I've been riding for years and have used the 'heel pedal backwards' method to measure saddle height. I recently realized that I wasn't able to engage my hamstrings effectively so I raised my height about 2-3mm and felt more efficient. Also a slight knee soreness disappeared. I have no hip movement (reaching) and have a slight knee bend at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
I decided to try the 109% method. Wearing cycling socks and cycling shorts I measured my inseam (book in crotch to floor) at 74.5cm (3 times to be sure).
74.5x1.09=81.205cm. Measured from the pedal axle (pedal in-line with seat tube/furthest point from seat) to the top of the seat at center of seat post saddle attachment and found that 81.2 cm was 8 cm below where my seat is currently. I understand that any method is a starting point, but I expected maybe 1 or 2cm, not 8cm.
Did I do something wrong? Since the 109% method goes from the pedal axle to the seat, crank size is essentially irrelevant. The 8cm difference was consistent with my road, touring, ss/fixie and hybrid.
BTW...I'm 5' 10", 210 lbs. and wear pants with a 29" inseam.
I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
I've used both the Lemmond .883 and the 109% method and in my case they are really close 80 cm inseam x109=87.2. 80cm x .883=70.64. I ride 172.5 cranks so the difference is only .64 and after subtracting the .3 they recommend for clipless pedals the numbers are even closer. Just wondering what your saddle height from center of bottom bracket is currently. The difference could just be that you are a toe pointer when you pedal.