Thanks for the help. Even after the video I couldn't find proper alignment, so I just ended up taking the seat off. Now I just squat right over the shaft. It took a little getting used to at first, but it's breaking in nice.
I find these saddles very uncomfortable. I am 75 and my genitals are under constant pressure. Please give a diagram of where should one sit to go a long way. I believe saddle geometry needs to be totally redone, because the uncalled for protrusion in the front is a hassle for old men with dangling scrotum.
Fellas, I made a 10mm adjustment on my seat post. Didn't feel like I was toeing down previously but my hands were getting fatigued. And I leveled the seat to zero horizontal. Unbelievable change! I've been cycling for 30+ years. Next time I'm in the UK, I'm making an appt. Seriously, thank you.
I juat wanna say back in August on the basis of these these bike-fit videos, I bought a Selle Italia Boost SLR Superflow and have found it to be wonderful. I'm thankful for these videos.
I was born and raised in New Jersey (USA) and I talk fast. I am not in the same league as Francis and James. Love the subject matter and expertise in all the videos even if I have to pause and go back a couple of times. Keep up the good work and Happy New Year to all.
I have to give credits to James and Francis here ! Great content on the bike fit Tuesdays. I love cycling, but always had some issues due to physiology, had some bike fits, but they were basically all crap. Unfortunately I can't afford to travel to the UK just for a fit, and (understandibly) James does not do "zoom" bike fits. Still, following the tips here, I was able to experiment with my position (and more important shoes) and am now almost pain free and having the most fun on the bike ever ! I can't thank you guys enough for this !
Another great video from Francis and James. James is such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenter I am happy to watch even if I don’t have any issues with the current episodes subject matter. I do actually get a sore butt after about 1.5/2.0 hours of riding and find that if I just stand up for 20-30 seconds it relieves it-probably just blood flow-unless James knows different?
Love these videos so much. I have several bikes for specific purposes (gravel bike packing, road touring, city grocery getter) and for years I have been trying to dial them in with one bike feeling amazing to ride and the others becoming torture quite quickly. Watching your fit videos help me make more educated adjustments to make each bike fit for purpose instead of trying to make every bike a (less comfortable) mirror of my old road bike. I'm cursed with having average legs, a short torso and gorilla arms, no standard bike out there fits me well. It was incredibly frustrating because I'm a trained bike mechanic but proper fit was never really something I learned.
Such great info! Not certain I know how to apply it, but it educates me more than I was 30 min ago. I am a Bike Pro in Texas. I was racing in MT on a new bike and saddle and at mile 24 I stopped my bike on side of highway in the middle of the race and ripped my bike shorts down and gave myself an inspection to see what the heck was goin on down there (spectators were thrilled)... decided to pullout of race get to phone and called a DR! Saddle had excessive padding. Get fitted later and told I need a Power Comp 168mm,,, too wide! It did however cure my soft tissue issues, but made riding obviously sub-optimal. My sitbone width has now been measured over 50 times using everything from cardboard and tinfoil to a Ratul machine and every contraption inbetween and I measure 111-118mm depending on which Vudu contraption you believe . So that is according to Ratul a 143 saddle or almost a 155 saddle. The 143 saddles make me feel like I am going to fall off the side so I am on a 155 as of this week. Because just like James said I cannot get my saddle tilt correct I find myself sitting off to one side because my "boys" can't find a happy place in the middle. I stuck with Specialized and decided that when I road the 155 Power Comp (in parkiing lot) that my hamstrings still rubbed wings of saddle, so I had been told the Power Comp was laterally flat, but a Power Arc was rounded and so one was a "plank" and one was a "log" feel... I went with the log feel thinking it would help with the hamstrings not hitting the wings. I am now on the 155 Power Arc Expert and it has a flared up rear which makes me tend to slide forward... ugh... anyhoo like James said (notice a "like James said" pattern here!) my sit position is more of a constant compromise to avoid this or that... I am going to level the "middle third" of the saddle tomorrow and see if that cures things and see if my saddle it too high as I run it a little high because likeJamessaid some of us went a bought a bike that is too big for us and if my knees are too bent I get knee pain... the journey with the Marquis de Sade continues... thanks James for all your help!
I've bought Topstone 3 last year with some random setup and as you've mentioned it comes with the 42cm bar. I've followed your advices today. Now I can use the drops and reach the break levers. My royal behind is sitting more comfortably on the 145mm Sella seat , back and elbows are relaxed. There is a huge difference my posture with those simple tweaks ( far from a professional fit ). I am yet to test the new setup on a long ride but it does feel better on my indoor trainer. Thank you !
I wish you were much closer to me (Las Vegas), because I'd book an appointment in a heartbeat. This is only the second video I've watched here, and I absolutely love what I see. Thank you!
I wish I lived closer to James as I would surely drop by. About saddle type, I find pressure relief channels very uncomfortable as a result of pressure concentration along the girth of the channel itself. I'm now very comfy with flat saddle without channel.
Thanks for the good info, James! Wonder if you might consider addressing the benefits and drawbacks of using a leather saddle. I switched to a Selle Italia leather saddle a few years ago, and it's been a game-changer.
Well, apparently the Selle Italia Boost SLR is good and James mentioned it twice. So, i had to go and get one and, how do i say this, it is indeed pretty nice! Saddle is sorted :D
I love this info. I'm a casual rider, done a fair bit of bike commuting, off and on roads and light dirt and gravel, and I've been using the surprisingly solid included saddle that came with my 2012 cannondale quick 4. That being said, getting a slightly longer handlebar, mainly to better fit my shoulder width, with the same rise and sweep made a world of difference with general fit and then updating to slightly shorter cranks, 170 from 185, also helped a lot. It let me get the saddle in a good position, but also let me identify what I wanted to change about it. The transition from the seat to the nose looked a lot like the fabric scoop and always felt a bit in the way and the side to side rounder shape wasn't comfortable for me. Though technically a short nose saddle, I'm liking some of the wtb options as their wide is great fit and that nose transition cuts in a bit sharper and just seems to get out of the way, which means I feel like I can get into a solid position with it for regular pedaling. Your explanations have helped kinda put the pieces together with understanding the what and why of the various pieces and saddle shape issues coming together.
I am a 138 pound male at 5'5" and found the SMP evolution (2* nose down) to be the most comfortable saddle for me, despite their attitude towards the SMP's.
What I really like about the SMP Dynamic is the fact that it does not allow for any kind of wrong positioning on the saddle. It is like a vise that gives you a more or less gives fixed position to craddle yourself into and I guess that is why it needs to be setup with more care than other saddles. All other issues that usually cause saddle-problems can then be sorted out as you will feel them instantly because you can't compensate any longer for them by slipping and twisting on the saddle. In the end, with bike, shoes and everything else adjusted properly, you can then even go back to something more conventional and less cringeworthy looking if you feel so inclined.
I have a Selle Italia pro link genuine gel saddle without pressure relief chanel (but with a soft part where normally pressure channel is). First saddle on my first road bike, I've been using it for years and it has served me well, no problems at all and actually quite comfortable for me. My hips are crazy flexible rotating outwards but longitudinal axis is limited somehow. I do run it quite forwards, yes I know this adds pressure to my handlebars but I ride fine like that. I don't know why it feels good so I'm probably keeping this saddle and possibly shapewise very similar saddles on my future N+1 bikes (maybe yes with a pressure relief channel)!
On saddle width, I agree with the assessment and I think the main problem is the lateral curvature across many saddle designs. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the 'effective' width (i'm not sure if that's a real term or not), i.e. the width of the saddle utilised between the sit bones You talked about the curve of the saddle nose to tail, but not laterally and I think that's where a lot of issues/confusion with saddle width arise. Let's say you had a saddle that was pan-flat laterally, in this case a 135 might work for you. If you then switched to a 135 that was curved across its width, your sit bones are going to sit lower on the wings and then the middle pushes up into you soft tissues, so it seems like you need a 145. Does this make sense?
About 2am on Sunday morning I had a new insight about bike position. Straighten the abdomen. I'd had my first ever cluster of gallstones over about 14 days after 25 years of having them 2 or 3 times a year. On Friday, I suddenly thought to force myself into ten press-ups, kettle swings, plank, back to press-ups, etc. After a few sets, gallstones vanished. Felt fantastic. Did same on Sunday night but gallstones popped out after one set of press-ups! Googled it and got papers from Swedish Journal of Gastroenterology based on studies of huge numbers of men in Korea. Sitting, crunched up (as in curled up on bike which used to trigger gallstones occasionally) stops the bile flowing. Stretching the abdomen straight while pumping away in an effort (press-ups, planks, kettles, bike) is amazingly helpful. It will affect how I modify my bike set up this week (will build an adjustable jig based on a fit of about 20 years ago and work the jig measurements in relation to whatever works for straight abdomen). Aiming for 100km per day for a week as a test. Then will think about a new pro fit, being 67 now
It's not a beginner's video, but it's full of hot and useful information. I'm kind of a micro-adjuster of my bike, and know that a few centimeters is the distance from heaven to hell in bike riding, with pain, inflammation and etc. Great video.
Incredible video absolute genius stuff. One of the best explanations one can find on RUclips currently. Superb stuff keep it up need more videos from You two gents.
@JamesThomas, @bicyclerichmond love your videos. Went from Spez Power Arc 143mm to a Pro Griffon Team 142mm and the change in comfort was immediate as well as pressure on my hands/hoods virtually gone. Also went for a 38cm width bar and it's a match made in heaven. I've always had a 42, then a 40 and after your vids a 38....hooray! Thanks for all the tips!
This was super helpful. I’ve been on a Fizik Arione for many years and definitely get numbness on any ride of around an hour or more unless I consciously move right back on the saddle and get on my sit bones, and sit more upright, exactly the type of ‘compensation’ you’ve described. So I think I need a bike fit to check my position first and possible cut out saddle to get comfy.
Great vid - lots of saddle adjustments to play with in 2022. What’s your opinion on Garmin’s Cycling Dynamics? I use their Vector 3 double-sided power meters, and would like a better understanding of the power phase and platform center offset measurements, and how it relates to bike fit. Hope everyone has a happy New Year!
More really informative content, teaching me a lot about the complexities of setting a bike up correctly. There's a very good chance I'll be booking myself a session with James in the new year to benefit from his undoubted skills in this area.
The biggest difference and improvement I've had with saddle comfort was changing the saddle angle. My seat was level from front to back, when i lowered fhe front part immediate improvement. Been adjusting to find the right angle that is just right, I have adjusted height and forward and backward position.
Very useful video again. What about the „rule“ that you should be able to lift your hand up from the handlebars whilst pedalling an be balanced (don‘t feel the urge to get back down on the handlebars)? What about advice on saddle width based on pressure measurement on the bike? On the „make selling things more scientific“ thing: Wherever I see simplified measuring devices and a wall with „pick one of 3“ products behind it, I will leave the store. 2 real bike fits, before and after buying the bike were a real eye-opener.
I think there was a small mis-spoken spot at 5:38 I believe you meant to say "need more setback". Your hand gesture align with this, and you previously discussed less setback at 5:18 so it would make logical sense to then cover more setback.
The Selle SMP TRK honestly changed my biking life. Maybe it looks silly, maybe some people think it does not belong on a road bike, but damnit it just works for me. I have no idea how people can ride on these flat saddles that come with most road bikes.
Your videos are always loaded with great information / recommendations one query regarding saddle tilt. You mention measuring across the saddle from rear to tip with a maximum 1-2 degrees of downward tilt for some saddles this could result in saddle nose tilting up slightly if measured from centre.
Excellent video - I'm amazed how much was covered in the time; lots of great tips. However, WRT SMP saddles, I personally tend to run saddles quite rearward so they make my life easier as I don't need such offset posts. For me the angle is super critical, though once it's set all is good. Yeah, they look a bit odd, but when you're sitting on them you can't see them. If I'm ever in the UK again I might well visit. ;-)
Great learning this way, I will defenitly use your tips conserning the shoes... luckily for you I live in Flanders, otherwise you would have to throw me out of your shop before closing...seriously, job well done... 👍🏻👍🏻
Keeping all in mind you told us about shoes I purshased a pair of GAERNE HURRICANES MTB/Gravel shoes....thx again for the excellent educational vid...👍🏻
Great stuff Francis and James! Thanks for sharing your know-how and and more importantly explaining the reasoning behind it. I was wondering how you go about defining a reference point on saddles for measuring saddle height/set back. There seem to be different approaches that lead to mixed results in terms of consistency. Selle Italia came up with their BRP (where the saddle reaches a width of 70 mm) which is supposed to work for most saddle brands!? Others suggest finding the widest point of the saddle +5mm towards the nose - because this is where the sitbones are. These methods are certainly better than just measuring along the seat post, but I am curious what your thoughts are for establishing a reference point to replicate the same saddle position across different saddle shapes and brands. Cheers!
The Deda seatpost shown is not 25 mm setback but 12 mm, I have one and I really like it so far, nice middle ground especially for steeper seat tube angles.
On my steel road bike once I start to tire a bit I find Im too far forward on the saddle and despite repeatedly moving back on the saddle I keep finding myself too far forward again, i.e. although it's more comfortable further back I keep sliding forward. Ive tried adjusting the angle etc but it doesn't help. My back ends up aching, there's too much weight on my hands and I get neck issues. Saddle tilt is level.This still after a local bike fit. It's a brooks B17 special saddle (well broken in by now) which Im guessing might be part of the the problem but it does look great on that bike ;)
Some things I’ve noticed in my personal setting up is that if the seat is lower or , I sit far back it messes with my ability to breath properly especially when climbing (which is a huge issue as it helps me climb faster and not blow up into a long climb).... when I used smaller cranks this was less an issue. Also I found there is a sweet spot for me with height and set back where I can get a good lift on the up stroke at the same time a good push down on the down stroke, it seems to be where the the load is spread fairy evenly between the glutes, hamstrings and quads.
Wonderfully practical. Hearing more from James about troubleshooting various issues, like ulnar nerve pain, how people ride in the fit studio vs real life, and maybe the future of AI bike fit tech would be insightful.
How honest, practical, informative & appropriate todays BFT was 👏 Such sound advice and tips👌...... Francis, you'll have get James up to the Toon for a few days in 2022 ( just say its a "cycling holiday" 😉).
my current saddle I get on with is the specailzied power arc pro version. It seems to have cut the transition width down its about the same length of 240mm vs the non arc power version so 8 mm shorter then the 248 of the slr boost. but for now my but has no issues with it
I don't really know what it means, but I put an inexpensive Selle San Marco short saddle with a cutout on my Bianchi Oltre in place of the longer one that came with the bike. It's much more comfortable, I find, so now I'm thinking of trying the SLR boost that is similarly contoured. Since the San Marco is such a good fit, however, and I don't need to worry about weight or racing, I'm also inclined to just keep with what's working. If a saddle for 25 pounds is comfortable, though, in the end it's my bum that has to ride on it.
I have an SMH on 2 of 3 bikes. I had it dialed in relatively quickly. I haven't had numbness since. The 3rd has a Brooks, but it's low my low mileage classic.
Great video. James, I have a question - have you ever fitted SQLab 612/611 saddle? It's surface looks like divide into three "shelves". I wonder what's your opinion about that saddle and how you would fit it for endurance bike and an individual with short massive torso and long legs :)
Hi, Francis! Thank you for all the content!!! This isn't related, but would you be able to do a power meter video? I'm not sure if there are only a few that are actually good and I should focus on. Thanks!
Thanks for the help. Even after the video I couldn't find proper alignment, so I just ended up taking the seat off. Now I just squat right over the shaft. It took a little getting used to at first, but it's breaking in nice.
I find these saddles very uncomfortable. I am 75 and my genitals are under constant pressure. Please give a diagram of where should one sit to go a long way. I believe saddle geometry needs to be totally redone, because the uncalled for protrusion in the front is a hassle for old men with dangling scrotum.
On UK roads?! God help you when you hit a pot hole 😳
Grease the shaft
Lmao. 😂
Fellas, I made a 10mm adjustment on my seat post. Didn't feel like I was toeing down previously but my hands were getting fatigued. And I leveled the seat to zero horizontal. Unbelievable change! I've been cycling for 30+ years. Next time I'm in the UK, I'm making an appt. Seriously, thank you.
These BikeFitTuesdays videos are so informative and well presented - thank you for all the info you share!
Thanks for watching Tommy 👍
Mary Spender! Weird how two separate circles come together. She's a fantastic guitarist for those who haven't heard of her
Seen her often on Anderson's guitar channel, very surprised to see her here... without a guitar!
Same! Didn't know she's a road bike enthusiast.
I thought I was going crazy 🤣
I juat wanna say back in August on the basis of these these bike-fit videos, I bought a Selle Italia Boost SLR Superflow and have found it to be wonderful. I'm thankful for these videos.
curious, did you buy the 130 or 145mm version? and how large of a human are you? :)
@@consistentwinner 145, I'm 181cm tall and I have I'd say above average width hips for a guy my height.
I have learned more about setting up my bike from these videos than anyone I've found. Because of this I'm enjoying my road bike more than ever.
💪👍
I was born and raised in New Jersey (USA) and I talk fast. I am not in the same league as Francis and James. Love the subject matter and expertise in all the videos even if I have to pause and go back a couple of times. Keep up the good work and Happy New Year to all.
You are great at explaining things, and you're little story interjections are refreshingly funny. I love your videos, please keep them coming
More useful stuff from James, saddle is the only area I still need to perfect. A revisit to James will be on the cards for next year. 👍
So many bike fit videos talk down to the viewer...repeating, ad nauseum, "it's beyond the scope of this video." This is so clear and helpful. Cheers
I have had several bike fits over the years and watch a lot of videos. Your videos are very descriptive and just make sense.
I enjoy very much to hear this guy talking.
He knows what he is talking about. No cliche here, only deep experience!
I have to give credits to James and Francis here ! Great content on the bike fit Tuesdays. I love cycling, but always had some issues due to physiology, had some bike fits, but they were basically all crap. Unfortunately I can't afford to travel to the UK just for a fit, and (understandibly) James does not do "zoom" bike fits.
Still, following the tips here, I was able to experiment with my position (and more important shoes) and am now almost pain free and having the most fun on the bike ever !
I can't thank you guys enough for this !
Another great video from Francis and James. James is such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenter I am happy to watch even if I don’t have any issues with the current episodes subject matter. I do actually get a sore butt after about 1.5/2.0 hours of riding and find that if I just stand up for 20-30 seconds it relieves it-probably just blood flow-unless James knows different?
Maybe do some sciatic nerve stretching, it helped me a lot.
Best bike fitting channel by a mile.
Always really informative and very well explained.
Love these videos so much. I have several bikes for specific purposes (gravel bike packing, road touring, city grocery getter) and for years I have been trying to dial them in with one bike feeling amazing to ride and the others becoming torture quite quickly. Watching your fit videos help me make more educated adjustments to make each bike fit for purpose instead of trying to make every bike a (less comfortable) mirror of my old road bike. I'm cursed with having average legs, a short torso and gorilla arms, no standard bike out there fits me well. It was incredibly frustrating because I'm a trained bike mechanic but proper fit was never really something I learned.
In a world with so many idiotic bike fitters, it’s wonderful to hear from James who is truly helpful. Thank you so much.
These are always so well done. Please have more James on days other than Tuesday.
It's crazy how all your videos are jam-packed with top quality info. Simply invaluable. Thanks for sharing!
Such great info! Not certain I know how to apply it, but it educates me more than I was 30 min ago. I am a Bike Pro in Texas. I was racing in MT on a new bike and saddle and at mile 24 I stopped my bike on side of highway in the middle of the race and ripped my bike shorts down and gave myself an inspection to see what the heck was goin on down there (spectators were thrilled)... decided to pullout of race get to phone and called a DR! Saddle had excessive padding. Get fitted later and told I need a Power Comp 168mm,,, too wide! It did however cure my soft tissue issues, but made riding obviously sub-optimal. My sitbone width has now been measured over 50 times using everything from cardboard and tinfoil to a Ratul machine and every contraption inbetween and I measure 111-118mm depending on which Vudu contraption you believe . So that is according to Ratul a 143 saddle or almost a 155 saddle. The 143 saddles make me feel like I am going to fall off the side so I am on a 155 as of this week. Because just like James said I cannot get my saddle tilt correct I find myself sitting off to one side because my "boys" can't find a happy place in the middle. I stuck with Specialized and decided that when I road the 155 Power Comp (in parkiing lot) that my hamstrings still rubbed wings of saddle, so I had been told the Power Comp was laterally flat, but a Power Arc was rounded and so one was a "plank" and one was a "log" feel... I went with the log feel thinking it would help with the hamstrings not hitting the wings. I am now on the 155 Power Arc Expert and it has a flared up rear which makes me tend to slide forward... ugh... anyhoo like James said (notice a "like James said" pattern here!) my sit position is more of a constant compromise to avoid this or that... I am going to level the "middle third" of the saddle tomorrow and see if that cures things and see if my saddle it too high as I run it a little high because likeJamessaid some of us went a bought a bike that is too big for us and if my knees are too bent I get knee pain... the journey with the Marquis de Sade continues... thanks James for all your help!
Sounds like you need slightly shorter cranks
I've bought Topstone 3 last year with some random setup and as you've mentioned it comes with the 42cm bar. I've followed your advices today. Now I can use the drops and reach the break levers. My royal behind is sitting more comfortably on the 145mm Sella seat , back and elbows are relaxed. There is a huge difference my posture with those simple tweaks ( far from a professional fit ). I am yet to test the new setup on a long ride but it does feel better on my indoor trainer. Thank you !
I wish you were much closer to me (Las Vegas), because I'd book an appointment in a heartbeat. This is only the second video I've watched here, and I absolutely love what I see. Thank you!
I wish I lived closer to James as I would surely drop by.
About saddle type, I find pressure relief channels very uncomfortable as a result of pressure concentration along the girth of the channel itself. I'm now very comfy with flat saddle without channel.
How cool y'all had Mary Spender on the fit machine. She's so talented. Love her music vids.
Thanks for the good info, James! Wonder if you might consider addressing the benefits and drawbacks of using a leather saddle. I switched to a Selle Italia leather saddle a few years ago, and it's been a game-changer.
Well, apparently the Selle Italia Boost SLR is good and James mentioned it twice. So, i had to go and get one and, how do i say this, it is indeed pretty nice! Saddle is sorted :D
Check first which one is the right fue you I have the 130 mm switch to 145 mm try them both see and
I love this info. I'm a casual rider, done a fair bit of bike commuting, off and on roads and light dirt and gravel, and I've been using the surprisingly solid included saddle that came with my 2012 cannondale quick 4. That being said, getting a slightly longer handlebar, mainly to better fit my shoulder width, with the same rise and sweep made a world of difference with general fit and then updating to slightly shorter cranks, 170 from 185, also helped a lot. It let me get the saddle in a good position, but also let me identify what I wanted to change about it. The transition from the seat to the nose looked a lot like the fabric scoop and always felt a bit in the way and the side to side rounder shape wasn't comfortable for me. Though technically a short nose saddle, I'm liking some of the wtb options as their wide is great fit and that nose transition cuts in a bit sharper and just seems to get out of the way, which means I feel like I can get into a solid position with it for regular pedaling. Your explanations have helped kinda put the pieces together with understanding the what and why of the various pieces and saddle shape issues coming together.
I am a 138 pound male at 5'5" and found the SMP evolution (2* nose down) to be the most comfortable saddle for me, despite their attitude towards the SMP's.
What I really like about the SMP Dynamic is the fact that it does not allow for any kind of wrong positioning on the saddle. It is like a vise that gives you a more or less gives fixed position to craddle yourself into and I guess that is why it needs to be setup with more care than other saddles. All other issues that usually cause saddle-problems can then be sorted out as you will feel them instantly because you can't compensate any longer for them by slipping and twisting on the saddle. In the end, with bike, shoes and everything else adjusted properly, you can then even go back to something more conventional and less cringeworthy looking if you feel so inclined.
clear, concise, precise. I wish i can be as eloquent as James. Thanks for these content
Only started watching these the other day, hooked by them. Excellent information
I have a Selle Italia pro link genuine gel saddle without pressure relief chanel (but with a soft part where normally pressure channel is).
First saddle on my first road bike, I've been using it for years and it has served me well, no problems at all and actually quite comfortable for me. My hips are crazy flexible rotating outwards but longitudinal axis is limited somehow.
I do run it quite forwards, yes I know this adds pressure to my handlebars but I ride fine like that. I don't know why it feels good so I'm probably keeping this saddle and possibly shapewise very similar saddles on my future N+1 bikes (maybe yes with a pressure relief channel)!
On saddle width, I agree with the assessment and I think the main problem is the lateral curvature across many saddle designs. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the 'effective' width (i'm not sure if that's a real term or not), i.e. the width of the saddle utilised between the sit bones
You talked about the curve of the saddle nose to tail, but not laterally and I think that's where a lot of issues/confusion with saddle width arise. Let's say you had a saddle that was pan-flat laterally, in this case a 135 might work for you. If you then switched to a 135 that was curved across its width, your sit bones are going to sit lower on the wings and then the middle pushes up into you soft tissues, so it seems like you need a 145. Does this make sense?
About 2am on Sunday morning I had a new insight about bike position. Straighten the abdomen. I'd had my first ever cluster of gallstones over about 14 days after 25 years of having them 2 or 3 times a year. On Friday, I suddenly thought to force myself into ten press-ups, kettle swings, plank, back to press-ups, etc. After a few sets, gallstones vanished. Felt fantastic. Did same on Sunday night but gallstones popped out after one set of press-ups! Googled it and got papers from Swedish Journal of Gastroenterology based on studies of huge numbers of men in Korea. Sitting, crunched up (as in curled up on bike which used to trigger gallstones occasionally) stops the bile flowing. Stretching the abdomen straight while pumping away in an effort (press-ups, planks, kettles, bike) is amazingly helpful. It will affect how I modify my bike set up this week (will build an adjustable jig based on a fit of about 20 years ago and work the jig measurements in relation to whatever works for straight abdomen). Aiming for 100km per day for a week as a test. Then will think about a new pro fit, being 67 now
This was the best saddle video I have ever seen!!! Thank you so much!!!
and that is why james is a legend...
It's not a beginner's video, but it's full of hot and useful information. I'm kind of a micro-adjuster of my bike, and know that a few centimeters is the distance from heaven to hell in bike riding, with pain, inflammation and etc. Great video.
Incredible video absolute genius stuff.
One of the best explanations one can find on RUclips currently.
Superb stuff keep it up need more videos from You two gents.
Would love to see a video on Q factor as I’m thinking about buy the assioma shi but are unsure due to the Q factor
We have a video on q factor here! ruclips.net/video/VXH9oXoJeOc/видео.html
@JamesThomas, @bicyclerichmond love your videos. Went from Spez Power Arc 143mm to a Pro Griffon Team 142mm and the change in comfort was immediate as well as pressure on my hands/hoods virtually gone. Also went for a 38cm width bar and it's a match made in heaven. I've always had a 42, then a 40 and after your vids a 38....hooray! Thanks for all the tips!
You still on the griffon?
@@hankschrader2353 I am. Still going well.
James’ content is always on point, easily one of the best on cycling fitting on the Tube! I’ve learned a lot!
I love my short saddle, prologo scratch m5, eliminated leg rubbing, feels great
Easily the best saddle video out there.
This was super helpful. I’ve been on a Fizik Arione for many years and definitely get numbness on any ride of around an hour or more unless I consciously move right back on the saddle and get on my sit bones, and sit more upright, exactly the type of ‘compensation’ you’ve described. So I think I need a bike fit to check my position first and possible cut out saddle to get comfy.
Brilliantly explained
Any thoughts on 'BiSaddle'? It's a saddle of two halves that can be 'infinitely' adjusted for width, channel size and nose width.
Was totally NOT expecting to see Mary Spender in a bike fit video! 🎸
James has surprisingly good comedic timing.
Whoa! Bonus content from Mary Spender the guitar lady? Would love to see her ride with Francis up north.
Yep. The straight seat post has worked a treat for me since James made that adjustment. Top man 👍
You're awesome. I'm binge watching a ton of your videos right now 😆
Great Job James, You have pointed me in the right direction Soo many times!!!! and Thanks too Francis!!!
Great vid - lots of saddle adjustments to play with in 2022. What’s your opinion on Garmin’s Cycling Dynamics? I use their Vector 3 double-sided power meters, and would like a better understanding of the power phase and platform center offset measurements, and how it relates to bike fit. Hope everyone has a happy New Year!
Wonderful stuff Francis & James! Absolutely loving how much insight and experiences you guys are sharing and much appreciated. Keep them coming!
How do you decide between the L3 and S3 boost saddle if you are unable to get to a bike fitter?
More really informative content, teaching me a lot about the complexities of setting a bike up correctly. There's a very good chance I'll be booking myself a session with James in the new year to benefit from his undoubted skills in this area.
Would be great to have a TT/Triathlon specific bike fit video! 👌🏼
The biggest difference and improvement I've had with saddle comfort was changing the saddle angle. My seat was level from front to back, when i lowered fhe front part immediate improvement. Been adjusting to find the right angle that is just right, I have adjusted height and forward and backward position.
I'm watching videos about bike fitment and start to watch this one and then randomly see Mary Spender who I follow for guitar tips!
Very useful video again. What about the „rule“ that you should be able to lift your hand up from the handlebars whilst pedalling an be balanced (don‘t feel the urge to get back down on the handlebars)? What about advice on saddle width based on pressure measurement on the bike?
On the „make selling things more scientific“ thing: Wherever I see simplified measuring devices and a wall with „pick one of 3“ products behind it, I will leave the store. 2 real bike fits, before and after buying the bike were a real eye-opener.
I think there was a small mis-spoken spot at 5:38
I believe you meant to say "need more setback". Your hand gesture align with this, and you previously discussed less setback at 5:18 so it would make logical sense to then cover more setback.
Yep, I have a short torso and short legs so I have a zero setback seatpost. Yay to my fitter!
It's almost worth flying to the UK to get a fit with James. Great tips and info.
Lots of people have!
Thanks for watching 👍
The Selle SMP TRK honestly changed my biking life. Maybe it looks silly, maybe some people think it does not belong on a road bike, but damnit it just works for me. I have no idea how people can ride on these flat saddles that come with most road bikes.
Solid watch game James, love speedy on leather.
At 5:39, did he mean to say "more" set-back (as the gesture indicated)?
Your videos are always loaded with great information / recommendations one query regarding saddle tilt. You mention measuring across the saddle from rear to tip with a maximum 1-2 degrees of downward tilt for some saddles this could result in saddle nose tilting up slightly if measured from centre.
Excellent video - I'm amazed how much was covered in the time; lots of great tips. However, WRT SMP saddles, I personally tend to run saddles quite rearward so they make my life easier as I don't need such offset posts. For me the angle is super critical, though once it's set all is good. Yeah, they look a bit odd, but when you're sitting on them you can't see them. If I'm ever in the UK again I might well visit. ;-)
I found the same...the shape tends to mess with your perception of angle....once set correctly they work great.
Im so ready for bicycle. richmond James approved certification. Lol
The S3 saddle is 130mm wide (not 135) according to Selle Italia website. The L3 is 145mm.
Great learning this way, I will defenitly use your tips conserning the shoes... luckily for you I live in Flanders, otherwise you would have to throw me out of your shop before closing...seriously, job well done... 👍🏻👍🏻
Keeping all in mind you told us about shoes I purshased a pair of GAERNE HURRICANES MTB/Gravel shoes....thx again for the excellent educational vid...👍🏻
Great stuff Francis and James! Thanks for sharing your know-how and and more importantly explaining the reasoning behind it. I was wondering how you go about defining a reference point on saddles for measuring saddle height/set back. There seem to be different approaches that lead to mixed results in terms of consistency. Selle Italia came up with their BRP (where the saddle reaches a width of 70 mm) which is supposed to work for most saddle brands!? Others suggest finding the widest point of the saddle +5mm towards the nose - because this is where the sitbones are. These methods are certainly better than just measuring along the seat post, but I am curious what your thoughts are for establishing a reference point to replicate the same saddle position across different saddle shapes and brands. Cheers!
Great informative vlog from James. Thanks.
Miss the videos with James
The Deda seatpost shown is not 25 mm setback but 12 mm, I have one and I really like it so far, nice middle ground especially for steeper seat tube angles.
On my steel road bike once I start to tire a bit I find Im too far forward on the saddle and despite repeatedly moving back on the saddle I keep finding myself too far forward again, i.e. although it's more comfortable further back I keep sliding forward. Ive tried adjusting the angle etc but it doesn't help. My back ends up aching, there's too much weight on my hands and I get neck issues. Saddle tilt is level.This still after a local bike fit. It's a brooks B17 special saddle (well broken in by now) which Im guessing might be part of the the problem but it does look great on that bike ;)
An Selle SMP TRK saddle worked for me....but yes the position has to be spot on.
Every now and then my RUclips worlds collide. Crazy seeing Mary in here lol
Anyone know the saddle brand referenced at 9:00 ? That is based on the rider posterior tilting
Some things I’ve noticed in my personal setting up is that if the seat is lower or , I sit far back it messes with my ability to breath properly especially when climbing (which is a huge issue as it helps me climb faster and not blow up into a long climb).... when I used smaller cranks this was less an issue. Also I found there is a sweet spot for me with height and set back where I can get a good lift on the up stroke at the same time a good push down on the down stroke, it seems to be where the the load is spread fairy evenly between the glutes, hamstrings and quads.
Wonderfully practical. Hearing more from James about troubleshooting various issues, like ulnar nerve pain, how people ride in the fit studio vs real life, and maybe the future of AI bike fit tech would be insightful.
When I heard Mary Spender, I immediately thought of the musician, but figured it couldn't possibly be the one I was thinking.
Turns out, it's her!
How honest, practical, informative & appropriate todays BFT was 👏 Such sound advice and tips👌...... Francis, you'll have get James up to the Toon for a few days in 2022 ( just say its a "cycling holiday" 😉).
Thank you sir, I’ve learned a lot from you today. Definitely subscribing to this channel. Cheers!
Any chance we could get a TT/Tri specific episode? Thanks, these videos have helped me so much!
my current saddle I get on with is the specailzied power arc pro version. It seems to have cut the transition width down its about the same length of 240mm vs the non arc power version so 8 mm shorter then the 248 of the slr boost. but for now my but has no issues with it
Love the transition music were did you get your inspiration from?😏
very informative great videos and information keep up the great work
If I were into road bikes and lived in Britain, I would go to this guy for a fit.
The width depends also if you have a touring (more upright) or a sports/aero position the the bike.
Ooof one of the best BFTs so far
Also I love how James does a cross-eyed thing every time he quotes "opening up the hips" 2:28
Excellent video!! Thanks
I don't really know what it means, but I put an inexpensive Selle San Marco short saddle with a cutout on my Bianchi Oltre in place of the longer one that came with the bike. It's much more comfortable, I find, so now I'm thinking of trying the SLR boost that is similarly contoured. Since the San Marco is such a good fit, however, and I don't need to worry about weight or racing, I'm also inclined to just keep with what's working. If a saddle for 25 pounds is comfortable, though, in the end it's my bum that has to ride on it.
Hi, please could you detail the final saddle recommended at the end of the video
Thank you
Gary
I have an SMH on 2 of 3 bikes. I had it dialed in relatively quickly. I haven't had numbness since. The 3rd has a Brooks, but it's low my low mileage classic.
I probably get my MTB in the next two months - any plans on doing a BFT on "How to copy your roadbikefit to your MTB"?
I love the Toupe saddles. I wonder why Specialized stopped making them, given their popularity
Great video. James, I have a question - have you ever fitted SQLab 612/611 saddle? It's surface looks like divide into three "shelves". I wonder what's your opinion about that saddle and how you would fit it for endurance bike and an individual with short massive torso and long legs :)
Hi, Francis! Thank you for all the content!!!
This isn't related, but would you be able to do a power meter video? I'm not sure if there are only a few that are actually good and I should focus on.
Thanks!
When is James coming to San Diego?