Correctly adjusting the height of the bicycle saddle is essential for a comfortable ride, efficient pedaling and avoiding injury. Fortunately adjusting the height of the saddle is very easy, you just need a simple adjustment to do it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Adjusting the Saddle Height
Step 1. Know that the right saddle height can allow you to pedal comfortably and balanced
If your saddle is the right height, your hips will be stable on the bike and won't sway while pedaling. When your foot is at its lowest position while pedaling, your leg will bend slightly, not completely straight or curved.
- Your knees should be bent at about 25 degrees, the same as when you stand up straight during exercise, with just a slight bend.
- If you don't have a measuring tape, use the following as your guide for adjusting the height of the saddle: slightly bent knees, hip alignment when riding the bike, and comfortable pedaling.
Step 2. Measure your inseam
Inseam is the distance from your groin to the floor as measured from the inside of your foot. To measure inseam accurately:
- Pinch a book under your crotch as if you were sitting in a saddle.
- Spread your legs 15 cm wide.
- Measure your inseam distance from your spine to the floor.
- Multiply the inseam distance by 1.09. The resulting number will be the adjusted distance between the top of the bicycle seat and the axle of your pedals. Example: inseam distance of 73.7 cm, multiplied by 1.09 equals 80.3 cm. So, adjust the distance between the top of your saddle and the axle of your pedals to 80.3 cm.
Step 3. Learn how to adjust your saddle post
The saddle post can be loosened and adjusted at the junction between the saddle post and the bicycle frame. You can open the quick release lever at the bottom of the seat post and adjust it manually. If there is a small bracket with bolts in it, then your seat post is fastened with bolts. Use an L wrench or a wrench to loosen the bolts so that the seat post can be moved.
Step 4. Adjust the height of the saddle to your measurements
Raise or lower the seat post slowly until it reaches the appropriate height. Mark your measurements on the saddle post, if the saddle post slips or your friend borrows a bike, you can easily rearrange it.
Step 5. Tighten the saddle
Push the quick release lever to the locked position or re-tighten the bolt with an L wrench or a wrench until the seat post cannot be moved. It doesn't have to be too tight or you won't be able to open it again later.
Step 6. Check your settings by trying to ride a bike
Try driving slowly on your bike. Make sure you can reach the pedals and get on the bike easily, and that your knees are not locked. Try to stand up while pedaling to see if you can get out of the saddle easily. Make sure the position of the saddle is pointing forward or you will not be comfortable driving.
- Place the soles of your feet on the pedals while driving. Your knees will bend slightly (about 25 degrees) when the pedal is at its lowest position. This is your optimal saddle height.
- If you have a clamp-type pedal, make sure you use it when trying to ride a bike as it will affect your ride.
- Everyone has a different body shape, use your inseam size as a starting point, then set up your bike for a comfortable ride.
Step 7. Resolve the problem by slightly raising or lowering the height of the saddle
If your knee hurts, the problem is most likely with the height of the saddle. There may be other reasons depending on the type of pain. If your knee pain doesn't go away by adjusting the height of the saddle, you should see a doctor.
- If the back of your knee hurts, it means your saddle too high.
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If the front of your knee hurts, it means your saddle too low.
- Your hips should be firm and not wobbly while pedaling. If your hips move as you pedal, your saddle is too high.
Method 2 of 2: Adjusting the Saddle Position
Step 1. Know that the angle and position of the saddle will affect your ride comfort
Saddle height is not the only determinant of comfort. The saddle slides back and forth and tilts up or down for increased riding comfort. Do the following to find a comfortable saddle position:
- When cycling, stop the pedals in a horizontal position (completely forward / your feet must be flat).
- Imagine a straight line from the front of your knees to the ground.
- This line should be tangent to the center of your pedal. In other words, your knee should be directly above the pedal in a horizontal position.
Step 2. Loosen the bolts under the saddle to slide the saddle forward/backward
There is a small bolt behind the saddle, facing under the rear wheel, that adjusts the seat position. The bolt is connected to a bracket that clamps a small metal rod so that the saddle does not move. Loosen this bolt by turning it counterclockwise to reduce pressure on the clamps securing the saddle.
Step 3. Make sure the saddle forward is comfortable enough
You should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably and your knees should be directly above the pedals in a horizontal position. Experiment with standing while cycling. If your saddle is in the right position, you can stand up easily without pulling or pressing the handlebars. Loosen the saddle bolt and slide it forward or backward if you experience any of the following problems:
- If you're having trouble standing, reaching for the handlebars, and your fingers are numb, the saddle may be too far apart.
- If you feel uncomfortable on descent or shoulder pain, the saddle may be too close.
Step 4. Make sure the slope of your saddle is parallel to the floor
Use a spirit level to make sure your saddle is flat, which in turn will distribute your weight for a more comfortable ride. If you feel discomfort in your groin, you can adjust the saddle tilt up to a maximum of 3 degrees up or down.
- Women usually have to tilt the saddle slightly down to make it more comfortable.
- As for men usually have to tilt the saddle slightly up.
Step 5. Loosen the bolts on the side of the saddle to change the tilt
This bolt (usually located to the right of the saddle) serves to hold the saddle tilt. Loosen this bolt to change the tilt. Some older types of saddles have two small bolts under the saddle, one at the front and one at the back, which work to change the tilt of the saddle. You have to tighten the bolt on one side to raise it and loosen the other bolt.
Don't tilt your saddle too far. Check your saddle height and saddle position first and adjust the saddle tilt if necessary
Tips
- We recommend that you adjust the height of the saddle when using the shoes you usually use to ride a bicycle.
- If the saddle is too low, you will tire easily while driving. However, if the saddle is too high, your legs will be too drawn and your hips will sway, and you risk injuring yourself.
- There are many bike shops that can help you choose the right bike size or help you size your bike.
- After you finish adjusting the saddle position, make sure the saddle is straight ahead. You can see it easily when the saddle is straight.
- There are many sizes and types of bicycle frames that can affect your position and comfort while cycling. Bike shops can help you choose which bike is right for you.
Warning
- Always check your bike before riding it
- Riding a bicycle that doesn't fit properly can result in injury from repeated stress.
- Do not raise the saddle beyond the warning line on the seat post.
