The correct saddle position is important when cycling. The correct saddle height lets you use your muscles most efficiently. The wrong saddle position can result in knee injury.Follow this Step by Step Guide to Getting It Right then go for a ride and see how it feels. Re-adjust as neccessary.There is also a Mathematical MethodHeight
Lean the bike against something solid e.g. a wall
Put on the shoes you wear for cycling
Set the pedal at its lowest position
Adjust the saddle so that with your heel on the pedal, your leg is straight
This is your approximate saddle height
Tighten the Bolt
With the ball of your foot on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent. Any further adjustments should be small ones i.e - 5mm at a time.
Forward or Back
Having your saddle too far back or too far forward can also cause knee pain...
Set the cranks horizontal (in line with the floor...)
Sit on the bike - get your botty comfortable
Put your front foot in the pedalling position - ball of the foot over the pedal axle
Adjust the saddle until the front of your kneecap is also positioned directly above the pedal axle
Use a plumb-line if you need to, held to the front of your kneecap to help you judge.
With the correct saddle position there should be no rocking of the hips (rocking means that the saddle is too high.
The saddle should be level for most cyclists. Some cyclists prefer a slightly nose-down position. The saddle should never be nose-up - this puts pressure on nerves and soft tissues 'Down There' - Not Good!
NOTE
I have used the above method for years to set my own and other peoples saddle positions. If you read enough books about it, you will find some slight differences in method. Some are listed here so that you can make your own mind up!
JB Wadley, Cycling, Macmillan, 1975
Recommends setting saddle height using method above but without shoes. R Ballantine, Richard's New Bicycle Book, Pan Books, 1990
Recommends method as above. He also says that inside leg measurement X 1.09 will give the correct saddle height. L Woodland, The CTC Book of Cycle Touring, Crowood Press, 1995
No shoes on to set height. Front/back position set with top of kneecap directly above the pedal axle.
