Originally Posted by lanman

I work at a shop, and I can't tell you the shocked look I get from people when I bring the saddle to an approximately appropriate height for a test ride. "That's really high, how can I touch the ground?" Then even after explaining the benefits and demonstrating mounting/dismounting techniques customers still don't believe me, like I'm lying to them or something. It baffles me, why would I tell you the incorrect saddle height as an employee of a bike shop (I actually care to, not just a schmo). And when I do an approximate height for a test ride I use the heel over the axle rule of thumb (obviously not a precise height but it's good for a quick test ride, especially something like a hybrid or mountain bike).

And for mounting, there are several ways to go about it. Typically when you stop at a light you unclip with and slide your butt off the saddle forward, with one foot still clipped in. I usually have this foot in the 2 or 3 o clock position. If it's a long light I'll shift slightly to the side and sit on the top tube with my thigh (gotta protect those boys). When the light turns, I will start my pedal stroke (which is already at the 2 or 3 so I get a good strong stroke) and simultaneously use that stroke to basically push myself upwards and slip onto the saddle, then clip in my other foot. Now doing this in one seamless motion just takes practice, but comes naturally after a few weeks of consistent riding.