Everything You Need To Know About MTB Saddle Position | GMBN Guide To Bike Setup

[@solarflare4345]

Doddy is the best! Could listen to him explain tech all day, he does everything in an easy to understand way. Keep up the good work

[@benjamind165]

Solar Flare read that as Daddy and it really weirded me out

[@sticksman7819]

That's why I subscribed myself as I'm a complete buffoon at this kind of stuff.

[@Hasta-la-vista-baby]

@@benjamind165 😂

[@secularsam7678]

@@benjamind165 same

[@carrieolson3352]

Amateur here, just discovered the love of road/off road biking. Have two old bikes from my Pops...Raleighs. I know these are old, and not anywhere to the level that all of you here have. BUT...I’m taking this summer to learn about the bike. I’m dismantling one of them, learning the names of all parts, how to fix, replace, repair. And then reassemble. I came up on this channel to do just this, and love this guy. So much useful info, and for the most part understandable to me as a newbie. Taking on trails/roads/paths in my city, and if It all works out and I love it in the months ahead as I do now, I’ll look into purchasing a new bike. After googling bikes, that seems like a daunting task. Bikes are a lot more specialized and expensive than when I bought one last....

[@Ghost-pt5eu]

If you are planning on riding mountain bike trails. The right equipment is a must. Since the thing occurred. Mountain Bikes are very hard to find. I purchased a GHOST Kato 5.9 29" hardtail from REI. Hence my name:) It is no longer available. All of the name brand manufacturers have been sold out for months. Doddy's video helped me tune my saddle and it made a huge difference.

[@PeterPhinney]

Get a new bike mate. Old bikes are quite shite off road compared to them.

[@realeyezrealizerealliez3095]

Yeah right

[@beardedvikingmtber]

Doddys morphing into that dude from park tool 🤙🏻😂 Quality content as always lads

[@bananasstuff3344]

Calvin? Or Truman?

[@smashyrashy]

@@bananasstuff3344 calvin of course

[@beardedvikingmtber]

The one with the tache, don’t know his name

[@paulhodgson6027]

He's a legend 👍

[@smashyrashy]

@@beardedvikingmtber his name's calvin jones and he's the goat

[@nk-dw2hm]

Doddy is soo good at explaining things in simple ways that sometimes I forget how brilliant he is. Not every expert has the ability to break things down like he does (and fewer still can be entertaining at the same time)

[@piciu256]

I used to lower my saddle 2-3cm from the optimal height before I had a dropper, it caused me knee pain on longer riders, I'm a happy dropper post user now and never looking back.

[@steve3048]

These tips were absolutely brilliant, I hadn't ridden for a long time due to a semi-fused ankle and now with an electric mtb bike and years of of healing it looks like I can at least get back in the saddle, and with these tips it will help me not to get ankle pain or ruin any work put into it

[@zacksmathers2689]

As a big man just getting into mtb riding, I truly appreciate this video. I was very upset my new bike saddle was jamming me in my bits. Learning I can angle up or down, forward and backwards is so relieving

[@mattadams9742]

Loving the stache doddy!

[@jensleerssen9603]

Is this a retro nod to Tom Ritchey? us.ritcheylogic.com/us_en/meet-tom

[@chrisfontaine6221]

at 6 foot, I thought I'd try a large XC frame, I thought I was doing well on it... then recently I went back to a medium frame, and my climbing and over all control and riding has been vastly improved.

[@haliac7117]

I'm 5' 10" and I got a large Enduro bike, and it's perfect for me, it's purely opinion.

[@fredEVOIX]

6ft too I bought what was supposed to be my size frame but always regretted not having bought a smaller one..turns out for everyone but my brand (which doesn't exist anymore) the frame I have is meant for 6.4ft not the same at all >< I agree with you Chris a medium frame is more nimble for sure I'm constantly battling with the center of gravity being too high when I climb or ride in rocks and roots...my old medium frame with 26" wheels was just easier to ride (but slower, no adjustable seatposts back in those days)

[@powtheginge]

Doddy, can you do a recommendation on mtb saddles, different styles and price points? Loving the tash!

[@WIPEYOURLENZ]

It’s also a great idea to measure your sit bones I was running the wrong seat for years.

[@chrisbennett5796]

12:35. “No one person is the same”. I always thought every one person was the same. Lots of great info, as always. Thanks Doddy.

[@jnetodd]

wow there's a lot to setting that all up correctly and I was even wondering how this all plays out with the correct size and geometry of the frame? Many people are most concerned with getting the right size bike when I think here you've shown that getting everything else set up right can make a huge difference in comfort as well.

[@JanMichaelManalo-n7v]

Now I finally found the most informative with a simple explanation about mtb adjustments. Been watching like 100s of videos about mtb seat height and how far it can be to the handlebar for mtb.thanks for explaining about alot of movement or body position coz the retains. 🙏🙏

[@greasemonkeyguitarshop]

This is the best explanation of seat, height and adjustment for mountain, biking ever! Thank you so much!

[@babajamiaco]

Nice! Clear, concise, no BS practical approach. Appreciate!

[@jeff35372]

I agree this is the best instructional video I have seen on rider positioning. Thanks for mentioning crank length. Sadly it is quite difficult finding 160 crank arms for the older riders , e-bikes, and younger riders with shorter legs.

[@bdaugherty03]

Finally a good video on this! Thanks GMBN

[@gmbntech]

No problem!

[@Metal-Possum]

I did some long(ish) distance trekking over a few days (on a mountain bike, just not mountain biking). Came home with an over-extended and inflamed Achilles (tendinitis) and it's been chronic on and off ever since. Saddle position and height is definitely important if you're not just putting about for a few miles at a time, or catching a lift to the top. The only real long term fix for me is to stop riding entirely, which means my job would be on the line too. All because I swapped my rather slim WTB saddle out for a Brooks and didn't even consider the change in seat height that caused.

[@srileo]

Sad to hear that. Has it healed?

[@Metal-Possum]

@@srileo Not exactly. It's 99% fine almost all of the time, but sometimes I can irritate it depending on how I sit at my desk or whatever. Occasionally when I get up in the morning it can be a bit stiff.

[@Greenfuego]

That is just about the clearest explanation on saddle position I have heard or found. Thank you Doddy!

[@Rzarecteh]

Awesome bike! I just ordered a Lux a few hours ago. Can’t wait!

[@justsayin3600]

I bought a new Giant Trance 2. It has a Contact neutral seat. I couldn't get comfortable riding, it felt like the bike didn't fit right. I decided to buy an Ergon SM Sport. OMG it doesn't feel like the same bike. I think that should be the #1 update for any bike!

[@patrickhazlehurst8472]

I bought a Cube e-bike at £4,000 and it had the worst saddle I've ever sat on. I agree that a replacement saddle is a great idea.

[@chipisbell7075]

I like my Giant bikes but throw the seats away.

[@NotMyFullTimeJob]

i just bought new pedals CB stamp 7 Large and replaced the old shimano saint pedals with them and i just can't believe how my position and movement on the bike has improved

[@hallstewart]

Flat pedals for comfort, simply because it allows unconsciously moving feet around. Moving the foot slightly further forward on the pedal largely compensates for the lack of clip-grip. I also go for big platforms as I find balancing better with feet wider; again the advantage of big flats being you can move you feet out for descending and in for climbing. But it only works well with a highish BB or else those big pedals catch on everything when pedalling!

[@maslank7124]

Thanks for all the helpful tips! Gonna use them to ride better on my next edit. Stay strong everyone :))

[@Paltmonster]

I could listen to doddy for weeks

[@stevenreyes3680]

I used to be so, so picky about my saddle height.... Well, with the Bafang BBSHD on my bike, I’ve found one good compromise. It’s just low. Not slammed down all the way, but maybe 2 full inch’s from optimal pedaling position. The 160mm cranks help too. Knees don’t come up so high. Now if I were going on a long road ride I might put it back where it should be. But that would be if I were going out of town. In traffic and at stop lights I can barely get one tippy toe on the ground, and I can start to cramp. Now there’s an excuse for a dropper post. Sometimes you just have to live with compromise.... Still, where saddle sits is perfect for the trail, and with the power of the motor, I’ve no problem on the street. Cheers

[@mattcucci5490]

I just changed my pedals to a smaller size, stoked to try it out! And not clip rocks.

[@alvinnieves590]

Another thing to consider for pedals if the stance is too wide and rubbing on chainstay or crank. Adding spacers to the pedals where they screw into the crank does help. I have one spacer on each and they do help me.

[@drumerboy456sx]

Never though of that. My chain stay has some shoe sole on it lol

[@akairborne]

The moustache and the jorts are killing me!

[@davidchocron5450]

Tanks from France 🇨🇵👍

[@Zombytes]

Never thought about different length crank arms. I might have to go with a shorter set. Thanks.

[@brunohd4254]

Great tips! One thing I find, is I need to run my saddle 5mm to 10mm lower when riding my flat pedals vs clipless. Not sure if it's just me but because I ride with my foot more centered on the pedal with flats I have to lower just a bit.

[@WooHooLadttv]

My balls were killing me, looks like i had it too far back lmao

[@AverageDadMTB]

You're my hero Doddy!

[@jasonh4709]

Outstanding instruction, thank you!

[@anthonycongiano8890]

Great setup video!

[@rbruce63]

Thanks Doddy! It’s been enlightening to listen to your lecture and it comes in handy. As I recently purchased a 1993 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East I’ve had a harder time adjusting her to my old frame! Cheers from Costa Rica!

[@samstrolia]

Great video, looking forward to setting this up tomorrow.

[@julesbar3545]

Well explained. Very easy to understand.

[@MrModtronix]

Thanks Doddy! So on point!

[@velthiz]

Best bike setup video, Thanks Doddy, always top quality with your personal recommendations. Thanks!

[@alexcucalon7931]

Great tip regarding the vertical line. Will apply asap

[@gmbntech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bananasstuff3344]

Super helpful! Thanks guys!

[@Blbmars]

Rad moustache, Doddy!

[@FaisalKhan-jg6kg]

Great and comprehensive video. thanks

[@thomaswharton6348]

Thanks for the input but there was two details you missed out on your explanation: 1. Adjutsing the seat angle. You mention flat or slickly downwards but how to you check that if every saddle is not flat, having a higher back area. I have seen that the level should be taken on the front flat section of the seat and others say that you should consider the entire length of the seta to find the level.... You did not give any information on the cockpit trimming. Where can I get that information? All the Best.

[@stat1cghost]

My go to saddle height position is just to stand beside the bike and adjust the saddle height to my waistline or just the top of my pelvis. This way always gives me the comfortable saddle height. Anything higher gives me cramps. Fore and aft in conjunction with the hadlebar/stem is best measured with how upright or downward aggressive I want my cockpit position as this will be absorbed by your arms and chest which is also dependent on how wide the handlebar is to your comfort level.

[@yengsabio5315]

I'm gonna try your procedure. Thank you for sharin' it here, eh mate! Cheers & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!

[@bobstevens9040]

Loving the 'tache dude

[@Black_Onyx]

I always question me about the seat angle adjustment, what about the rear suspension sag ? Seat angle wont be the same with or wihtout sag.

[@samball6813]

great vid. I bet i've been riding like a spaghetti monster for the last 28 years...

[@alicangul2603]

Very comprehensive. Thanks!

[@frugalfirehd7119]

Obligatory person in comments who say`s - I was just looking at doing that! - Is me today :) Cheers Doddy!

[@tomp329]

same

[@dietznutz1]

I actually am as well

[@bossywalker]

Same boat here. Had new bike day yesterday and still need to get everything dialed.

[@JimEckhardt]

Yep. That be me too. 😂

[@bossywalker]

@George Vitus Sentier 27 VRS

[@harry.sekhon]

This is creepy. Been researching this for the last couple of days. Used the 109% method to set height. Slid the saddle to the middle. Eased up the reach on bars. Pushed out the grips for faux wider bar. And? Voila! More power. More comfy. No hand pain. But back to the creepy bit. Went out for a ride. Came back to the tubes and this video shows up in reco 🤔 Shivers!

[@iamjamesmannion4853]

Awesome tech vid, have a slight different view on the crank length after reading and watching some examples of how a shorter crank arm reduces hip rotation and therefore increase comfort and any potential hip issues later on in life. Granted it plays a bigger factor on road where like stated you spend more time seated but its still a factor.

[@johnsononi6880]

Ttztttzttzzttzztdztztzzzztzzzztztttzztt-ttzttzztzdzztztzzztztttzttzztttzdtztztttttyztttztt-z---tf-----d--

[@richrider5884]

Very informative video. I was wondering how far a mullet setup would skew the front adjustments due to the larger tire up front.

[@lewisbutcher781]

Could we see another hardtail week?

[@jaspergeens5841]

Lewis Butcher Hardtail weekkkk !!!!

[@julienboesch-thomas4391]

Good idea 👍

[@terencesorronda6378]

Hear! Hear!

[@gabecisneros5699]

Everyone, get on your hardtail.

[@flyingnorseman]

My lower back says why not the Iron Maiden week too?

[@User-cc6cq]

Glad I found this!

[@DameEdnaBrown]

Thanks for the great info

[@rupedog]

V useful vid, especially the fore/aft setting.

[@gmbntech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KestrelYI]

Really good video on setup - thanks for posting this info!

[@fair2middling]

when Doddy mentions manufacturers are pretty good at sizing crank lengths and my small Jeffsy came with a 175mm, same as the XXL 🤬😉

[@peachy0014]

I always prefer mid foot on the peddle. Love the video though.

[@STONEHACKs]

Thank you so much Doddy.

[@jdavis417]

Richard Branson called... he wants those speed boats on your feet back! ;)

[@howieburnite]

Cheers Doddy, great info

[@gmbntech]

Glad to help!

[@Angiecornx]

Amazing tips i’ll def do some of the tips hope it’ll help thanks man!

[@hardtailflo4807]

this video probably just saved my knees and feet

[@MazdaMiata-gt8kw]

Had my saddle way to far back and wondered why I had back issues after my rides lol

[@calin073]

I have pain in my lower back too, I think I have the same problem, I just installed days a go a dropper post to my hard tail.

[@clmfilms8103]

@@calin073 how much travel do you have on your dropper? I got a 150 mm, but I have grown a bit and now I'm wishing that I got a 170...

[@calin073]

@@clmfilms8103 The bike shop installed my dropper, this was 150mm, but they changed it for a shorter 125mm, now I'm much better.

[@hawkeyelikesbikes]

Some issues with the recommendations. 1: 1cm let alone 3cm is a massive difference in saddle height, when just a couple of millimetres can dramatically affect pedalling action and the likelihood of overuse injury for many riders. Dropper posts mean you no longer need to compromise with this on dual suspension bikes. 2: Knee over pedal spindle (KOPS) is now discredited among independent bike fitters (ie those who perform bike fitting as their primary profession) and a more mid foot clear position is preferred. It is no longer considered to even be a good starting position. 3: First things first: it all starts with the shoes and the cleat position- if these are wrong for the rider, the rest of the fit is compromised.

[@badsanta7356]

Make a video demonstrating what you're talking about

[@nicholasserneo8219]

8:17 he said “If you look at my Nukeproof here”, while pointing at his beautiful Canyon bike 😂

[@renhonda8859]

i think the saddle he showed was on a nukeproof hahahaha, not sure tho

[@michaelfreeman681]

Thanks

[@aviationmotivation4957]

The black shorts your wearing in the beginning of the video when you are riding are sick! Where did you get them? I didn’t see them in the shop.

[@behanseck]

be sure to account for sag when setting saddle angle.

[@koosverwey]

Well done

[@masonthurman]

running into knee pain on my enduro mtb even though i've matched my saddle height to my trail mtb bike. Thinking this might be due to the slacker seat angle and longer cranks. What's a good way to set fore aft on an enduro style bike?

[@stevengien5409]

great and informative video

[@patrickhazlehurst8472]

Great video (as always). I'll be out adjusting mine shortly, after I've used the tips in another GMBN video to fix the puncture in my tubeless tyre. Keep up the good work guys.

[@Andy-cu6bw]

I have fitted shorter cranks, now my plumb line is too far forward from the pedal axis to my knee with cranks horiz. Seat is fully backward on rails. Do I need to change seats?

[@sohaibyounus]

Another awesome video!

[@gmbntech]

Thanks Sohaib!

[@brynmrsh]

7:42 Can you explain exactly what we're looking at here?

[@MikeKraemer87]

Flux capacitor.

[@aperson5994]

It’s from gcn when they visit a urologist about wether cycling is good for your prostrate

[@hannes6114]

My Bike setup is getting really dialed :) Only my skills aren't...

[@OTR366]

Hi Doddy, could explain the new trend toward large negative air chambers on rear shocks? The Rockshox MegNeg for example. What are the pros and cons of adding an upgrade like the MegNeg. Additionally, setup tips for the claimed mid-stroke improvements. At 90 dollars it seems like a no brainier upgrade. I've got a 2020 Canyon Strive and I love to tinker with my suspension setup. I've yet to find the feel I'm looking in the rear with the RS Super Deluxe Select. So I'm considering the MegNeg but I'd really like to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

[@bestmedever]

Thank you!

[@tripshower2all]

Hi there, I'm getting pain under groin area I believe it is because of saddle seat or not am unsure. I have fatty buttocks . Saddle should be tilted up or down

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Awesome video,is that Canyon Lux a 27.5?

[@grahamhgt6468]

Great video, But please please please when are we going to STOP CALLING CLIPPED IN PEDALS "CLIPLESS"????

[@xiaojhay7074]

Doddy is the younger version of the mechanic in parktool jusy sayin tho.

[@mohammadrasoulfard-habibi3066]

That tash is majestic hahaha 😆

[@АндрейМоргунов-з2ь]

CALVIN'S MOUSTACHE EVERYONE! (interesting, did Calvin Doddys haircut - haveto check out)

[@juluisreyes9094]

Hello doddy..and the bushes are still waving at you..lol

[@bendornan6115]

#AskGMBNTech Can you do a partnership with a manufacturer and design a GMBN mtb?

[@fwmtb]

Pinkbike isn't doing it fast enough

[@ernestocazares4065]

My saddle to nose up and my grapes were hurting. Now it's nose down and my wrists hurt. Need to find that happy medium.

[@vedanttoke20]

Who else skipped the clipless part FLATS FR LIFE!😃😃😃

[@barryconlon2774]

Yeah flats are ok for beginners,wait until you have more skill then move to clipless. 😉

[@davegee124]

which ergon saddle is that,my ergon curves up at that back and when level always feels like its pushing my onto the bars,having to run it nose up to get the weight off the bars

[@rohitkulthia8131]

For some reason, my weight is completely on the front wheel. Makes the front handling extremely sensitive. Any tips?

[@donr868]

Great tips. Love your vids but not sure about the mo! I was adjusting my saddle rail position using the plumb bob method and despite having a 25mm offset post and the seat slid almost completely all the way back the string line is still slightly forward of the pedal axle, maybe 10mm or so. I wondering if I have really long femurs or if there is something else I am doing wrong?

[@lankey6969]

Is it worth getting a dropper post for a trail/XC bike or would a quick release be a more practical choice?

[@charleypower6330]

Is it worth getting a smaller saddle for racing

[@yengsabio5315]

1:33 Hello! May I please know what brand & type of boots is shown on this part of the video. Thank you very much!

[@M1lan2124]

the brand is litteraly on the shoe.... go and look at the site :)

[@yengsabio5315]

@@M1lan2124 It's a bit blurred. I can't decipher it. Do you know what brand it is? Thanks!

[@M1lan2124]

@@yengsabio5315 it's from fizik and the model i don't know sorry

[@yengsabio5315]

@@M1lan2124 Thanks! I'll search for Fizik then!

[@M1lan2124]

@@yengsabio5315 it may be the fizik terra not sure