Saddle 8cm too low

[MiseryStreak]

I was concerned that my saddle was a bit low, the seatpost is on the maximum mark and it's a 61cm frame but is only a 300mm seatpost and I am 6'7". So I did some research yesterday and found this online calculator:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_...

I took all my measurements with the help of a mate at work (got some funny looks when they walked in on us doing that) and entered them to get the results below:

Measurements (cm)

---

Inseam: 103
Trunk: 71
Forearm: 40
Arm: 76
Thigh: 70
Lower Leg: 65
Sternal Notch: 165
Total Body Height: 200


The Competitive Fit (cm)

---

Seat tube range c-c: 66.8 - 67.3
Seat tube range c-t: 68.8 - 69.3
Top tube length: 59.6 - 60.0
Stem Length: 13.2 - 13.8
BB-Saddle Position: 93.9 - 95.9
Saddle-Handlebar: 62.4 - 63.0
Saddle Setback: 10.3 - 10.7

Then went to measure my bike, and got:

Bike Measurements (cm)

---

Seat tube range c-c: 55
Seat tube range c-t: 57
Top tube length: 59.5
Stem Length: 12.5
BB-Saddle Position: 87
Saddle-Handlebar: 59
Saddle Setback: 10.5

So, apart from the seat tube measurements which are totally off but probably because it's a modern compact frame, the biggest discrepancy was my BB-Saddle Position which is 7-9cm lower than the recommendation.

Using the 109% method (Pedal axle to top of saddle 109% of inseam) and the LeMond method (bottom bracket centre to top of saddle 88.3% of inseam), from here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/how-to-ge...
The recommended BB-saddle heights comes out as 95cm and 91cm respectively.

So I'm going to buy a new seatpost (FSA K-Force looks good and should add a bit of vibration absorption too) and possibly a goniometer to measure the knee angle as that height just seems crazy, 95cm from bottom bracket to saddle when my inseam is only 103cm? It'll be like a Penny Farthing. At least I could leave it outside a shop and no one this side of the BFG is going to knick it.

Anyone else wondering if their set up is right? Anyway I thought others might find the calculator useful. I know I need to get a bike fit done but can't spare £150 right now.

[counterofbeans]

Saddle height should be set so that with the ball of your foot on the pedal at its lowest point, your leg should be very slightly bent

or

With your heel on the pedal at the same point, your leg should be straight

If you're using clipless pedals another 1cm of height should be added to allow for cleats

CofB

[rhinochopig]

counterofbeans said:

Saddle height should be set so that with the ball of your foot on the pedal at its lowest point, your leg should be very slightly bent

or

With your heel on the pedal at the same point, your leg should be straight

If you're using clipless pedals another 1cm of height should be added to allow for cleats

CofB

This is by far the best rule of thumb as a starting point. Then tickle the height +/- a cm or two for comfort. Then look at fore-aft placement of the saddle.

[Jimbo.]

Meh. Bike fit by numbers. Meaningless. When you think of all the variables and the differences between us humans (height, weight, leg length, torso length, flexibility etc, etc, etc), there's absolutely no way that any "calculator" can give you anything worthwhile. Indeed, for all its worth you may as well weight your own testicles and measure the length of your big toe.