nemeseri

Hi Guys,

So I had a bike fit and it's working flawlessly for me. Although I feel that I want to experience with different saddles, widths and materials to make sure I have the right one.

How can I replace my current saddle without messing up my fit?
Should I just measure the distance from the nose of the saddle to the top of my handlebars? Would it work? Most of the saddles have the same length right?

I have a mark on the current saddle, so probably I will be able to put it back with no issue.

Thanks,
Andras

BoSoxYacht

Measure the height to the top of the saddle, and the fore/aft of the area that your sit-bones hit + the distance to the steerer tube.

I <3 Robots

I usually measure from the center of the BB straight up the seat tube for height.

Nose of the saddle to center of the stem top cap for fore/aft

Nose of the saddle to the top of the top tube for tilt.

You just have to be aware of the different shapes and length of the saddles. Some saddles are flat at the top and some are dipped down.

BoSoxYacht

The nose of the saddle means almost nothing when swapping saddles. Saddle length is different for many saddles.

gsa103

Definitely don't use saddle nose as a reference. You want to use a point related to where you actually sit. Something like the mid-point of the taper between the wings and nose.

Each saddle may have an optimum position that a +-10 mm of the old saddle. Saddle height can also vary depending on padding. Make your best guess as a starting point, then start experimenting by shifting 5mm in a direction.

I <3 Robots

It'll be difficult to get a different shape saddle into the "exact" position as the old one. All are just reference points. You're going to have to fiddle a bit with a different shape saddle no matter how you measure.

fstshrk

This does not work. You sit differently on different saddles. For example, a Fizik Aliante and a Fizik Arione fit quite differently. It is worse when switching saddle brands. For example, you really sit on Specialized saddles whereas you sit in a Fizik Aliante.

clydeosaur

This. The best you can do is take exact measurements of your current setup (height, distance from stem, seat angle) and save it if / when you return to your current one. One saddle can have a very different height, angle and setback from another based on it's shape and how it fits your body. Ball park the saddle. Go for a ride & carry an allen wrench. You will be pulling over to make adjustments. If you have a trainer, try to get your fit close there before you head out.

BoSoxYacht

No ****.

Use the measurements as a starting point, and adjust things very slightly(a couple millimeters at a time).

Saddles are different, but a measurement to use as a reference point is helpful so you don't lose the right position.

Some of the people here are such twits that it's impossible to offer advice without some clown that's been reading a lot about cycling, disputing someone with decades of experience as a mechanic, and has actual experience with frame building and fitting.

Get Off My Lawn!

Rant over

nemeseri

Wow! Very useful replies! Thank you! Well it seems that it won't be that simple.

nemeseri

Thanks! How can you exactly measure the fore/aft sitting area?

BoSoxYacht

Exact area that your sit bones hit is tough to get exactly, but that is the goal.

Saddle length varies so much that it's meaningless.

Figure out where you sit bones hit, and try to replicate that the best that you can.

An exact measurement means very little due to the different saddle shapes and padding densities. The goal is to get close, and modify as needed(in tiny increments).

fstshrk

Touchy, aren't we?

You not only need to ballpark the setback, but also have to ballpark the height and also the angle. Just because you have been a "bike mechanic" doesn't mean that you are giving correct advice.

Why don't you take a chill pill and step away from the keyboard.

fstshrk

You will find that the saddle height will also vary as well as the angle of the saddle. Since you just got a fit, why are you messing with it? It takes 2-3 weeks to determine the goodness of a professional fit and most professional fitters will schedule a follow-up visit to check you after that.

I <3 Robots

All your going to get from this point is a pissing contest.

I would just ask the person that fit you.

longbeachgary

^^This ^^. Don't mess with it.

nemeseri

Guys, please stop it! I really appreciate all the answers!
I already spent more than a month in the saddle and I feel the saddle 80% right. I just wanted to experience with other options without bothering my fitter.

BoSoxYacht

You need to read the posts that I made earlier in the thread before you star critiquing the advice you read in one post.

"Touchy"? Not even close.

I am a little sick twits on this forum that give bad advice. You aren't giving bad advice, instead you like to be hypercritical of advice that is given.

If that is what you need to do to feel like you are a valued contributor, be my guest. I wouldn't want to be the one to crush your psyche.

SirHustlerEsq

I would pay someone several hundred dollars to figure this out for me on a Retul machine.

Slackerprince

+1 on the "fiddle."
Measurements are one thing, but feel is the ideal.

S

I <3 Robots

Your fitter will know you better than a bunch of guys arguing online over whos "opinion" is right.

That or just get a saddle and experiment. There are some suggestions on how to do it already.

This forum is one place I avoid when it comes to asking for any kind of advice. It always ends up in some kind of pissing contest and you'll have to filter through a ton of off topic replys.

bt

you could change everything on my bike and I could have it all dialed back in in a half hour ride and an allen wrench.

why is this so hard?

are fitters scaring people into thinking it's rocket surgery?

BoSoxYacht

No, it's a result of a few people, on forums like this one, that worship the very ground that bike fitters walk on.

Changing a saddle is a bit trickier than other component that can change the fit of the bike. You can take all the measurements you want, but it will only help to give you a starting point. Saddle shape and padding density will change the position of the body slightly, so some adjustments will likely be needed to get it perfect.

WHOOOSSHHH...

Pot calls kettle black.....
It's a forum about bicycle riding. Relax. There are much bigger problems in life! I'm sure all the advice was well intentioned and while not up to your lofty expectations may in fact be helpful.

DXchulo

Since saddles are so different it might never be perfect, but it does make sense to measure where your sit bones are and adjust from there. Measure from the center of the BB to the sit bones and from the sit bones to the center of the stem.

Take pictures of your position on the bike before and after. It won't be perfect, but you should notice any big diferences that you may not feel.

Above all, keep the old marked saddle. You may not find a better one (grass is always greener on the other side).