Originally Posted by
FrenchFit
KOPS by eyeballing, but KOPS slightly behind the spindle for a bike I ride upright is the norm for me. The saddle itself makes a big difference, many are designed for a rotated pelvis position and those heavily padded things are simply montrosities. I guess the default recommendation for upright riding is a B17 with the nose slightly tilted up. (Most of the saddles I ride on fast bikes would be pure torture if I tried to ride upright, they are designed for another purpose.) I think overall fitness is big factor as well...when I started riding years ago I suffered all kinds of seat / position issues at first, then again when going over 60 miles. Now, I don't give it much thought...even if it's 8-10 hours in the saddle. So, I would lean toward the conclusion that assuming your saddle choice and its position is in the ballpark, you need saddle time and some improvement your general fitness to get where you want to go. I would also be nervous about getting a bike fit from someone skilled at putting riders in a "optimal" position, you may not like that idea so much.
Also, if you stand when you accelerate and over short grades you will get fitter faster, and you improve circulation.. standing can be your friend.
All good advice. I know that when I used to ride 150+ miles/wk, I never had saddle issues. Overall fitness is definitely an issue.
I'm going to try for KOPS a little behind the spindle - I checked again today, and I actually may have the saddle set too far forward. I'm going to try to get my son to help me with a plumb bob the next time he's here.
I've been considering a saddle upgrade, but wanted to try adjustments first. The saddle I'm currently using is wide-ish (but not as wide as a some comfort bike saddles), is sprung and padded - a Selle Stratos HyperPlush that somebody gave to me. I used it on this bike because I wanted to be able to ride comfortably in street clothes. If I were to go with Brooks, is the B-17 the right saddle, or would something like a B-67 be better?