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Hi All,
I am a new rider training for my first charity ride--60 miles. I'm up to 30 miles but I'm having problems with my saddle height. Too high and my back hurts. I'm not very flexible and cannot touch my toes from a standing position. Too low and my right knee hurts. What should I do? Should I consider a bike fit?
Currently, my saddle is about level with the hoods on my handle bars. Is this too low? Thanks for any feedback.
--Lluvia
A bike fit is always a good idea. It might not just be the saddle height that needs adjusting. Like the stem, for example...I had my LBS flip the stem and I couldn't believe the difference. It changed my riding position and made my back and arms much more comfortable.
As for the saddle, I can tell if my saddle is too high if I'm rocking back and forth over the saddle on each pedal stroke because my feet can't quite reach the lowest position of the pedal stroke. I can tell if my saddle is too low if my knees stay really bent on each down stroke. It can be a very fine line. When I got a new saddle, I probably adjusted the height 5 or 6 times before I got it right.
I can't touch my toes either, btw ;)
You should not be able to touch your toes to the ground while seated. When pedaling, at the lowest point in your pedal stroke, there should be a very slight bend to your knee.
Where your saddle is relative to your handlebars is more a reflection of how your handlebars are set up, and not your saddle height. If your bars are too high, you can usually lower the stem. If the stem is as far down as it can go, then you can get a stem with an angle and just angle it down. FWIW, handlebars are usually lower than the saddle. The lower you can comfortably go, the more aerodynamic you will be (and it could actually alleviate some back pain, like in my case).
I highly recommend a fitting. Many a shop will do a mini fit for $50 or less (sometimes free) to adjust saddle height and fore/aft, handlebar height, and cleat position. If you bought your bike from a shop, try going back to them, if not, call around.
How bent/straight is your knee when the pedal is down at 6:00?
Seat height and fore/aft position can have a big affect on comfort, as can stem height, handlebar tilt, lots of things.
Also, regular stretching is very helpful. You can improve your flexibility by doing so. Leg stretches, especially for the hamstring, can help with back problems.
Now that you've mentioned it, my knee is bent significantly when the pedal is at 6 oclock. If I stand on the pedal at that position, I am quite a bit above my saddle. I knew it was too low :(
I need to improve the flexibility of my back.
Maybe next month I can get a bike fit. They cost 120 dollars at the only nearby shop I trust--a lot of money. But you guys have convinced me it's worth it.
Thanks!
--Lluvia