MTB Sizing. Saddle at the very bottom to reach pedals perfectly. Go one size smaller?
6 min read
Asked by: Jim Bourgault
How far should saddle be from bottom bracket?
Here follows some indicative data: the tip of the saddle must fall at least 4cm behind the bottom bracket, the cranks. This is not only a biomechanical datum, but is also part of the UCI racing regulations.
How do you reduce reach on a mountain bike?
A shorter stem and/or bar with more setback (horizontal distance from stem clamp to the grips) will indeed shorten your bike’s reach and potentially improve your RAD (Rider Area Distance – distance from bottom bracket to grips) situation. Many of us need to do this on these modern, longer bikes.
What happens if your saddle height is too high?
A saddle that is too high will cause the hips to rock back and forth. Not only does this detract from pedalling efficiency, but it can also be extremely uncomfortable. Discomfort can show up in your lower back or as knee pain (especially in the back of the knee).
What happens if your saddle height is too low?
Common issues resulting from an inappropriate saddle height include knee pain, saddle discomfort (pressure, numbness, sores), hip pain/impingement, hamstrings tendiopathy, back pain, achilles issues, neck pain, and hand and wrist pain/numbness.
What happens if the saddle is too far forward?
If your saddle is set too far forward then you may be using your upper body too much causing tension in the shoulders and arms as well as having sore hands. You will be able to have a quicker cadence but you will tend to sit back on the saddle up climbs.
How do you tell if saddle is too far back?
Quote from video: If it's not working so even something as simple as 10 squats before you go out on your bike will activate that glute but we're looking at saddle four and a half so signs that the saddle's too far
Does a shorter stem reduce reach?
A shorter stem will reduce the reach and provide a more upright position, which might help if you’re feeling too stretched out. On the flip side, if you’re feeling cramped on the bike, using a slightly longer stem will increase the reach.
Is it better to have a bike too big or too small?
Neither a smaller or bigger frame is better for everyone and generalizations in frame sizing are almost always risky. If your riding position is established first the best decision for you will likely become much more clear. Consider bike fit the holy trinity of comfort, power, and efficiency.
How do I reduce the reach on my bike?
Switch your stem
If you feel like your handlebar is too far away, you can swap in a shorter stem to reduce your reach. On the other hand, if you feel like your handlebar is too low, you could add a spacer underneath the stem, provided there’s room on the fork steerer.
Is it better to have bike seat higher or lower?
If your seat is higher, you will ride more comfortably because your body will be properly positioned. Your knees are slightly bent to prevent pain and your hip is well seated but not too relaxed to make handling difficult. It is also easier to bike in this seat position because pedaling is smoother and faster.
How do I find the perfect saddle height?
Quote from video: And this involves measuring your inseam. You'll need a tape measure a fairly large book or something with a straight edge. And ideally a helper but you can still do this one on your own.
How high should my MTB seat be?
The saddle is at the right height when your heel just touches the top of the lower pedal with your leg straight; your crank should be right at the bottom of its stroke.
Should bike seat be level or tilted?
The correct saddle angle is much more important than most cyclists realize. For example, lower back pains are a common issue for cyclists, and an incorrect saddle angle is often (part of) the problem. The guideline for the angle of your saddle is between 0 degrees (horizontal) and 4 degrees nose down.
How do you know if your bike seat is too low?
There are 4 main sign or symptoms that your bicycle seat is too low:
- Your foot is flat on the ground.
- Knee pops or clicks.
- Knee pain.
- Lack of pedal power.
How far should saddle be from handlebars?
Quote from video: Похожие запросы
How far back should my saddle be?
Saddle Position: Rules for pros
‘The UCI has its “five behind” rule [the seat nose must be a minimum of 5cm further back than the centre of the bottom bracket], and if you want to be more powerful you want to run right up to that line where possible. And not just forward, but higher too, to open up the hip angle.
What should my saddle setback be?
The more traditional method, know as ‘Knee Over Pedal Spindle’ (KOPS), proposes that optimal saddle setback occurs when the tibial tuberosity is directly over the pedal spindle when the crank arm is at 90 degrees in the downward stroke.
How far should your saddle be?
Generally speaking, at full extension (which is not 6 o’clock – more like 5 o’clock) 30 to 40 degrees of knee bend is the generally accepted range. If you’re feeling tension at the front of the knee or a large amount of work only from your quads, the seat height is a bit low.
How far should handlebars be from saddle?
For a performance road position, the top of the handlebar should be about 5-6 cm below the mid-point of the saddle. 4. For a recreational road bike position, the top of the handlebar should be level with the mid-point of the saddle, or maybe a couple of centimetres below.
Should the saddle be higher than the handlebars MTB?
All depends on your comfort, though getting good extension in your legs while pedaling will make you more efficient. There should be just a little bend in your knees when fully extended.
Should my bike seat be higher than my handlebars?
As a general rule of thumb, you want the top of the handlebar about as high (or higher than) the saddle, unless you’re a sporty rider looking to ride fast. Try touching your elbow to the nose of the saddle and reaching forward towards the handlebar with your hand.