Originally Posted by
pepperbelly
I must be doing something wrong. When I use the formula multiplying my inseam by .883 it shows that I need to lower my saddle a lot- like 2.5 inches.
It feels a little low now. I just did a short 6 mile lap around a local lake and was paying attention to my legs. At the bottom of the stroke my knee still has a pretty good bend and my quads can really feel it.
Likely you haven't gotten the inseam correct - 76 cm for someone 5'10" is super short legged and super Long Torso.
so, you can try to do the measurement again...
OR, the alternate option is heel on pedal method - My personal experience is this worked on 99% of people I have used this for... as the ballpark starting point - usually within 2-3 mm of what they might settle on.
Heel on Pedal - Saddle Height Adjustment - Leg Fully Stretched
This can be done will riding - safely - somewhere without obstacles and traffic.
pedal then coast... put heels on both pedals... pedal in reverse.
If legs are completely stretched with heel lightly contacting pedal - the key is to not have the hips rocking while doing this reverse pedaling.
adjust as appropriate, do it again, until the height is set and you pedal smoothly, heels on pedals, with legs completely extended
This works whether you're riding flats, clipless or even old school toe clips on rattraps.
Ride On
Yuri
But actually knowing a good cycling inseam measurement helps with many other things..
EDIT: Note that being in a 'riding' posture (hands on Bars) is important for the heel on pedal method to work, whether you're static leaning on something, or moving...