Originally Posted by
Road Fan
One target for a good fitting is that with the cranks horizontal, the front edge of your knee is over the pedal spindle. It's usually tested with a plumb line. Clearly this criterion affects saddle fore-aft placement. When you are as far back as you can reasonably be, your knee just over the pedal spindle, like this? This "knee over pedal spindle" is often argued over, but to check yourself against this is not a bad idea. It's not a hard and fast rule, however.
Also, if you pedal with the ball of your foot, your leg should not straighten completely (not sure you said it was straightening, but I'll throw this out anyway), there should be a small but significant bend to your leg. If you are straightening your leg completely your saddle is too high.
I had my husband check and the front of my knee is 2-3" beyond the pedal spindle. I tried pedaling with the ball of my foot just now and kept slipping of the pedal. Seems I pedal more comfortably with area between the ball of my foot and it's center.
I think what may not be clear, even though I posted the bike info, is that it's an upright comfort bike.
I also have some physical limitations due to age (57) and surgery: arthritis, fused neck (limited mobility), damaged tail bone.
I forgot, you asked about the bend: I think it may be correct as it currently is based on your description, even though I'm not pedaling with the ball of my foot.
Thank you for your suggestions.