rant--why do folks ride with the seat so low?
 

huh?:) :eek:

They don't know any better. Either that, or they got tiny lttle legs...

I don't know, but I see it all the time. Typically the rider is on a bike way too small for them.

Kemmer
 

To sit more upright, they thinks it's more comfortable that way.

Maybe not Mechanically inclined. Those quick releases can be tricky...

Saw a kid around here on a nice MTB with his knees practically in his chin. Maybe he does trials, but it sure looks uncomfortable and inefficient.

Raised on BMX bikes. They are used to eating their knees.

Ever notice that you don't see adults on BMX bikes? That's probably because you can only ride around with your A$$ lower than your knees for so many years before the pain starts.

Seriously, though, I think it is just ignorance. I know I rode around with my bike seat a couple inches low for years. It wasn't until I tried more demanding things that the pain and low performance drove me to figure out the correct seat height. I'm talking about trying to keep up with a group of experienced roadies for a few hours or riding with a fixed gear cog. Those endeavors will tell you if your seat is the right height. Just cruising around town or riding 5 miles to work can be done quite easily with the seat too low.

I'm a 6'2" adult that fits comfortably on a 22" Macneil BMX.
Though, BMX's aren't for sitting on.
The seat is high enough to be pinched between my knees, and low enough that its out of the way.


I do really enjoy seeing elderly asian men on kids mountain bikes though. (It happens quite often around here). I'm just happy they're out on bikes.

Also, lots of people (my girlfriend included) like their seat a little lower for ease of mounting/dismounting/dabbing a foot in traffic, even though it means a less efficient pedal stroke.

Agreed. I've also noticed a subspecies of low seat enthusiasts prone to positioning the pedals under their heels. Instead of putting their knees under their chins, as cyccommute has observed, their knees point outward from the bike.

Its the style at the moment, never let practicality rule over fashion.

I see plenty of knees pointing out from the bike on the down stroke.

Q: Why do people have their saddle low?
A: Maybe so they can get the sole of their shoe on the ground while stopped without leaving the saddle.


Q: Why does anyone else care?
A: ???

If someone is comfortable riding that way it certainly doesn't bother me, but I DO wonder how it COULD be comfortable riding similar to a bear in a circus.

Another odd thing I see around downtown is these tiny tire bikes. Like small BMW, with tires about the size of a steering wheel. I realize they're for tricks and stuff, but watching someone ride them down the street looks odd.

Other possible answers from those who choose peculiar cycling methods/ equipment:

To those who understand, no explanation is neccesary.
To those who don't, no explanation is possible.

or maybe:
Perhaps you've never given it the time and effort to learn how to ride it.

Or another answer might be:

i pity you. i really do. have ya ever even ridden a bike with the saddle that low? have ya? cause if ya did, you'd never go back. believe me!!


or the old tried and true:
Ignore this flamebait from the troll, but what the heck, it's the internet, right?

It makes it easier to pedal with their heels.

because they like too...

Cause it's fu**ing Gangster.

Whay does it matter to you?

So says the diamond frame rider.

When you see people who look like actual bike riders doing this (as opposed to the DUI crowd) then it's probably an artifact of the urban/freeride/dirt jump scene. These diciplines require a low seat.

Occasionally when I pull onto the road on my freeride bike for a short distance, I'm too lazy to raise the seat.

Im actually more curious why so many people ride with their seat a good 8-9 inches above their bars. I just dont see how thats possibly comfortable. Thats too much weight on my arms.

But too short of seats probably stems from when your a kid. You dont constantly upgrade your bike as fast as you grow, so the bike seems slightly small at times, and thats what you get used to.

Actually it's cause they're so used to driving cars, that stretching thier legs out seem unnatural on bikes...

I have never seen that ever, even in racing. Got any pics?

Wow... I don't know. I guess it's aero? But it sure can't be for comfort.