This article looks into a couple of ways in which you can adjust the saddle’s tilt and position and discover what feels more comfortable for you, helping you become a more efficient rider. There are no strict rules to how your saddle should be positioned, so take your time, and find out what best suits you.
Adjusting the Tilt
One way to adjust your saddle is though altering its tilt. Commonly, some riders prefer to tilt their saddle so that it is dead level (being parallel with the ground). Whilst others find that they can experience some pressure from the saddle at this position, and prefer to tilt the saddle either up or down a little.
Here's how to …
At the top of the seat post, there will be a couple of bolts attaching the saddle to the post found on the underside of the saddle. Loosen these bolts a little to be able free up and adjust the position of the saddle.
Once loosened, you can then re-align the tilt of the saddle to a degree you’d like to try.
To make the saddle position level, and help you gauge whether the saddle is parallel to the ground try using a straight edge, such as a hardback book. Place the edge of the book to the saddle and this will help you better judge the saddle’s position. Alter until the book appears straight.
Remember don’t forget to tighten those bolts back up again once you’ve adjusted the saddle.
Adjusting Forward and Back.
To gain more efficiency on the pedals, you can also try moving the saddle forward and back. Loosen the bolts as mentioned for adjusting the tilt, you can then push the saddle forward and backwards.
Here's how to...
Adjusting for an efficient position when working the pedals first back-spin the cranks so that they are in the horizontal, level position. Sit on the bike and with your right foot on the right pedal, (this should be the forward pedal, the left pedal should be behind you) make sure your foot rests with its widest part onto this right pedal.
Next observe the knobbly bone, just under your kneecap whilst your right leg is on the right pedal. Once in the most common efficient position, this bone should align the axle of the right pedal. The bone makes a good guide for judging if you’re in correct alignment. Move the saddle back and forth until the bone lines up with the axle.
Shifting the saddle to achieve this position can help to gain a better pedalling efficiency, and this example is a good way of measuring you’ve got the positioning correct. But always remember that what matters most is how comfortable you feel on the bike, so keep on practising the adjustments, and soon you will find out what feels best for you.
Of course, as you move your seat back and forth this also adjusts the distance from which you will reach the handlebars. So it can also be useful to have a go at altering the handlebars too, and this is explored further in the next article.
For more articles about making your bicycle fit more comfortably for you visit the links below.
The Height of Your Bike Seat
About Bicycles - Choosing the Right Size Frame
