offset seat posts?

[bikegranny]

Hi all, forgive me if this is a clueless question, as I am indeed clueless in the parts and mechanical dept. But I've read references to changing the seat post to move the seat further back from the pedals? is that possible or did I read it wrong? thanks for input.

[Seajay]

Hi all, forgive me if this is a clueless question, as I am indeed clueless in the parts and mechanical dept. But I've read references to changing the seat post to move the seat further back from the pedals? is that possible or did I read it wrong? thanks for input.

Actually, getting the hips and knees over the pedals correctly is a very important adjustment. At first you can slide the saddle rails fore-aft on the current seatpost's clamp.
If you need more range you can change the post for one with a different "offset." Offset simply referring to how far behind the post the clamp is located. See attached offset and "zero" offset pics

Normally a stock road bike works best with a moderate offset post. 10-20mm
It is not recommended to use the fore-aft adjustment of the saddle to adjust the reach to the handlebar. Muirenn mentions distance to the bars increasing with saddle height. True. However, from a fitters perspective, what the higher post is actually doing is sliding the saddle behind the pedals....the reason for running a zero.

[indysteel]

Not to further complicate things, but some fitters will tell you that knee over pedal spindle (KOPS) is really just a starting place for fore/aft position. While it's often where a fitter will start (and often end) in terms of saddle placement, personal preference comes into play as well. I like to be a bit further back behind my pedals myself. But the takeaway from this discussion is that seat posts can be used to help achieve whatever result the fitter and rider are looking for.

[Seajay]

(KOPS) is really just a starting place for fore/aft position. But the takeaway from this discussion is that seat posts can be used to help achieve whatever result the fitter and rider are looking for.

True.