The Quick & Simple Saddle Height Method

How to set saddle height? Most people just want a rough / quick and dirty solution. That is why we have made this video. 3 minutes in length; we'll discuss how to effectively set your saddle height on a road bike.

#cycling #saddle #height

[pericofantasias]

After years, listening to a lot of nonsense about how to set you saddle height, this is the most valuable and practical piece of advice I’ve heard for a long time. Thank you so much.

[williamd]

This method really works. It tunes the body to the bike instead of the other way around and takes into account physical variability amongst riders. Neil Stanbury, thank you for your expert and thoughtful videos on bike fitting. I've learned a lot, and it has enabled me to dial in a more comfortable riding experience.

[aleksandrisaykin]

Thanks guys, I set the saddle height after your videos using this method this summer on my mtb bike.
My back pain disappeared after that and the comfort made me go some faster! :)
Also, the saddle became more comfortable and the pelvis is no longer skewed.
p.s. Before that, the saddle was set very high on the bike-fit specialized body geometry....

[renegadeflyer]

I've have done something similar. I have started a bit low and then moved it up until I started rocking or felt like I my feet were reaching for the pedals and then move it down. It's a good starting point, for the next few weeks, I took a multi tool along for the ride in my back pocket, for some experimental changes until I was very happy with it.

[verdeboyo]

Hey, there is a massive overload here on youtube regarding correct seat height. I have been overwhelmed with it all, but your simple method is spot-on, I've been doing it this way for years after being told nobody has two 100% equal length legs. It is just so nice when I see that I've 'sort of' been doing it right-ish all these years. Ive never had a pro bike-fit done before and don't think I seriously need one, but I do see how important they are especially for new riders that know nothing at all about setting up a bike. Cheers👍🏻

[SignorLuigi]

I can verify that for me this method did work quite well! In fact, I first became aware that my left leg was shorter than my right when applying the method to both my left and right heels. At the height that just kept my right heel on the pedal, my left heel was off the pedal by a good number of millimeters. Shims on my left cleat solved that problem.

[ScanMyDBarcode]

Thank you! Yes! My bike feels so much better! Granted I've only been on one 40-minute ride since the change, but so far so good.

I bought a bike last fall and I've been trying to fit it because of hand discomfort & numbness, left leg discomfort, and saddle-area pain around 60-70 minutes into every ride. I thought the local bike shop set my saddle height correctly so I didn't consider it. But I could not find a saddle set-back that would work without discomfort or felt "right." When I tried this technique (1:00), my heel didn't touch the pedal by 12mm or so, which is about how much lower the saddle is overall now to not get that weird little knee-snapping-back ("chopping") when the saddle was too high. The chopping was subtle, but noticeable. How have I not noticed it for the last 6 months of riding?! Now to fine tune it all.

[kulasoyzurc]

Maintained a 26km/h average on a 134km 1000m elevation ride with my fixed gear after using this method. This really helped me

[francisdomdom]

Thank you for a detailed bikefitting videos I've learned a lot

[gauguin]

I’ll give it a go, getting some pain behind right knee. Left knee is fine.

[Terrierized]

Onya Neill, it's on my to do list for the holidays. ✅

[tarajones-legros]

It was trying this that revealed, to my surprise, that my right leg is at least 5mm shorter than my left. With my left heel reaching the pedal with a straight leg, my right heel couldn’t touch the right pedal! Then came the proper shims, G8 insoles and my saddle down 20 mm from before. Previously, apparently my left leg was just along for the ride as I am right-leg dominant. Now, all is corrected. Both legs under total control and both contributing. Oh, and my saddle issues went away. Bonus!!

[JustinCrediblename]

I never would have guessed that this video would have been this interesting

[TheBarts]

Take also into account that saddle discomfort can also occur when the seat is too high. Shafing in the groin for instance.

[persvedensten]

Thank you! I have felt that I was sitting a bit low after relying on the heal on pedal method. So I have just spent an hour on my indoor trainer and trying out the seat hight. I ended up 12 mm higher and it felt like a more efficient position. I know plan to fine tune during the coming weeks but there is no way I am going back to the previous position.

[alexandresilva]

Great videos mate. Thanks. What’s the best cadence to feel the choppiness?

[realitybites]

Interestingly, I felt that twitch on the bottom of the crank when I pedalled. Didn't know that it's because it was high. Thanks Neil & Cam!

[global_nomad.]

not heard this explanation before, but sounds solid...

[timwolf]

Ever since I heard you talk about AVVs saddle height I’ve been watching her closely and geez it’s interesting to see his high it is. I think she suffered uphill the other day because of it. It must be hard to convince them but the proof is right there isn’t it

[James-zuij]

I find if you can waggle your knee back and forth 13 to 14 cm when you are at the bottom, then you are in the ballpark.