Bike Fit - How To Set Bicycle Saddle Height. COMMON MISTAKES. Bike Saddle Position. SickBiker Tips.

[@garethfloweday8030]

Danny, thanks for this video. I have watched it a few times, watched MANY other bike fit videos and been to two pro bike fitters over the years. Despite stretching efforts, I tend to be a bit prone to ITB and hip flexor injury, so fit is critical and my saddle height is a fine balance between power efficiency and injury. I'm also a competitive cyclist, so pushing limits on training intensity, aero position etc. I recently dropped my handlebars slightly, which aggravated my ITB and flexor issues. This video explains so nicely why this happens! Very much appreciate the video!

[@CaptainShiny5000]

Thanks man! I just got my bike frame replaced and had to adjust my saddle height all over again. Method 3 worked perfectly for me and I think it's even better than I had it before!

[@mahmam3128]

This is a really helpful video, unlike the "bike fitters" videos, this is designed for the regular person who maybe doesn't have an access to a bike fitter, this tells you how to actually set your saddle and not 20 minutes of bs just to sell you a bike fit that you can't even access

[@nosaj1231]

This video was really helpful to me. Surprisingly, adjusting my seat a little higher also helped get rid of the pain/numbness in my hands. I haven't gone on any long rides, but my hands used to hurt after a mile or so, I'm a casual rider (as in to and from work), after adjusting my seat I pretty much felt like I could go forever. I used method 1, which was easiest. It felt a little high so I dropped the seat down maybe .5cm and it was perfect. Great work, and thanks for the helpful tips.

[@nickt4683]

Really well explained and easy to understand, thank you.

[@davidgeorge9233]

Really great video which helped me realise just how low my saddle was. I also found that a plumb line is a lot more accurate to adjust setback than trying to do it by eye.

[@rcmxfuk]

Did a 90 mile ride and I think my saddle was too low. Ended up developing knee pain that was lingering. Took your advice to adjust my saddle height and the pain immediately went away. Thanks a lot! Subbed

[@MM-rr1kp]

This is a very helpful video, I'm new again to riding and have always preferred to favor the saddle a bit higher rather than on the low side. While currently my height is right and feels great, when looking at the bike, it appears too high. Anyway, I did the measurements of inseam and calculated both ways and turns out I the numbers matched where the saddle felt right. One thing I'd noticed is like you mentioned I'd been stretching back so I moved the seat to the rear a bit. I'll see how it feels tomorrow. New subscriber here, love your channel.

[@rogercasanova]

I appreciate your comments about the seat tilt. One day I got so numb I couldn't feel whether I had anything "there" or not!! Scared me. I learned the hard way and did begin to slightly start tilting the nose of my seats. And it does also help me (as you say) crouch into a better aerodynamic position when I need to. Great tips, great videos! Thank you!

[@michaelcee8348]

aerodynamic at 10 to 12 mph??

[@libettrick]

Nice to see your thorough discussion. Especially addressing the change in the centre of rotation of the hip in different pelvic positions.

[@cannondany]

Thanks!

[@archetypex65]

Good stuff mate. A starting point is the way to go, then tailor the fit to the body. 'Text book' fit methods are good for probably less than 1% of the riding population. Forget fitting your body to the bike. Fit the bike to your body. Physiology plays a major role in setup. Age, flexibility, past injuries, chronic joint inflammation, pinched nerves, lumbar issues, etc. Play a huge part of what each INDIVIDUALS setup. As we age, our bones shrink (Yes, very minutely, but still they shrink) A bike fit should be Dynamic. I.E. changing to the changing conditions of your OWN body. Most bike shops haven't a clue. The so-called 'ideal fits' were/are designed for racers/pro's. Not for the average club/recreational cyclist.

[@michaelgarcia5181]

This is a great great instructional video. For a new beginner cyclist this is perfect information. Thank you so much for sharing this. Mike from Texas, USA

[@RixterNow]

It always surprises me that measurement lengths typically don't factor in crank lengths nor the stack height. I found that to set the correct seat angle forward slightly across my various bikes, it really helps to have the same saddle. Also use an angle app from your smartphone placed on top of a flat object, on top of your saddle. That way you can always get 2 or 3 degrees without having to eyeball it.

[@cannondany]

Thanks for your suggestions!

[@tefltoulouse]

Can we read that as "formulas such as .883 or 1.09 dont work unless you factor in crank length, stack height, seat type etc etc, which is why heel on pedal methods will always be a bit more accurate"? If I had to do a race or sth similar , I would never use a tape measure to dial myself in . Id always hop on and use my favourite "heels" method

[@JH-fk8ow]

yes, measuring from the bb does not factor in crank lenght, for example i got two crank sizes in my bikes and both are under 160mm

[@jerryavalos9610]

The drawback to the Lemond method (inseam x 0.883) doesn't take into consideration crank length because the measurement is taken at the bottom bracket. Inseam x 1.09 and taking the measurement from the top of the pedal with the crankarms at 5:30 position is probably more preferable.

[@timr787]

Thanks for great video. Wish I had seen these 25 years ago. Regarding saddle height: after trying many methods I have settled on using leg angle while pedaling (measuring when foot is at bottom of stroke) as easiest way to get in approximate correct position. You can measure the angle when at the bottom of the pedal stroke with a goniometer (articulating angle measurement thingy can be used on someone pedaling on a trainer by holding one section of the goniometer in line with the upper leg bone and moving the other section to the angle of the leg at bottom of stroke, or a protractor measuring video from your cell phone- if u can pause it at bottom of pedal stroke). Duplicating leg angle that is seen when pedaling while standing, also seems to give a good seat height.

[@SKANDaR0875]

I use inseam x 0.883= saddle height (BB center to Seat), or inseam x 1.09 (pedal to Seat) or (inseam x 1.09) - crank length = Saddle height (from the BB center to seat) May be a video to demonstrate these three methods to show their accuracy. Thanks for the channel, I love your videos, keep it up. Cheers!

[@tefltoulouse]

I have always (last 30 years) found those methods leave me too high by 1 or 1.5cm. 1.09 leaves me about 3cm too high.

[@SKANDaR0875]

Davies Jonathan both works well for me, just make sure you use the methods barefoot. Also if you don't use clipless than that could be why.

[@NileshHingu1978]

This was really helpful to under stand Saddle height and position. Thank you for such informative video

[@gregfern7764]

Awesome stuff! I enjoy your explanations. IMO the best ones I have seen or read thus far.

[@vlbz]

Great tip pushing up when measuring the inseam. It made 5 cm difference, which made the method work. It definitely felt wrong when I tried it first.

[@Hardi26]

Tray and fail and try again method has always eventually worked for me. And It includes all these guides to find the starting points too. But it seems, that it takes about 7 years for me to get a bike perfectly tuned for me. And then, when I feel that now at last I have reached to the best configuration, the bike is already too old and I need to start it all over with a new bike. :P It was so with both of my previous bicycles. Maybe I can do better with my current one. Since I have collected some experience from some pervious bicycles.. Those were very different type bicycles though. I have tried to film my self from side, when pedaling. And then play that video on computer and use a transparent protractor(cheap one for school kids) against screen, to check the knee angles. But I guess it does not work when pedaling without load. Don't have a turbo trainer.. I just pedaled freely with chain removed from chaining.. Or maybe I could not find my legs pivot points correctly.. I used 80mm lens to avoid camera distortions also.. But on road it felt so awkward when I had set up it that way.. It was totally not right.. I think it has to be, because of load. Since it did not feel awkward indoor when pedaling freely chain removed. For checking the knee over pedal spindle. I a actually marked the point on the top tube with electrical tape. So I can look from top how all tree guides: knee, the mark on top tube and pedal spindle will line up.. Anyways I have reached to conclusion, that it's difficult to get saddle right with try and error method, if the handlebar reach is wrong. And the cheap and stingy as I am. I'm not so ready to spend money to buy many different stems for experimenting. I changed the stem on my previous bike to shorter, after I had rode it about 7 long years. And the difference was so huge. I could ride much longer distances. I knew that it was probably little too long from the start, but it was quill type stem and it looked too expensive to change, since I needed also a adapter. If I only knew how much difference it will make.. I would not had hesitated. Just that one cm changed so much! When the handlebar was too far, I had to move also saddle further rear to keep my center of gravity on correct place. But doing that did put too much stress to my body. So it caused a lot of health problems. Had too high pulse, and neck pain and.. all kind of things. But weirdly no lover back pain.. I was not sure my problems were because of too long stem. It was cheaper hybrid or cross country bike and there was not many guides how to fit such bike also.. Yeah and seems that the heart rate gets higher when I'm getting lover on bike and siting more rear end of saddle... Cadence gets lower and pulse gets higher. I need to be more upright, but then the air resistance is higher. I'm already slower than everyone. I don't like people passing me on road. :P Anyways, on that hybrid bike I was mostly concentrating my fitting effort to get handlebar as low as possible. Even had narrower tire at front. I was sure, that people are passing me with their road bikes, because I'm not low enough. While in reality it was just opposite. I needed more upright position. T_T

[@tefltoulouse]

Phil Burt's bike fitting "bible" book talks about Macro Absorbers and Micro Adjusters. Apparently most of us are one extreme or the other, ie we dont even notice up to 1cm differences (macro Ab), or we are acutely conscious of 3mm differences (mic. Adj).

[@efwewfwef1549]

hardi erstu for me it sounds like you are an idiot. thats why you were too cheap to buy a new stem for seven years. and maybe thats why you are not making enough money to not even having to think about the price of a stem.

[@GrahamAtDesk]

Efwefefef efefef Whereas to the rest of us, Hardi Erstu sounds methodical, considered and thoughtful. And you sound you like a sad and angry person, lashing out at the world. I hope life has improved for you since your comment.

[@waqidjanjua3022]

I like your channel bro but setting saddle height is a very hard thing to do with inseam. Some people pedal toed and others heel drop, others flat and etc... Everyone has a natural way to pedal. End of day you get it close and slowly adjust and go for a ride until you feel great. I suggest starting high and lowering it by a couple MM until you think its right, and then go for a ride. Mark heights that feel good until you are too low. Go back and you will find a range thats good. You can try two or three potential heights until one fits just perfect.

[@adccars359]

New to road cycling 5'11 89cm inseam 56cm frame, for me all these measurements worked very well. To the t. Been cycling about 4 months and I feel like I can ride forever. (I definitely cannot ride forever) but I feel great after rides averaging in the high teens. Conditioning saddle height tilt and bar reach has been key for me. Oh yeah technique and target the right muscles

[@tryffel_sp]

Thank you so much! Simply the best video about finding the perfect height.

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

just readjusted my saddle height and saddle angle with the help of your video... going to upload my video vlog of it now. Thanks Cannondany! :)

[@cannondany]

Happy to hear that, cheers!

[@yamilvazquezpr]

What’s link of your saddle height?

[@mrgylex123]

This video is much better than all the others. To the point and very prescriptive. Where is the link to the calculator?

[@dickiedollop]

Watching this without sound paints a completely different picture lol 😳 these videos are great for a novice like me , you really appreciate the need for getting it right in terms of fitting

[@kamilfilka3440]

hi from Slovakia. you're like me : don't mind mixing cycling clothes of various colors and brands :) good channel. take care

[@StreetFreakShow]

It would be good to add the handlebar adjustment to complete the adjustments. but Great job!

[@andresortegasierra]

Great video man! Can't find the link for the forth saddle height method. Thanks!

[@sbullar]

I see so many bikes with the seatpost really extended ( like a foot or more ) and the saddle way above the bars. To me that means the frame is too small for the persons height or they REALLY want a low aero position on the bike. I have 5 road bikes and on all of them the saddle is about level with the bars or just slightly above them, that's with the stems in the positive or upward angle. My legs are at the proper bend angle but my seatposts are only extended about 5-6 inches, i'm around 5'11''and ride 56-58cm bikes.

[@XLBikingInternational]

That is my experience so far. I am doing the "french fit" (since I am all legs) and went for a frame one size bigger than the suggested (a 61cm). So far the most comfortable/powerful position for me has been with the saddle slightly over the handlebars or just in line with it. I enjoy long rides and I'm not too worried about getting overly aero. What is your frame size?

[@sbullar]

Thanks for replying, i'm around 5' 11'' and my bikes are usually 56,57 or 58cm and even on compact frame bikes my seat post is not out more than 6 inches. Which means that the saddle is always about even with the bars, my stems are always positive angle ( up ) which , makes a difference.

[@XLBikingInternational]

Hello! Went out to try it again today. It went a lot better!

[@alannkevin]

Well that works if you have a traditional frame geometry, but it doesn't work with compact frame design were the top tube has a slope. If you do it anway, you'll look like you are about to do a wheelie like going uphill, it affects the power transfer and handling, having a bigger bike will feel sluggish

[@paulsteele8079]

Steve Bullard ii

[@steeldoubloon19]

Ultimate saddle height is:(Inseam-10 )+(inseam*0.883) Then divide by two

[@michaelcee8348]

really? what?

[@geoffsheppard2804]

Brilliant....easy to understand...highly informative...even for a complete novice like me.....thank you!

[@stuartdryer1352]

Use same methods for a mountain bike? (Ok I just watched to the end got tbe answer). Great video.

[@yowandbm]

Why would someone dislike this genuinely good guy/video

[@robsharp3912]

Well covered, good presentation!

[@stevedacey1244]

great video very helpful - now need to see if i can reuce saddle pain!

[@joesaric1]

depending on how well you have bike shoes. The more expensive shoes are lower in the shoe profile, there may also be a difference of 1 cm at the final height of the seat. This formula applies to the optimum performance of the rider and superior equipment. For lower abilities and equipment, 1.5 cm should be deducted

[@aidizhang750]

Hi, I have been watching many videos on seat height I think yours is the best one, I will try your way. PS Trek bicycle shop looked at my seat height and sad was ok but my power output is not the same on my newer Trek Emonda, plus I feel I need to lower my handlebars. Hope to get back up to my old power band. The new bicycle should be faster not slower, thank you, peace out ✌️

[@thepedallerdoc1763]

At 33.5" (85 cm) inseam, both these formulae work out exactly to my saddle height. Which was 74.5 cm for the longest time, but which I've now readjusted to 75 cm for a bit more TT clearance.

[@thepedallerdoc1763]

172.5mm crank, 54cm CAAD8, and I'm 180cm tall. Longish torso and arms (postive "ape index").

[@1911Zoey]

Definitely. Full sus bikes need to take into account the SAG on the rear shock. But its easier to fit especially if it has a dropper post.

[@rodjonsson813]

RE: saddle level. Saddles flex a lot more under load now compared to the ones I had from 20+ yrs ago. The shell, especially, deforms a lot more. I find my unloaded saddle tilts down slightly as well.

[@edwinmagboo]

Thanks dude for this really beneficial information, especially for beginners like me. Very clearly explained. You gained a new subscriber here. Keep it up. 👍

[@fcku300]

hi im from philippines im a newbie in this sport, thank you for sharing this content. Ride safe!

[@sventice]

I liked this video, especially the first part. The methods in the second half, using inseam measurements and the distance from the bottom bracket to the saddle, strike me as a bit problematic, because crank arms are not all the same length. In my experience, the heels on the pedal method is the best place to start, and then you can gradually dial in the most comfortable position after a few weeks of periodic minor adjustments. .

[@fenf777]

Thanks Danny. Gonna try for my ride this evening

[@christams8863]

Also, you should take into consideration the length of your crank arms: some running in the range of 160mm to 180mm.

[@Freightlinerbob]

The .883 formula will work to get into the ballpark, but I find it is most accurate with a 175mm crank. Apply it to a 165mm crank and it will likely be 10mm too high.

[@randygeyer7673]

It’s confusing because some say measure inseam with shoes on and you say without shoes. Without makes more sense to me. Nice video.

[@kobidobidog]

Get a roller stand used in wood working. The roller is adjustable. Straddle the roller until the legs are locked out straight. Measure from the floor to the top of the roller.

[@totalbliss1]

Very helpful video. Better than GCN.

[@DessJ]

thank you. thank you. double thanks was on purpose. very nice explanation and very informative.

[@nsfarm4610]

Thank you. Can you make updated video like this ?

[@jakobw135]

What determines the LENGTH of the TOP TUBE? If you want to sit PERFECTLY UPRIGHT by default (perpendicular to the road), what should you look for?

[@kripalrawat7107]

Very well explained, cycling will be now comfortable for me😊

[@thomaslor4828]

Great teaching ! Thank you so much

[@cinnamongirl8158]

That formula of inseam x 0,88 isn't accurate at all, it doesn't take into account the length of the crank, you have cranks ranging from 160mm to 175mm. That's an error of up to 15mm that the formula doesn't address. It also does not consider the cleat position, if you like to set your cleats a bit back (it's usually better for the knees) the saddle should be lower. I wouldn't recommend that method at all, it's just an average, and most people is not average. That may sound surprising, but it shouldn't: the average height for a man in a country may range from 178 to 182cm, but only a minority of men (like 20%) would fall in that range. Trial and error by starting low and raising 3mm your seat while going up a hill until you start to lose control of your pedal stroke (like if you were on a step machine) is probably the only decent method to set the saddle height yourself.

[@victormanuelmontalvo2430]

This is very good informatiio of Health Thank you

[@edwardtang1977]

My way is simple. Do an aero position , lean your elbows on the handlebar, and move the seat to make it comfortable. And your legs can go straight 90%. Using arm to measure, it is not so accurate because your body and arm will compensate. Just lean on your handlebars comfortably. If it is too far, move your seat forward and so on. You will need a trainer to do this. Look at how comfortable a pro aero rests on his or her handlebar. They are sitting and peddling. Most people's bikes are too big. Many has to stand up a bit to rest his or her elbows on the handlebar. Your chin should be able to point straight down at the center of the front wheel. When you stand up and pedal, your head should be able to go pass your handlebar easy.

[@divinemoment5]

If you take measurement from the middle of the BB, didn't you are discarding the length of the crank. A crank L of 170mm will differ greatly from 160mm. How does your 2nd and 3rd method take into account. Isn't it the 1st method shld be more accurat as it takes the crank arm L into consideration. Appreciate your clarification. Tks

[@AaronCCorbin]

Thank you so much for this video

[@XLBikingInternational]

Hello there! Thanks for the great video! The measurements really helped me. I have one doubt: how hard should you press the level against your bones? If I press really hard to mimic the saddle, I end up with a 93cm inseam (when I do the saddle height it really hurts), and when not so hard the inseam is 88,5 - which for the saddle height is more comfortable. I've also tried a little lower which resulted in more pedal power and better elbow bent- but compromised comfort... Suggestions?

[@robertbotta6536]

Very good. Thank you. Hey you said you would put link to site which has website calculator technique but it is not there.

[@tonyhuia2]

If I buy a bike online, how can I....1st) choose the correct frame size, considering that different manufacturers have different sizing measurements, 55cm of BRAND A may not be the same as that of BRAND B; 2nd) perform bike fitting? Am I only able to do it upon arrival, and at a local bike shop?

[@d.z.2550]

So, the heel on pedal method is less accurate then measuring inseam and then multiplying it with a fix number without factoring in anatomy, crank length and shoe/sole height etc.??? Oh boy! Maybe you should check out GCN for how to do a video about saddle position.

[@GerhardDIETRICH]

Yes I have I buy a SMP number and don’t find the right adjustment u have any ideas before I have the selle slr boost thanks

[@alphalobster8021]

What crank length are these assumptions for? In Lamond's day they were using 175mm cranks almost universally?

[@Hambini]

Gread Video CannonDany, do you have anything on cleat alignment? to go with the saddle height.

[@lee-annmurphy9237]

I'm new to biking ,I have a hard tail mtb and am after how to set my sadle hight ,as you mentioned it would be different from the bike you are using , im really suffering with painful knees at the front where I'm unable to kneel down now and after a ride I struggle to get down stairs , I am due to have a bike fit in a months time but really wanted to ride again before then with out getting knee pain thanks in advance

[@lexeal1600]

Thank you that helped me a lot

[@antontirta2857]

Great information

[@nickg8579]

very useful tips！thank you so much！

[@trailsandbeers]

Great video, thanks!

[@NewEnglandDirtRoadie]

the 0.883 method matched up PERFECTLY with what i had my saddles height naturally set at.

[@vr4966]

Question, Why measure from center of BB to top of saddle? shouldn’t it be from the bottom of the pedal stroke top top of saddle?

[@ShaneBoy]

I was 6cm to low. How long should I use to raise med seat. Going on a 2300km journey in 4 days

[@JohnYoungPhotographer]

Excellent - very clear advice - thank you just maybe would have been good to include that formula in the description plus is it 0.883 or 0.885 as I have found elsewhere ?

[@Doktor_Al]

So, the second and third methods do not account for crank arm length. Is this not important? I went from 175s to 170s due to knee problems and wonder how much it would affect saddle position.

[@bobbytudor3788]

What is that you have on the back of the bike holding up the bike? I want to get one

[@robertkarlsson7238]

If the bikes to "small" what can I do then? I have a mtb, should I try just a little higher saddle?

[@bacazterchovej2235]

hello can you make video about proper circular pedal stroke ? i mean so much in deep if u know something about that ..../muscle usage , pedal motion feel , etc ..../

[@theobaldogarcia1401]

Hi, how often do we have to cahnge the saddle in a route bike? thank you from Houston, TX

[@mountbeckworth1]

Its strange that we measure instep without shoes, since we always wear shoes, and maybe different shoes with differing cleat heights.. Although the GMC site says .883 using shoes.

[@janwrob]

You measure your inseam bare footed but different shoes/clip combinations have very different stacks. Wouldn’t measurement with shoes on be more accurate?

[@tubesockets120v]

I followed the Greg Lemmond method to set saddle height and my center of crank spindle to top support part of seat was 7.62 cm more than the Lemmond method would have me set the height. Why would the measure be so off?

[@danielgomez9908]

Great video !!

[@vinnychoff]

thanks for that advice. i wonder what you think about numbness in the hands. this has just started with me. mainly my right hand

[@cannondany]

Hi, check out my other episode on this topic.

[@tefltoulouse]

move saddle back or up or both or make sure it is level - 3mm nose down at very most

[@souloftheage]

vinnychoff I usually hear of hand numbness from riders who have their saddles TOO high and then place the nose angled down. A saddle angled DOWN even slightly is going to pitch you forward and onto your hands. If your RIGHT handed then you're more prone to rest on that hand. Generally, tilting a saddle UP slightly will flatten your back and will rotate your hips back and take weight off your hands. I barely have to hold my handlebar when Im on my bike. If this doesnt work and/or you should investigate Carpal Tunnel (many cyclists get this) and/or NECK problems. I have severe foraminal stenosis in my neck from an enormous mountain bike crash. It makes my hands go numb now. There is no bike positioning that will help this problem....only a surgeon.

[@azaddahiya4982]

I used MTB and some time feel pain in hips left side if any suggestions plz do

[@darylcrum573]

Hi, great vid's What style pedals and cleats are you using. I have just changed my cleats and pedals to a lighter version and seem to be a bear to clip in. you seem to be seamless w/o even looking..thanks is advance...

[@alanjohnson8396]

Thank you Sir.

[@kashiffiroz6667]

hello sir. hope u can help me out with this. every time i ride out of saddle while climbing or riding the tip of the saddle bumps in between my thighs. it constantly hurts my groin area. i have tried shifting the saddle back and changing my riding position but nothing helps. i use a CAAD 8 TIAGRA 54cm and my height is 176cm. requesting u to resolve the issue if possible...thanks

[@karatekandasamy5804]

Thank you

[@fredsanguino703]

good video... is the same measure for road bike and xc mountain???

[@cannondany]

Yes, that will be the starting point.

[@fredsanguino703]

+cannondany thanks very much!!!

[@aaron___6014]

The Greg LeMond formula seems too low by about an inch for me. Do you think I'm losing efficiency and power because it's too high?

[@aaron___6014]

Turns out I'd measured my inseam incorrectly. My new measurement very closely reflects my current saddle height.

[@pw510577w]

My right leg is 2cm shorter than my left leg due to a childhood disease. I tend to get pain around the coccyx region.

[@ev-ezaye3580]

Have you tried wedges?

[@Greenjuiceman]

great - thank you

[@girishg8079]

can't find your saddle height calculator mate

[@MrBaxterrify]

Wow you are thorough! Nice video.

[@cannondany]

Thank you.

[@kencrowe5757]

Sick Baker

[@Cobretti_GTI]

i have 87 cm as well. what size of cranks do you use?

[@mahermoussallati791]

Good video

[@Drogos79]

Care for a sequel on FS MTB?