to keep that lump of pig iron upright!). I had told him it was too low, and he never bothered changing it.

Any-hoo, we did the Mawdach trail yesterday. On the way back he put his saddle up so his leg was almost straight with the heel on the pedl at the bottom of its stroke, and he was much happier after that.

 

[gavroche]

was going to say something rude but i thought better not to.

you wouldn't dare on this site!

 

[HLaB]

It makes a massive difference having your seat the correct height, its more energy efficient and comfortable etc.; an inch is a big step though, its usually advised that you progress towards having your seat higher in smaller increments, say 5mm (or 1/4 of an inch) at a time.