Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Setting seat height

Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Setting seat height

Old 07-04-02, 06:07 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Middle of Pacific
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Setting seat height

Am I doing this right? I set my seat height so that when the pedal is at the very bottom my foot is level to the ground and my leg is locked straight. I know that the bottom bracket height is higher off the ground on ATB's but now I can't even touch the ground with my toes when I come to a stop. Very spooky with clip-in pedals. My suspension droop (full suspension) is set to about 25%. I like the setup as it gives me full power when pedaling but stopping is a matter of "where's the nearest pole to grab on to". Am I missing something here?
JimB is offline  
Old 07-04-02, 06:28 PM
  #2  
Canadian eh?
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,135

Bikes: 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 131 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times in 54 Posts
DONT LOCK IT STRAIGHT YOU WILL INJURE YOURSELF. MAKE SURE THERES A SLIGHT BEND IN IT. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LOL..

you should be on urr tippytoes when sitting on the saddle as well
WorldIRC is offline  
Old 07-04-02, 06:29 PM
  #3  
Love Me....Love My Bike!
 
aerobat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 1,231

Bikes: Bikes: Giant hybrid, Trek 4500, Cannondale R800 Some commuting 20mi/day, mostly fitness riding - 20-50 mile rides

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
The usual benchmark for seat height is to start with a slight bend in your knee when the pedal is at it's lowest point, and fine tune from there.
__________________
"...perhaps the world needs a little more Canada" - Jean Chretian, 2003.
aerobat is offline  
Old 07-04-02, 06:44 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Middle of Pacific
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
OK......thanks guys. I will lower my seat a little and try it from there. I was reading several books on bike setup and they all pretty much stated that your leg is suppose to be straight when the pedal is all the way down. I guess the final adjustment should be the one that best suits your needs. I'll have to look on the 'net for some "outrigger" wheels in case I can't find a suitable pole to grab onto when I stop.
JimB is offline  
Old 07-04-02, 09:45 PM
  #5  
Oh God, He's back!
 
1oldRoadie's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 1,021

Bikes: Paramount

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
on a road bike, the best rule of thumb, is to have someone ride behind you. and raise or lower the seat until you do not rock your hips when pedaling.

But after you get your seat height adjusted, be sure that you have not moved the seat too far forward or back in relation to the cranks (knee over toes) and your reach to the handlebar.
__________________
I can't ride and Frown!
1oldRoadie is offline  
Old 07-05-02, 01:51 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 104
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i've learned that the way to set up the proper seat height is to sit on your bike, place your heel on the axle of the pedal and lock out your leg. This should provide you w/ the proper bend when you do have your foot on the pedal (ie: ball of your foot over axel). good luck, proper seat height is very important...especially if you are doing any climbing while seated...
Mashimaro is offline  
Old 07-05-02, 11:06 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Montreal
Posts: 6,521

Bikes: Peugeot Hybrid, Minelli Hybrid

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
You should also set the springs on the pedals so you can get out easily.
AndrewP is offline  
Old 07-05-02, 12:27 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Middle of Pacific
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Springs are adjusted okay on my pedals (after numerous "ground assaults") so no problem there. I lowered my seat 1/2" (about 12mm) and I'll try it this weekend. At least I can just about touch the ground with my tippy-toes so maybe I won't have to look for those "life-saving" poles so often. Thanks all.......
JimB is offline  
Old 07-05-02, 05:44 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Jim
If you tilt the bike to one side as you stop, your feet will reach the ground without a problem.
You should be able to stop without any drama if you unclip before stopping . Are you new to cycling or to clipless pedals?

Maybe you need to fit some cheap platform pedals and practice track stops and very slow riding.
MichaelW is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.