How to Set Your Bicycle Seat Height
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- Looking for the best method to set your seat height on your bike? In this video, I'll show you how to take an accurate measurement and apply it to your bicycle.
Setting the proper seat height is important for 2 reasons:
1. If you set the seat height too low, you will feel uncomfortable and your pedaling will be less efficient
2. If you set the seat height too high, you strain certain muscle groups which can lead to injury, and this is also less efficient.
The best part is that you can do this all in the comfort of your own home, with simple household items. 
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Bike fitting is sometimes treated like it's some ancient magical secret that only the old cycling masters possess and it's seldom given to the masses. Thank you for this very easy to understand video.
😂
This method is very general and excludes many factors in determining the best saddle height. For example, two riders with exactly the same inseam length but different foot sizes would end up with different knee angles based on this method. The rider with bigger feet would have more knee bend. Also, this does not account for how much a rider naturally lifts their heels while pedaling. Some will pedal heel high and some heel low which also affects knee angle. Then there is saddle angle and saddle fore/aft to consider. Too nose high or low affects back angle and saddle comfort. Too far forward or too far aft on the saddle rails affects muscle engagement. Saddle angle and fore/aft also affects hand pressure on the handlebars. In short, have your saddle professionally set.
@@r.w.6251 I'm sure you're right and this fitting isn't perfect for racing or huge distances, but isn't it good enough for amateurs?
As a newbie, i have watched bike videos for about 6 months now and no ever mentioned seat height.
This alone has had far more impact on my cycling journey
I bought a bike and started riding again for the first time in 30 years. I completely got the seat height wrong when I assembled my bike. What felt comfortable and natural to me was a much lower seat. But after setting it to the proper height I can feel that riding is easier on my legs now. Thanks for the info.
so glad to hear that you're getting back on the bike!
First time in 30 years wow
@@nnel385 😅😅
30 years... M not even 30
I've been riding with wrong height for so long, I don't think I can readjust now.
For me, I want to be able reach the ground with both legs while I'm sitting on the seat. Without that, I don't feel safe sitting on a high place.
By this guide, it must be very low.
And even if I want to adjust, I can't seem to be able to budge the seat height adjustment rod from it's position. The clamp is welded to the outer rod from factory, I don't know it's that's supposed to be that way, because I've completed removed the adjustment bolt, and it's still not budging a bit...
Finally someone that made it simple to understand and with demostration. Nice job. 👍😊
You’re right...
In my case works 0.883 method with cycling shoes.
Never would imagine someone will maks such good video about riding bike, what a time to be alive, thanks God
I will try with my tandem
Bruh ! :O :D XD :D :O :D :-)
2:54 The reason why you want a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke is because that relieves some of the pressure on your sitting area by your feet riding on the pedals.
No. While that can be a benefit, it is to prevent locking out the knee at full leg extension with each pedal stroke, which will destroy the knees. It also optimizes the leverage your muscles can apply to the pedaling motion.
@@ringo666 You are correct its similar to a military stand, if you don't lock the knees you can stand in place for hours. I finally completely 20 miles and I noticed my right knee was hurting while my left could go another 20 miles no problem. I'm adjusting my seat right now.
Your body needs to rest on the seat, NOT the pedals. Otherwise your a$$ sores will develop. You need to ride comfortably.
You obviously don't ride.
@@ringo666THIS!
Full extension also causes pelvis micro-rocking from side to side, in order to maintain the correct fulcrum / equilibrium between legs and torso … and a loss off efficiency
The rest of your core muscles will not thank you for your strong and trigger-happy Lats when ur older jus’ sayin 😂
Easy...straighten your leg, touch your heel to pedal at lowest point in stroke, raise/lower seat to crotch, done..
Or watch the video. Thank you for your input.
While that’s certainly a way to adjust seat height… what we’re looking for here is the *correct way.
Doing what you suggested, with a straightened leg as also suggested, causes near full extension which slightly rocks the hips from side to side to counter-balance , over-using some muscles and under-using others. Goodbye maximum efficiency.
Maybe that’s why the video doesn’t suggest your method? 😂
@KarmasAbutch The video literally *does* suggest his method at 2:10. It start with a measurement to get a _starting_ seat height, and as a spot check you basically do what he said: heel to pedal, line it up and literally "if your seat height is set properly, your leg should be fully extended and locked out at rhe knee". So it sounds like the inseam measurement minus "about 10cm" is really trying to get you close to what your own body is the direct test of. And it involves exactly what was stated. That rule of thumb is apparently the guiding pattern, and part of the "correct way", ya smug smuggypants.
@@maljamin ring ring* ☎️
2 weeks ago called and it can’t be bothered to read this ya late to the party random saddo 🤡
@@KarmasAbutchthe irony
When I got my first bike (A tad over 60 years ago!) My Dad (Who was an ex road racer) told me that this was exactly the right way to set the height of your bike seat! Over the years I have seen so many people with the seat set at the wrong height for them and I have often wondered just what damage they were doing to themselves as a result of this. I have recently acquired a new bike and the first thing I did was set the seat height...not using the same method as in your vid, but with the same result...leg is almost straight when ball of foot is on the pedal. Refreshing to see someone who knows what they are talking about with regards to bike adjustment. Excellent vid! Excellent advice! Cheers, Doons
Any other tidbits or gem you can share from your dad? I find people from former generations were fonts of knowledge and seem to know much more than those of us from latter generations.
Ps first thing I do when I get a new (or second hand bike) is make sure I know how to get home. Now I will carry some tools with me
Bruh ! :O :D XD :D :O :D :-)
I think the interesting trick was that your leg should be fully extended with the heel on the pedal.
@@chadkline4268 Perhaps techniques have changed a little over the years Mate....but back when my Dad first showed me how to set the seat height correctly most racing bikes had 'Toe clips" so it was not possible to set the seat height with your heel on the pedal as the Toe clips prevented your heel from resting on the pedal...but now days they use clips on the bottom of the shoes I think? So that might make a difference....but essentially the leg has to be fully straight...or very close to it....when the pedal is at it lowest point. Cheers, Doons
@@doonsbury9656 🙂 I use toeclips 😆 you can turn the pedal upside down 👍
Man... I've seen so many overcomplicated and confusing videos on this subject. This video was PERFECT. Well done and thank you so much. To the point, easy to understand. Easy instructions so you can DIY. Awesome
5 stars for showing examples instead of just telling and making it so easy to understand
Thanks for the simple explanation and visuals that accompanied each step...concise and to the point stuff! Great work!
Thank you very much for sharing. I haven’t been cycling for years and recently bought a new bicycle. My right knee was so sore and finally I now understand how to adjust the seat. 👍🏻❤
For those who don't have much time to do the in-seam book measurements part, or are too lazy (like me) to even be bothered to use a tape measure, just hop on ur bike & do the step @ 2:11 & u should be good to go.
Kinda like a rule of thumb especially in side-of-the-road situations 👌
Finally someone that made it simple to understand and with demostration. Nice job
If taping around the seatpost instead of electrical tape use reflective tape. Just one tiny extra layer of safety.
I like how your mind works.
And anti-seize compound instead of grease.
I set up my seat intuitively and now I checked by your recommendation and it was correct. Thanks for tutorial.
The simplest, most logical and clearly explained video I’ve seen on this topic - many thanks!
Perfect explanation! I've always felt pain in my knees when riding, turns out my bicycle seat is too low, I want to start cycling again to get fit, thanks for the video
Your videos are very high quality! Keep up the great work!!! :)
I was close, had a slight bend at the knee but didn't notice I was moving my hips to compensate. Would've never noticed until you mentioned it! Thanks!!!
Wow ! Excellent video! I’m just learning to ride and I noticed pain in my knee. Now I know why. My seat is too low. Thank you for teaching me how to adjust the seat! Your video was extremely helpful.
Exactly what I was looking for 👍🏼
You made my riding 80% better and easier,,
Thanks a lot,,❤️
So helpful to find someone who doesn't just naturally assume I'm riding a racing bike. Thanks! :)
I’m 59 and haven’t ridden a bike in 35 years. But I just purchased one with the intention of improving my health. Thankfully I came across your video, because truthfully I never knew what is the proper seat adjustment. After watching this a sprinted to my garage and adjusted my bike accordingly . Thanks !
Hey. I just turned 59 too! I just took my bike out and went for a 12 mile ride and man ..here I am.. My butt was hurting.. New seat, and now I got it adjusted right. GLTUS!
Your video really helps me fit my bikeseat. Now I can ride comfortably. Thank you. You should do more video like this.
Explained in centimeters, love it!
Really well done video. Short, sweet, packed with info and clear instructions. Thanks for posting.
Great simple straight forward seat height instruction. Thanks!
Thank you for this clear and detailed video!!! Finally someone that was able to explain this very important step.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent information to all cyclist, thank you good luck 👍
Very easy to understand instructions to adjust a bike saddle height. Many thanks!
Very helpful! Direct to the point with examples, awesome 👏
I watched a couple of other videos about seat height before this one. Your video was simple to understand and quite useful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Good video. There is a common thought among bicycle dealers that the leg shall be slightly bent when the heel touches the pedal. But my own experience confirms that the instruction in this video is good.
I suspect this is to make sure the person isn't tilting their hip as described in video.
The very slightest of knee bend would prevent this.
Also guessing most non serious casual riders find a slightly lower seat height more comfortable. Bike shop will get less complaints and less returns for adjustment if they err on lower side.
Spot on advice and how-to simple explanation and demonstration.
Tape measure- use the metal bit on the floor and pull tape up to where you want to measure. The little metal tab has a millimeter sliding slot so you get an accurate reading off flat surfaces and also if you hook the tab over a piece of wood. I know you didn't ask, but it's undoubtedly an interesting fact 😂
It helps a lot bro! Keep it up!
Simple and spot on explanation👍....
Excellent advice! thanks for sharing.
Perfectly explained and demonstrated! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Now this is how you do an instructional video.
who are the 188 thumbs down👎 seriously. This is an excellent review of something that a lot of bikers get wrong, I see it everyday. So watch this great review, follow his easy and very helpful advise and get him a thumbs up👍👍👍👍👍👍 thanks safe biking and good health in 2021👊👊
thanks for the kind words!
Your video remind me of the exact measurement of the seat of the bike. I start biking since 1966 until now, thank for the reminder.
Very simple explanation, even for me as beginner cyclist . THANKS!
Your inner seam measurement measured in relation to the centre of the crank does not take into account different crank arm lengths. Placing your heel on the pedal and having your leg extended straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke is all you need to do.
just a ballpark starting point 😉
So a better starting point would be to set the seat height where it's measured to the pedal in the down position, angled to follow the seat tube.
@@bgnPrinceton weirdly having followed the video I've ended up with 76cm from the bottom tube, using your method i measure 92cm to the top of saddle. My inseam is 86cm... So the method suggested seems to account for addition of shoes / clipless pedals and that's probably why it works better as a benchmark I guess.
The dropper seat post is one of the greatest inventions in cycling especially for those with permanent injuries . im 76 and ride e mt. bikes with a dropper post . it allows me to constantly adjust position that gives me instant but temporary relief . when the new position starts to feel uncomfortable i just move up or down and continue to ride on relative comfort .
Wow! Mine was way too low, no wonder my knees hurt! Thank you young man..
Direct to the point. Thanks for the great video.
Thanks for the information. Well delivered
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this, I’ve just recently bought a bike and was clueless about seat height. I had to change the seat as it was quite hard/small and very uncomfortable.
You're welcome!
Great idea and helpful. Cheers mate
Awesome explanation. Thank you!
Very useful information 👌🏻
Made a mark on the wall… Wife got angry… Things escalated from there, now i am sleeping on the couch. But hey what a difference it made in my cycling!
Lmfaoo
Love it. Simple but informative.
I've follow your instruction,and it is work for me. My butt doesn't hurt anymore. All this while,it is just because of the seat 😅
Excellent tutorial you’ve got a gift for explaining keep it….
Thank you very much!
Lovely... this video explains everything. Extra brownies to you buddy :)
Right on time, have been feeling some plains on my knees,. Thanks for your help!!
Nice, tried it right away with my new bike, it's just perfect, very simple explanation.
Wow, this is a really good video and channel. Thank you.
Great advice delivered clearly 👍
Very good advice it works! Thankyou
Great explanation. Cheers!
this is helped me a lot! I'm a 10 but I can use my older brothers mountain bike while my feet are extended all the way while touching the pedal! 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Glad it helped!
thank u.. very informative specially to newbies like me...
Glad it was helpful!
Straight to the point, I love it
thank you for these great info
Lovely clear video, explaining a good method of setting seat height on a bike which covers lots and gives all the essential warnings and insights and is a strong and valuable piece of work - the one place that there is a weakness is the actual measurement of seat height on the bike, which is the key point of the video - this is rushed and that's why you're getting the FAQ's on this. In the (very quick) demonstration,you can see where you're measuring from, the video needs to slow down a little on this point and be much clearer about where you're measuring to. Possibly calling out what the measurement was in this example might help too. Hope you don't mind me pointing this out but you've done so well with this I'm sure that what I've suggested would improve it a little more.
Attention to detail. Well said
If you have a steel frame with a bolt clamp, I would avoid lubricating the seatpost in this way. You will have to tighten the screw very tightly so that the seatpost does not go into the frame and you can damage it. It is better to spray with some silicone grease and wipe off the excess with a cloth. I got such a case - previous owner lubricated too much and tighten too strong. Now I have to be careful with tightening and I use a bit of blackboard chalk
Brilliant demonstration.
Thanks man.
Very helpful. Thank you!
Great vid- Short, sweet and to the point!
Glad you liked it!
1:35
World : bike Grease for lubrification
India : Nahh coconut oil works fine 👍👍
Great video!
Excellent video. Thanks!!
Ive been having a hard time adjusting my saddle and now i will try this. Will let you know the results.
Results?
Sorry guys I was so satisfied with my saddle height right now. I highly recommend his explanation because its simple and easy to understand.
If you transfer the measurement to top of seat to crank spindle as demonstrated then that would be much too high surely ?
@@ianfutcher1518 No it won't be too high cause there is like just 2 inch of space from pedal to ground when lowered and ur knees shouldn't be full straight it should be slightly bent *and if it's too high for you (ur legs are not reaching ground or barely reaching) then lower it a bit :)*
@@KotnisYT ah I see - I made a mistake. I only deducted 1cm instead of 10cm from the inseam measurement.
This is the biggest problem facing inexperienced riders. The extension is important. every degree your extension is diminished is a drastic reduction in power. Also, time in the saddle is more important than speed on the bike.
I learned these things in person from Greg LeMond in January 1985 at one of his training camps in Murieta, California.
Simple. To the point. Excellent video.
Thank you. Clear and concise. Set seat in minutes. 5 o clock heel guide works very well. Regards.
Thank you bro, very infomative, newbie here
Glad it was helpful!
Fits perfectly rear-facing in our truck, which has a slightly smaller back seats. ruclips.net/user/postUgkx6_FKRYB2ClSPRyjcd8HptiCS3EiQoNX4 Feels as comfy and plush as our Graco Contender carseat
straightforward and clear, thank you!
Excellent! Short, precise and clear!
!
Nice one bro. Can't wait to apply it to my bike tomorrow (it's currently evening here in cebu, Philippines).. :D
Good luck!
Pasikat mga tao dito e ang tataas ng seat height kamo
10 CM = 4 inches for those using an imperial tape measure.
@@khc8800 after measuring with the book need to substract 10 cm
I respect those stuck in imperial, but world should go metrical. So much easier. Glad I adapted well.
@@rafaeluhu as an engineer I agree, but unfortunately Americans don't like change.
the man is in the usa.. Say Inches. Bike makers use CM... thats nice... but youre talking to americans. say inches.
@@thatsthewayitis1 RUclips is an international platform. This is going out to the whole world, not just US citizens, so it makes sense to use metric anyway.
After I got my new cycle and looing for this seat Hight issue... It's really helpful and thanks for this video... 🙂
FAQ: Measurement is taken from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of your saddle. There are other ways to calibrate your seat height, this is just one way. Happy Riding!
नमस्ते, AdventureasportU
Thanks
Should you use that measurement for road bike racing
Bruh ! :O :D XD :D :O :D :-)
this method does not make sense because it doesnt take into account the crank arm length
Hey Reggie, thank you for the great video. I am just learning how to ride a bike so I don't feel comfortable to have my saddle that high (yet). However, I have another related question: sometimes when I ride for an hour or so I feel like the blood circulation is limited just where the body is pressed against the thinner part of the saddle. It does hurt after a while... Is this normal? (Please keep in mid my saddle is a bit lower than it should be, and I am a real beginner). Many thanks in advance.
Hi Chemirina, that should be fine to set it lower if you're not feeling comfortable. For the seat, you will always feel some pressure but if you're losing circulation it could be many things: your seat shape, the seat setback (how far forward or back it is) and the angle or tilt of the seat. Its hard to say without seeing anything in person, so I'd recommend taking it to a bike shop and asking for help with the fit. I also have some new fitting videos coming soon so stay tuned!
They make seats with a long groove down the center to prevent this pressure point. Highly recommend.
Be careful if you’re feeling like circulation is limited. Years ago, an avid cyclist friend caused damage to his testicles from pressure due to improper bike seat. Agree with other writer that you should seek help from pros at a good bike shop.
I realize this is an old post, so it’s probably not going to be helpful. Hope you have it all happily worked out! Happy biking!
@@russelloppenheimer3970
Yes, the ball trench is especially popular with...well...nuts 🤭
Very helpful, thanks for the video 🫡
After watching so many videos on RUclips, I could find one which explains with easy procedure. Thanks a lot.
I sure had a dirty wall After this check-up 😂
😂
Useful video, but it assumes that all riders (and bicycles too for that matter) have similar body proportions. Forget measuring, that is just a place to "start". Use the position of your feet (as shown in the video while in the saddle) to determine whether the seat should go up or down. Then of course there is the issue of the type of saddle. That also will influence the positioning of your seat. Thudbuster seats limit the range of leg movement (downward) and therefore will have to be lower than a thinner seat that allows greater leg extension.
The "best" way to adjust your seat to the proper height is to continue making minimal (one each ride) adjustments until you no longer find yourself at the end of the ride wondering if the seat height is properly set. Typically physical discomfort tells the tale. The same can be said for the proper fit of cycling shoes. If you find yourself thinking about the fit of your shoes while riding, they aren't a proper fit. The shoe should be an extension of your foot and when properly fitted you won't find yourself thinking about your shoes while riding.
Great advice - I’d recommend checking out Steve Hogg for advance fitting - this tutorial is for getting a ballpark good fit
If you actually watched the video it does not assume that all people are the same, it just mentions that it provides a ballpark measurement.
This was an excellent discovery tonight…. Very simple and straightforward to take in. 👍
This will be really helpful. I ride a BMX bike and use a layback post to give me that extra room to comfortably ride. With this extra info, my ride should be a lot better. Thanks.
Inseam measurement = ballpark figure. I see what he did there
I see so many cyclist with their saddle too high! Their cadence is too low and they are swaying side to side just to reach the bottom of the pedal stroke! 🤦♂️.
Indeed its a common mistake that gets overlooked because it looks and feels more advanced than having a low seat!
I am still learning. So much to learn out there. Thank you for this vid. 👍👊
Thank you!!! Yes! A helpful video full of knowledge. You’re the man!
I loved the fact he’s using an old school bike. This vid is free of product placement.