Comments on: Commuting 101: Seat Position

By: bill

bill — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:26:55 +0000

SLEAZY COMMERCIAL HUSTLING BY CHIROPRACTORS

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 20:34:52 +0000

HEY
that’s MY bike!!

haha just kidding

but my ride is a 7.3 FX with blackburn quadrant headlight and tail lights, Freddy Fenders, a Trek Rack for the ol’ back seat, and a Kryptonite Keeper (not the circle key)

i just thought it was cool to see my bike on here. seems like these bikes are getting pretty popular

By: Mike in Florida

Mike in Florida — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:51:13 +0000

Fritz–

You’re absolutely correct. Handlebar height should vary from rider to rider. I have some hand numbness issues, and I’m not racing, so I have my handlebar very high. One on bike it’s exactly saddle height, and on another it’s actually an inch higher. Not very cool looking, but it’s very comfortable for me.

By: Fritz

Fritz — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:27:52 +0000

Be careful about your handlebar post idea — there is no “correct” height and depends entirely on personal preferences.

By: Warren T

Warren T — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:55:17 +0000

Ludwig, I really appreciate your input on this. By the way, I was thinking about doing another post in a bit about handlebar height — so stay tuned.

I’ve updated my link for 32spokes … I missed the post where you’d moved. Nice to see you in Google Reader again.

By: Ludwig

Ludwig — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:17:35 +0000

Hmmm, I don’t think there is a magic number for that. As far as angle I keep mine level, adjusting it 3 degrees up or down as needed, but this is also relative to the handlebar height which (ahem) deserves an entirely different article.

For fore/aft position I use a plumbline to determine where my knee intersects the pedal axle. I did find the following though.

* If you’re over 6-feet tall, ride long distances, climb a lot and pedal at about 90 rpm, you may prefer to be as much as 1 to 2 cm behind the pedal axles.
* If you’re less than 6-feet tall, spin at 95 rpm or faster and like to sprint, you’ll probably prefer to be directly over the axles.

By: Noah

Noah — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:59:56 +0000

That’s pretty much how I adjust my saddle height. Now, if you find the magic bullet for offset and angle, let me know. Please!

By: Ludwig

Ludwig — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:59:46 +0000

Glad you posted this as it’s something I believe that turns a lot of people off cycling. If the position is uncomfortable or if you have pain in your knees then there’s not much enjoyment in the activity.

For a quick measurement you’re exactly right. If you want to get a bit more precise then multiply your inside leg measurement in cms by .885. This will give you the get correct centre of bottom bracket to top of saddle distance.

I struggled with knee pain for months and found that this sorted it out in a matter of days.