A Simple Approach to Correct Saddle Height (for road cyclists)

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About Neill Stanbury: neillsbikefit.com.au/
Getting your saddle height right can be more challenging than you think! I recall cycling for almost 5 years with a saddle height that was way too high, despite thinking I had it dialed in. So in this video Neill Standbury, the expert bike fitter, provides us with a simple approach to getting saddle heigh right. Providing context upfront about seat heights that are too high and too low, he concludes with an approach any cyclist with an indoor trainer can take. You could probably take this approach on the road too!
#saddle #height #cycling

[@nhattran1074]

its 12 am and i'm adjusting my saddle height......

[@user-pj9tq7qp9b]

Did it too! :P

[@KillteeLenny]

Hahahahhahaha 11 pm for me

[@edwardarango7287]

Same

[@JamesWalters1]

1:20 am

[@joesantos7196]

@nhat Tran you are dedicated

[@2XFactor51]

I love this dude. He just explained my issues over the last 3yrs in 5 minutes...true bike fitters are VERY hard to come by

[@dreyn7780]

Wrong. Recent concept. He didn't explain YOUR issues to us. You were conned by salesmen just like most people. Not once did this 'so called ' expert ever mention bike features the designer has engineered into the frame. Engineering design isn't particle engineering. When are you going to talk about the wheelbase? Trail braking technique. Rear wheel rotation When cornering. Change the riding position in the wheelbase and corner rotation speed changes. They keep crashing in the tour de France cause they listened to blokes like this. They crash in corners cause they don't realize the wheels are only designed for long distance straight roads AND there's too much rear wheel rotation When cornering.

[@rizzlerforthergyatt]

@@dreyn7780 Loser lol

[@dreyn7780]

@@rizzlerforthergyatt You failed to reply. And now you’ve got yourself reported to the authorities. It’s not your opportunity to attack. Your reputation is trash before you read any comments. Bike owners are crazy.

[@daa2622]

@@dreyn7780 talk less

[@cabrotron7000]

@@dreyn7780 I believe he kept it simple on purpose. He couldave gone way more in depth but that was not the purpose of the video.

[@knoxindy]

The best saddle height video I’ve ever seen. All of his tips are incredible for every part of the bike fit.

[@topaz_climber]

100% agreed!

[@justforfunm8994]

I couldn't agree anymore.

[@erickpodwill9074]

Yeah Neil (Neal?) is awesome. Love all his appearances, he doesn't mince words and is really effective at communicating

[@dreyn7780]

It's a pitty It's 50 years TOO late. Wise professional experts have always prooven to be unwise clowns. The experts gave us ROCK Hard plastic seats. The experts didn't tell us anything. The experts went off and left us to work it out for ourselves. Etc. You shut up about experts. The staff at bike shops are useless uneducated and disrespectful.

[@keithchang8566]

Picked up cycling a year ago and I'm back at this vid to inform my head about the changes I've made to my bike so far. He's absolutely spot on about the 'right range' where that 2-4mm difference can feel so much better or worse. Coupled with seat angle and fore/aft, the saddle alone is enough to drive me mad on the bike fit!

[@donsinyard8857]

As a Physical Therapist and a competitive cyclist for 37 years,,,,, You are spot on!

[@dc1316]

Every time i see this guy on a video thumbnail i have to click. Easily the most knowledgeable person ive ever heard, with proof to back it up!

[@timjones4594]

Generous of you guys to share this. Practical, easy to implement, this is gold.

[@ZackZavage]

I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this video. Having just started with the sport a couple of weeks ago, this exactly the advice I needed. It made me realize that my saddle was way too high.

[@strandlie92]

You and Neill provide so much value through these videos! I had a bike fit here in Norway a few weeks ago and we spent half the session experimenting with the saddle. I experienced just what Neill is talking about - loosing control when its too high and feeling fluid when its right.

[@evanmacdougall9715]

Wow, I totally needed this video. Been fiddling with my saddle height for a year. Felt too high. Dropped it down. But then brought it back up. Now, listening to all the symptoms of having the seat be too high, I can tell my saddle is still too high. Definitely going to be making some adjustments. And also some of the best tips on how to test out those adjustments. Great video. Thank you so much!

[@ticklefritz5406]

Love listening to this fella, great information eloquently delivered. Neill is the MVP!

[@Rawsan]

This is what I have been waiting for. Cam, you are the man. Thanks, mate.

[@seanoneil277]

Neill Stanbury is so well informed on anatomy and exercise physiology. It's amazing how many little insights he has. The part about compensation, starting around 7:00, is brilliant. Thanks very much for this, Cam.

[@3dr1ch]

Really excellent video. Been struggling with this for a while and listening to Neil explain how he goes about it is so helpful. Keep the collab going! 💪

[@aashiqkumandan130]

Hi Cam and Neil. Just wanna say thanks again for the great advice. After watching the video I immediately noticed after a ride what Neil was referring to with excessive strain on quads and almost no pain at all elsewhere. Decided to drop my saddle slightly and immediately noticed after this morning’s ride a better spread of strain across the hamstring and calves. Quads are still burning but at least I can notice burning elsewhere as well. Great stuff guys👍🏼

[@frankmaykut7266]

Neill is very knowledgeable and has an incredible ability to communicate information. Great show Cam!

[@drewridikas4055]

From an anatomy / physiology perspective this is the best explanation of saddle height that I have seen.

[@fonsedyr]

omg finally an explanation that makes sense. can't wait to try this!

[@ccmp23]

It feels inadequate to just give a single like/thumbs up to Neil videos, should be able to superlike! Great stuff again 👍👍

[@rolffuchs2737]

Thank you, you really saved my life. I was really desperate because of cramps in my calf and persistent pain in my lower back. I did workouts, stretching Quigong (which are all good things to do), but nothing really helped. Then i measured my saddle height after watching this and it was at least 2cm too high. I corrected it, rode my bike and it's like heaven, the pain has gone and i`ve even more control over my bike. Thank you!!!

[@danboads6233]

Hay, thanks so much for this video! I'm returning to cycling after a couple of yrs break and this series was by far the clearest in understanding what was happening. I've never felt so fresh, and so comfortable on my bike. You are a wizard.

[@paulturner7137]

Neill is a master at explaining technical information that is so easy to grasp.

[@juanbautista5541]

It's just fantastic, I have had an injury for a long time and after a lot of readings and videos (and also physiotherapy), but specially putting attention to my sensations on the bike I started to understand the problem, and this video helps me to clarify all of that amount of information I've been collecting. Thanks a lot, great video, keep going on this way

[@dreyn7780]

Associating with the lower classes. That's what your problem is. I used to associate with riders who couldn't be bothered to put air in the tyres. That was a big mistake.

[@peted9296]

wow. by far the best discussion on this topic i’ve seen. thank you!

[@gilroy78]

Cheers Cam and Neil! This content has been a game changer for me. To be honest I’ve never had a bike fit and I’ve just relied on calculations to determine my saddle height. Having followed the advice from Neil I’ve ended up lowering my saddle height by a total of 27mm from where I was. I’ve noticed an immediate difference in overall comfort and I feel much better after the couple of rides I’ve done since making the adjustments! I appreciate that there will be other things I’ll have to consider to further refine my riding position but I can’t thank you both enough for the advice!! Cheers!!

[@behappychef158]

I’m a Physio and a cyclist as well...absolutely brilliant and helpful. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

This is one of those videos that I wish I could give a ❤ instead of a 👍. Great explanation by Neil that even us lowly layman can understand. I got fit for my first bike at the LBS, but found that as my fitness improved, my saddle height needed adjusting until I'd find a sweet spot. Putting in mega miles and riding with an Allen wrench and noticing how I'd feel every few miles with tweaks up & down really helped me nail down the right position. But as Neil put it, that has to be a ride where one is fully paying attention to what their body is telling them with each adjustment. Thanks for posting Cam. Your channel is undeniably one of the absolute best resources for cyclists.

[@jotapi4010]

What an excellent video on this topic!

[@PeterPutz82]

Great vids Cam, thanks (and thanks Neil). My experience - I've had a Steve Hogg bike fit six months ago + been through lots of tweaking and learning about fitting. Diagnosed twisted hips from an old injury. Since then I've corrected it and removed the cleat wedges Steve installed as my twisted hip is now fixed. All that Neil is saying is spot on, can't fault it. To add another 'check' for saddle height after you've done what Neil has said, while decending and cornering say left, right foot should be in the 6 o'clock position, weight loaded to the right foot, you shouldn't feel that you are stretching or shifting in the saddle to reach the pedal. If you are, saddle too high, lower it bit by bit until you are no longer reaching. You should be nice and neutral on the saddle for both sides when cornering. Initially, you will feel too low, but trust me, it's the correct height, stick with it. Also check both sides, if you feel like you are reaching with one side, but not the other, you may have a leg length discrepancy / twisted hips / cleat position / stack height needs checking. Also, when doing bike fit, it is imperative to warm up for at least 10 minutes. Quite often I start riding and my quads start complaining / position feels crap, but my hammi's and glutes take longer to warm up so the quads carry the load until everything is warmed up, then the position is perfect.

[@TheHerrMan]

bro the legs straight protesting at the beginning of the day is scary when starting to put regular trainings in

[@chrishopper8370]

Good viewing stats on this vlog! Keep up the good work Cam

[@Seiskid]

Thanks so much guys. This series has been super super helpful. After running through the "drop 15mm go up 3 at a time" my long term seat position is now set 11mm lower and... just like he said I'm putting less weight on the bars.

[@davidhopp]

Your videos towards bikefitting helped a lot in adjusting my bike! Turned out I was way to high with my saddle and had a lot of the symptoms Neill mentiones in some of the videos. Thank you for sharing these insights and all the best from the Black Forest in southern Germany!

[@heavyink123]

Really enjoy listening to Neill - great info, cheers guys

[@altern8tive]

Really good info and description. Will try some of the advice here, cheers 👍🏻

[@ozzz3365]

This is great! What a deep understanding of the cycling process!

[@kylehudgins5255]

Unbelievably helpful video. Thanks for putting this out there.

[@jonpoon3896]

Best tip was to ride at threshold. Everything can seem comfortable when you’re just lightly spinning

[@adamkubiak1933]

Jon Poon from my experience it’s the other way round. When I’m just cruising with my wife, and not generating as much power, my hands and rear end are more likely to get sore. At higher speeds, I’m comfortable with my bike and and able to spend three hours before any symptoms of discomfort. As you generate more powers, you also lift your body a little, decreasing the “weight” that your apply to saddle and bars.

[@chadschoenauer7232]

Both correct in my opinion. Performance vs recreational vs loaded touring riding fits are different! Simulation of various effort levels, and inclines also help to get the issues worked out for each individual. Proof that one dogmatic method only works for certain dogs 🐶

[@rolandoinductivo8013]

this is what I do. I tend to bounce during high efforts and adjust the saddle until it stops.

[@user-zt2ob3dn3h]

Many many thanks for this vid, guys! Excellent, intuitive discussion of the topic. Love your work!

[@nickpatten5263]

The best and most detailed video on saddle height I have ever seen. Absolutely brilliant. I am now going back to my bike and following the information to make sure I am at the correct height. Thank you.

[@OFlick-en8yw]

Very informative series of Vlogs. I have thoroughly enjoyed following your discussions with Neil. Due to your videos, I have gradually and significantly improved my comfort on the saddle to a point where the tingling sensation on my fingers have dissipated. cheers!

[@michaelragusajr9969]

Been really enjoying these videos with Neil

[@garytilley3867]

Very informative. Thanks Cam & Neill

[@klifton]

This is one of the most important videos I’ve watched on KZbin and the best explanation of this I’ve ever heard. Thanks!

[@CamNicholls]

👍

[@jamessingleton4856]

Simply the best video on the topic out there! This guy is a genius.

[@peteranderson6935]

I love this stuff, really explaining the fundamentals of the processes and mechanisms, no magic formulae.

[@marekjustus]

I love learning stuff when the topic is fully explained with examples and common sense... thank you!! 🙃

[@jasonmcgrody9472]

This is hands down the best explanation of WHY I want a proper seat height I've ever seen.

[@cliffordchaperon6795]

Really good Cam - if I was in Noosa I would go & see the bike fitter. Love the quality content.

[@stevestewart-sturges2159]

This video is gold, mate...! Thank you !

[@stevestewart-sturges2159]

All of these videos Neil is so generous to share are pure gold... I tuned up my saddle height with this video back in August and the results have been remarkable, and yes, I dropped my saddle... so subtle but truly proved to be very effective over the past couple of months.. Thank you guys!

[@CamNicholls]

Awesome Steve, thanks for sharing mate

[@Jin_KX]

Absolutely spot on! Lots of similar references drawn from Steve Hogg whom I learnt from. Good video and I urge everyone to stop using formulas if you've tried it and it doesn't work. Learn to feel for your bike fit and let comfort be your guide. Very important mention that the fatigue in your legs is meant to be evenly distributed and not localized. Love the bit when you mentioned how a too high saddle tend to load your hands as this is how I've resolved hand pain and numbness - by lowering my saddle sufficiently so that i am well balanced. To those who are curious, I've experimented with almost every available stem length and handlebar width and these didn't resolve the issue with my hands due to having a saddle that was too high.

[@jodyhodge2129]

I had a bike fit last year and result was my saddle was too low by indication of saddle pressure and knee angle. Put me in spd's and raised my saddle. Was an improvement but I have lots of pressure on my hands. I have installed a new saddle so I am gonna follow his advice and see what happens. I ride for fitness and leisure with a desire for 1-3 day touring.

[@Jin_KX]

@@jodyhodge2129 hey buddy! If you never had hand discomfort at your previous saddle height then it is very likely that your saddle is too high.. Knee angles and saddle pressure points can be wrong! These methods never worked for me.

[@melbournewoman]

Neill was trained by Steve Hogg

[@Jin_KX]

@@melbournewoman yeah just found out eventually 🤩

[@hbeevers]

The description of a chopping motion at the bottom of the pedal stroke is spot on!

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Brilliant, explained so well. I'm off to my trainer to try some of those suggestions out. Thanks for making such an informative video.

[@danrol354]

Wow! After a few years of riding at the set height, I just lowered it 2-3 mm mid-ride yesterday and definitely noticed a difference. Incredible!! Thanks!!

[@marksIItimewarps]

A lifesaver! I'm getting lots of attention though because other riders think my saddle is too low, but I'm very comfortable!

[@10067498]

Good one Cam. I found I fiddled with my cleat position on the bottom of my shoes just as much as my saddle height. As the man said.....just kept going until everything felt right. Cheers

[@hedleykerr3564]

One of the very best bike fitting podcast out there! I was really impressed with all the video's in bike fitting. Especially when they talked about the majority of people have one leg longer than the other and different cranks lengths very impressive!

[@MikeKoPhotography]

Been Checking out your channel for a while and like the content but this is the video that made me click to "subscribe" button.

[@binitbob]

Another brammer of a video Cam thank you. Thanks to you and Neil I fell more comfortable on my bike (even after having professional bike fitting), cadence is up, speeds are up. I am starting to enjoy my cycling again after feeling like my performance had stagnated. So a huge thanks from this 50 year old pom.👍😉

[@CamNicholls]

Cheers mate and thanks for the support 👍

[@chadschoenauer7232]

Greetings from AVL, NC, USA! As a fitter who threw out the calculator and plumb-bob long ago, this is spot on! Thank you, Cam, Neil, (and Hogg) for getting this out with a proper explanation! Something I will share with plenty of folks! KEEP IT GOING!

[@edhendrix7327]

I love the Avl and Black Mountain area cheers from SC.

[@r0mpastompa]

By far the very best and most useful video i have ever seen about Saddle height! Thank you so much!

[@jjgunningjr3574]

+1 ....would really love to see you cover saddle fore/aft in a follow-up video. Thanks for this!

[@markcycles]

Great video again, guys!

[@lukewalker1051]

Brilliant words explaining saddle height. Can't be said better from Neil.

[@thierryniaison8711]

Great tips with very practical/applicable key takeaways, thanks for this content!

[@Cad1900]

Neil...you are a genius mate!!! Best bike fitting talk I’ve ever heard and this is my 50th year road biking. I’ve been struggling with knee issues and thanks to your information I’ve learned that my bike fit is wrong. I have it close now and looking for more tweaks to get it just right. Helping the knees greatly...Thank you 🙏

[@roadcyclingacademy6476]

Great to hear mate - happy to help! - Neill

[@joesguitarshop8194]

Wow , tried the method today . He’s a genius!!!!

[@mannysamaniego702]

Having spent thousands of dollars on bike fitting and not getting much as far as positive results, your series with Neill’s have done wonders on my fit in a matter of weeks. And now I’m considering the shorter cranks!!! Thanks to you and Neill for sharing all the advise. Keep it coming!!

[@CamNicholls]

Good stuff Manny, thanks for sharing. Cam

[@mark-1234]

Yup, wish this guy was in my neighborhood. Most comprehensive explanations I've ever heard.

[@aashiqkumandan130]

Great video this. Learnt so much from it as well.

[@batesady]

Great explanations in this one. Really informative. 👍

[@whittyp1827]

I’m so glad I saw this. A couple of months ago I was working with knee angles for correct saddle height and within the recommended range, it felt too high so this has just been verified. I did lower my saddle beforehand anyhow but was good to have this confirmed.

[@joeswright86]

What a video. The first half describes years of my riding exactly. Been through bike fits as well.

[@cyc00000]

Great video yet again. I need to book an apppointment with neil once borders reopen.

[@5FWS5]

Just watched this. You sir are a genius! I've been riding a vintage Cannondale Team Comp for YEARS. I was given the bike so it wasnt purchased/sized for me but the giftor is an avid cyclist and helped set it up for me as best we could. It was never perfectly comfortable but thought it was as good as it was going to get. Well after seeing this video and a couple others, I decided to experiment - Seat height, Seat fore or aft adjustment or Bar height? After watching a few of your videos, I tried what seems the most wrong- I lowered the seat about 4-5mm. Wow! I really couldnt believe the difference. My morning ride today I felt I had more power, better power transfer to the pedals and instead of aches and pains at the end , I was tired but no specific pain just as you described. My legs were evenly tired front to back top to bottom - NOT sore. And maybe just the power of suggestion but I felt better after this ride than I have in a long time. I wouldnt believe it if I didnt experience it. Now, I started realizing this well before the end of the ride and so was thinking "what else"? After a few more miles of experimenting I decided that my seat was too far forward so I tried sitting back on it and it felt more "right. When I got home and looked - sure enough the seat is almost all the way forward on the rails. Sunday is my next ride and Ill move the seat back a bit - maybe a cm or 2 and see how that feels. Thank you for making me re-evaluate this! This was a true revelation for me - Thank you!

[@bigboss350]

Thank you for this video!!! I’m tired of bike fitters saying that the best angles are 25-35!! Definitely going to drop my saddle!!!

[@leroyjenkins1989]

Real helpful video, thanks guys.

[@manoelcarlosmartinsesilva2875]

Your videos and explanations are amazing. Thanks for doing it só greatfully

[@emiliomorales4302]

Excellent information! Thanks!

[@dinoaustralia7752]

Best video on saddle height out there!

[@davidhopp]

What a great advice towards seat hight without all the theoretical calculations that never would fit for me!

[@leroy_who]

Excellent, just excellent. Cheers- Leroy.

[@MorrieLow]

Thanks Cam really helpful video!

[@onlyonecjb001]

Wow, this guy is amazing. Great video 🤟🏻

[@jnj3254]

The best cycling channel

[@jamesbrickwood7414]

That was fantastic. Thanks guys.

[@achakhakan4189]

Good discussion, well worth the time to watch the entire video. Most riders and bike fitters seem to think that only a slight bend in the knee is all that is needed at the bottom of the stroke; very wrong.

[@mnance7299]

Excellent instructional video!

[@cpk313]

I have struggled with bike position for the last few years after a surgery. Prior to it, I was a little too high but could get away with it, after I couldn't. Your description helped a lot in what to focus on and the point between too high and not was more apperiente. For me it was being able to put power down evenly throughout the majority of the stroke and something that has not been touched on is my balance on the bike was improved. Riding hands off required little effort/concentration at all. Too high and that oneness with the bike starts to go away. Thanks Neil and Cam!!

[@markjthomson]

Really good info. I recently set my saddle on my touring bike as recommended... all sweetness and light. I changed the saddle and checked the measurement, was pretty close. Dong a long ride (200km) last week, by 140km my left leg was developing "niggles", discomfort in muscles that weren't normal and of the "do something about this" nature. I figured I would try dropping the seat, as that was the only real change. Took it down maybe 3 to 5mm, all sorted. Finished the ride then did a century back with no issues. Very happy with that! Thanks for the good info.

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

Great series!

[@Speedplayrunning]

excellent video mate. Thanks a lot.

[@Gumwallonly]

great video mate! thanks alot!

[@daveyoung6680]

Love your content Cam and some great information

[@CamNicholls]

Cheer Dave, much appreciated. Cam

[@JP-om3ou]

Finally, someone competent talking about bike fit 👍🏼

[@xhaust1]

This is really well explained than just taking measurements Feel the pedal stroke Thank you for this video

[@TheHerrMan]

these are the best tips, I used the quad burn/hammy burn feedback to adjust my height. Now my whole leg feels it and not just a small part. thx!

[@ATLaracheClub]

Great content, we want more!

[@jeffogden1375]

This is so helpful!!

[@whatsitwhosit]

Visually speaking, I have to admit having difficulty distinguishing between his examples...For instance, the "too high" setting seemed fine to me since I didn't notice the negative knee flick he spoke of. Enjoyed his explanations though..

[@moshdee456]

The seat too high, you'll see the pedal stroke is more choppy. More stomping, less circular

[@honzabe]

Yep, you and me both. I keep returning to this video and I have watched it like 20x and yet I still cannot see the difference between the correct height and saddle too high. Seem same to me. I wonder if it is related to the fact that I have really bad proprioception.

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

@@honzabe No, it's not your proprioception, it's just that you need to change your glasses.

[@jasonsolomon7122]

Omg - I had exactly this issue - the clipping and just couldn’t figure the right seat height- and same issue - I really couldn’t tell. This video explained all the issues I was having and why. Superb.