Sliding Forwards..

[Jonnny]

I've done about 1200 miles on my Allez Race, but have found im 'sliding' forwards on the saddle, and having to stand up to move my sit bones to the rear of the saddle more for comfort.

But, my saddle is all the way forward on the rails - these offset looking seat posts.. Can I use one of those to move the saddle further more?

[nammynake]

Have you tried levelling the saddle? It doesn't take much of a downward angle to slide you forwards. Is the reach too long? If so try a shorter stem.

[Banana Boy]

I used to have this problem but recently upgraded my seat post which was offset but also has an arced top to allow me to tilt the saddle. (I think the standard post had it too but I didn't look too hard?) Either way, adjusting the angle of the seat had a bigger affect for me than moving it backwards or forwards.

Also, not having a lot of cash for a proper bike fit I used my digital cameras movie mode at a suitable height to record my riding position on my ride up stand, it was a bit crude but the changes I made have improved my comfort and performance.

[Jonnny]

nammynake said:

Have you tried levelling the saddle? It doesn't take much of a downward angle to slide you forwards. Is the reach too long? If so try a shorter stem.

Will make sure the saddle is level, just spirit level it front > back?

Good point about the stem, I'm tempted by a bike fit soon so maybe that'll point it out.

Cheers.

[Jimbo.]

Jonnny said:

I've done about 1200 miles on my Allez Race, but have found im 'sliding' forwards on the saddle, and having to stand up to move my sit bones to the rear of the saddle more for comfort.

But, my saddle is all the way forward on the rails - these offset looking seat posts.. Can I use one of those to move the saddle further more?

Your saddle is slammed all the way forwards, and you're interested if you can use an offset seatpost (presumably backwards) to move it further forwards? If that's the case and you're of relatively normal human proportions, then it's highly likely your bike it too long.

[nammynake]

Jonnny said:

Will make sure the saddle is level, just spirit level it front > back?

Good point about the stem, I'm tempted by a bike fit soon so maybe that'll point it out.

Cheers.

Yes, just place a hardback book on top and make sure it's level. A slight dip of 1 or 2 degrees is quite common (some prefer the feel) but if it's much more it could explain why you're slipping forwards.

In terms of the fore/aft position of the saddle, you don't want it too far forward to compensate for an overly long top-tube / reach. As a rough guide when you're seated with your cranks parallel to the ground, dropping a plumb line from your knee cap should align with the pedal spindle.

[Matt_N]

Could also be the saddle shaper that is allowing you to slide forward, do you find the saddle comfortable when your sit bones are on it properly?

What height are you and what size is your frame? Not a definitive thing but may point to a sizing issue.

Saddle right forward does start to suggest the top tube may be too long for you.

[Jonnny]

nammynake said:

Jonnny said:

Will make sure the saddle is level, just spirit level it front > back?

Good point about the stem, I'm tempted by a bike fit soon so maybe that'll point it out.

Cheers.

Yes, just place a hardback book on top and make sure it's level. A slight dip of 1 or 2 degrees is quite common (some prefer the feel) but if it's much more it could explain why you're slipping forwards.

In terms of the fore/aft position of the saddle, you don't want it too far forward to compensate for an overly long top-tube / reach. As a rough guide when you're seated with your cranks parallel to the ground, dropping a plumb line from your knee cap should align with the pedal spindle.

Excellent, thanks. Will give it a go later.

I've done a rough bike fit on one of these apps, my knee cap does pretty much align with the spindle, guess it could be stem. Mine is only 100mm though, so not too crazy.

[Kermit power]

Don't forget... Before you put the spirit level on the saddle to make sure it's flat, but the spirit level on the ground to make sure that's flat!

[Jonnny]

Matt_N said:

Could also be the saddle shaper that is allowing you to slide forward, do you find the saddle comfortable when your sit bones are on it properly?

What height are you and what size is your frame? Not a definitive thing but may point to a sizing issue.

Saddle right forward does start to suggest the top tube may be too long for you.

5'10" and a 54cm frame, was recommended by Pedal Heaven for this size.. Feels like and no aches etc, just find myself having to stand up to shift my ass backwards every few miles.

The saddle is a 143mm Toupe, very comfy when I'm sat on it properly. Even when forwards it's reasonably comfortable, but if a little adjustment would help that'd be great

[neenaw]

Jonnny said:

Will make sure the saddle is level, just spirit level it front > back?

Good point about the stem, I'm tempted by a bike fit soon so maybe that'll point it out.

Cheers.

I'd go for the bike fit before I started spending money on components.

I picked up a new road bike around Christmas and despite messing around with it I couldn't get the fit quite right. I took it in to Cadence Sport last week for a bike fit and the difference is pretty huge, especially considering the minor changes which were made.
I can't remember the exact conversation but i was pretty much told that people regularly swap saddles, seat posts, stems and bars as they're not right where in reality the stuff they already have is perfect for what the rider needs it's just not set up properly.

[upsidedownmark]

If you're sliding forwards, the nose of the saddle almost certainly needs to come up a little; mine usually runs a slight nose up tilt (about 1 deg). If the bike is too long you'll tend to feel it in the arm reach / over-stretched feel, but you shouldn't slide forwards. If the saddle is slammed all the way forwards, that's most likely heading towards a fit issue, and being too far forwards relative to the bottom bracket can be a bit hard on the old knees. At 5'10 I ride a 54" scott with an 80mm stem - that has absolutely no bearing on your fit, but it's quite possible that it is too long for you..

[Superhoop]

Jonnny said:

Will make sure the saddle is level, just spirit level it front > back?

Good point about the stem, I'm tempted by a bike fit soon so maybe that'll point it out.

Cheers.

This isn't a bad guide for doing a DIY bike fit

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/bike-ki...

[scherzkeks]

Superhoop said:

This isn't a bad guide for doing a DIY bike fit

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/bike-ki...

Good guide. It's basically CONI rebranded. One note: you can have a slight bend in your knee for the saddle height test, if you ride long distances. Straight leg is for short, intense riding(traditionally).