Saddle position
Discussion
I've just started training again, and I thought I'd ask a question regarding my saddle position, which has come to light from getting numb toes. I am going to try moving my cleats, but thought I'd try and look at everything positional.
As a rule, I always find myself slipping off the front of the saddle, so i have slightly angled it back which stops the slipping forward, but If i naturally slip forward, should i just move my saddle further forward instead?
Do you slip off a saddle because of the shape or if it is in the wrong position?
Thanks in advance!
As a rule, I always find myself slipping off the front of the saddle, so i have slightly angled it back which stops the slipping forward, but If i naturally slip forward, should i just move my saddle further forward instead?
Do you slip off a saddle because of the shape or if it is in the wrong position?
Thanks in advance!
You shouldn't slip off it, make sure its level, don't angle it up. It could be that you are overreaching which could be a case of a shorter stem, or the bike might be too big?
If you have your saddle in the middle of the rail then really if the bike is the right size and the stem isn't silly then you should not be slipping at all, but do make sure its level, sloping saddle are a quick way to aches and pains!
If you have your saddle in the middle of the rail then really if the bike is the right size and the stem isn't silly then you should not be slipping at all, but do make sure its level, sloping saddle are a quick way to aches and pains!
Numb toes aren't due to the cold are they rather than trapping nerves. I have my saddle sloping down slightly which I have found to be a god send. However I am fairly new to cycling so keen to hear what advice you get back.
Agreed though you shouldn't be sliding off your saddle at all.
Agreed though you shouldn't be sliding off your saddle at all.
I'm going to have another look this evening and maybe try and get a few miles in.
I'm not slipping of totally, but i just feel that I am sliding forward.
My seat does look quite far back on the rails, so I am going to center that more and flatten it as well and see how i get on.
I'm also going to have a look at the cleat position on my shoes as they might help especially with the toe numbness.
Thanks for the input thus far.
I'm not slipping of totally, but i just feel that I am sliding forward.
My seat does look quite far back on the rails, so I am going to center that more and flatten it as well and see how i get on.
I'm also going to have a look at the cleat position on my shoes as they might help especially with the toe numbness.
Thanks for the input thus far.
ChrisMCoupe said:
What shoes are you wearing? Tight toe box or over tightening them around the toes?
Regarding saddle, as a rule of thumb it should be spirit level flat and you shouldn't slide forwards.
Yup, spirit level flat...Regarding saddle, as a rule of thumb it should be spirit level flat and you shouldn't slide forwards.
As for fore and aft, drop a plumb bob down from just behind your knee cap with your legs at quarter to three. It should bisect the centre line of the pedal when you're correctly positioned.
This is your starting point
As a basic rule the pedal axle should transact your shoes inbetween the first joint of you big and little toe when you have you cranks forward at 90d.
This picture illustrates that:
I personally have mine set back a little from this as I like to feel that I am pedalling on the ball of my foot rather than my toes, but I'd start neutral as above.
Now you need to find your saddle height, there are many ways to do this, one of the most common is the 109% method. Take your inside leg measurement and times it by 109%, this will give you the centre of the bb to top of the saddle height.
Next you need to set your saddles fore and aft position. Again the basic rule is that with your foot clipped in and with your crank forward and at 90d the small bone at the lower outside of your knee joint should be directly above the pedal axle. You'll need a friend or wife to hold a plumb line from your knee with you either balancing or on a turbo to hold the required position!
Picture:
You then need to go for a ride and work out if you need to lengthen or shorten your stem to get a decent reach and riding position to stop you slipping off the saddle.
You may also want to tweak saddle position, making sure to re-check everything esle as you go.
The above methods can be refined based on specific bike fitter's preference, Steve Hogg is a good place to start.
This picture illustrates that:
I personally have mine set back a little from this as I like to feel that I am pedalling on the ball of my foot rather than my toes, but I'd start neutral as above.
Now you need to find your saddle height, there are many ways to do this, one of the most common is the 109% method. Take your inside leg measurement and times it by 109%, this will give you the centre of the bb to top of the saddle height.
Next you need to set your saddles fore and aft position. Again the basic rule is that with your foot clipped in and with your crank forward and at 90d the small bone at the lower outside of your knee joint should be directly above the pedal axle. You'll need a friend or wife to hold a plumb line from your knee with you either balancing or on a turbo to hold the required position!
Picture:
You then need to go for a ride and work out if you need to lengthen or shorten your stem to get a decent reach and riding position to stop you slipping off the saddle.
You may also want to tweak saddle position, making sure to re-check everything esle as you go.
The above methods can be refined based on specific bike fitter's preference, Steve Hogg is a good place to start.
When I changed my saddle it felt like I was slipping forward a bit. It turned out that it wasn't exactly flat. I only did it by eye at first and the garage floor is a bit up and down.
Also the bottom edges of some saddles can slope upwards when they're flat which can trick the eye a bit, like on my Arione:
Also the bottom edges of some saddles can slope upwards when they're flat which can trick the eye a bit, like on my Arione:
donfisher said:
When I changed my saddle it felt like I was slipping forward a bit. It turned out that it wasn't exactly flat. I only did it by eye at first and the garage floor is a bit up and down.
Also the bottom edges of some saddles can slope upwards when they're flat which can trick the eye a bit, like on my Arione:
So is the top of the saddle horizontal or are the rails horizontal?Also the bottom edges of some saddles can slope upwards when they're flat which can trick the eye a bit, like on my Arione:
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