Seat height

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Garfield
Although I used to race in the past (20 years ago) I seem to be in need of some advise...

When setting a base line seat height I always used to work on pedal at lowest point and bare heal of foot just touching it without rocking.

I have also read that a 1 - 1 1/2" gap from heal to pedal is ok.

With my seat set using heal on pedal I feel all cramped up, however raise the seat 1 1/2" and I feel much better. While riding with the higher seat I don't feel that my hips are rocking.

I also know that seat height is a very personal thing but feedback, help and advise will be very welcome, so much has changed in 20 years.

Thanks in advance

I don't think that much has changed in 20 years with regards to saddle height. I was cycling 20 years ago and I heard the same heel on pedal rule of thumb also.

Maybe with regards to saddle fore aft positioning. A lot of triathletes and time trialists like a very much forward positioned saddle.

But with regards to seat height. I personally have my saddle quite high to the point where my hips probably rock a little. I'm also not that flexible so I think short ligaments contribute to hip rocking. My favorite ride is uphill and I turn a low cadence and I think the higher saddle is helpful for low cadence high effort cycling.

I suppose the bare heel on pedal rule is also quite flexible due to the difference in stack heights of various pedal systems and shoes.

I've also heard something like 1.09 times your floor to crotch inseam measurement for saddle height.

I'd say just put it as high as is comfortable. Go out and ride it, and if you don't have any weird aches or pains you're fine.

Check this out.........http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

I agree that not much has changed over the 20 years, however I can't for the life of me remember whether I used to have seat set heal/pedal or not, hence my question, looking to help find a better placement without spending ages comparing work loads, feel etc. Using the heal/pedal I was feeling cramped and tonight while training I got tired very quickly, this seat height was also about 30mm lower than where I had it set before (only changed as someone noted that it looked too high).

BikeyGuy

Many thanks for the link, using the 0.883 formula I got a seat height within 5mm of where I was prior to moving, tried it on a short 5 mile run and I felt more power, less effort and it was easier to spin at my normal cadence (100-110)

Many thanks again for input, and sorry for asking so many silly questions, wish my memory was as good as I'd like it to be.