Floating instead of sitting on saddle?
10-30-06, 08:12 AM
#1
Floating instead of sitting on saddle?
I have seen references to floating on top of the saddle versus sitting on it but I have not seen it explained in detail.
What is meant by this?
When should I be doing it?
Is this congruent with pedaling circles instead of mashing?
Anything else I forgot to ask!
I am not a racer or anything else. I just like to do recreational riding and get fitter and faster.
Thanks.
What is meant by this?
When should I be doing it?
Is this congruent with pedaling circles instead of mashing?
Anything else I forgot to ask!
I am not a racer or anything else. I just like to do recreational riding and get fitter and faster.
Thanks.
10-30-06, 11:07 AM
#2
road rash/tree burn
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This pretty much refers to keeping some of your weight on the pedals at all times rather than sitting on the saddle as if it's a seat. The saddle isn't intended (at least on fast bikes) to support your whole weight, and if you're just sitting on it you're not putting the power to the pedals that you need to be in order to go fast. It's a "feel" thing, and I would say that it's in line with spinning versus mashing because you tend to be smoother and bounce up and down less with a smooth circular spin than a powerful up-and-down motion.
10-30-06, 11:24 AM
#5
Originally Posted by truckin
This pretty much refers to keeping some of your weight on the pedals at all times rather than sitting on the saddle as if it's a seat. The saddle isn't intended (at least on fast bikes) to support your whole weight, and if you're just sitting on it you're not putting the power to the pedals that you need to be in order to go fast. It's a "feel" thing, and I would say that it's in line with spinning versus mashing because you tend to be smoother and bounce up and down less with a smooth circular spin than a powerful up-and-down motion.
Most problems with saddle sores, sore butts go away after you master this technique.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
10-30-06, 11:27 AM
#6
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally Posted by John Wilke
So, if you're not sitting on the saddle, why have a chamois in your shorts? Boy, I gotta hear more on this one.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
10-30-06, 11:51 AM
#7
Faster but still slow
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Jersey
Posts: 5,978
Bikes: Trek 830 circa 1993 and a Fuji WSD Finest 1.0 2006
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
if you're pedaling fast and efficently then it should feel like you're barely putting any weight on the saddle.
10-30-06, 12:00 PM
#8
Certifiable Bike "Expert"
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 5,647
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You can't "spin" AND "pull up" AND "float".
I used to believe in the float on the saddle idea, but now I think that the most efficient cycling is sitting and spinning. When you're spinning, the downward force on the front pedal is small - if you're putting out 200 watts through a 175 mm crankarm at 90 rpm, the average difference in force between the front pedal and rear pedal is about 30 pounds.
I used to believe in the float on the saddle idea, but now I think that the most efficient cycling is sitting and spinning. When you're spinning, the downward force on the front pedal is small - if you're putting out 200 watts through a 175 mm crankarm at 90 rpm, the average difference in force between the front pedal and rear pedal is about 30 pounds.
10-30-06, 12:34 PM
#9
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,476
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Liked 894 Times
in
458 Posts
May work as a metaphor, but as Physics it leaves a little to be deisred as poitned out above.
If it helps you to pedal smoother great, but it can't be an accurate ddescription.
If it helps you to pedal smoother great, but it can't be an accurate ddescription.
10-30-06, 01:04 PM
#10
Originally Posted by Phantoj
You can't "spin" AND "pull up" AND "float".
I used to believe in the float on the saddle idea, but now I think that the most efficient cycling is sitting and spinning. When you're spinning, the downward force on the front pedal is small - if you're putting out 200 watts through a 175 mm crankarm at 90 rpm, the average difference in force between the front pedal and rear pedal is about 30 pounds.
I used to believe in the float on the saddle idea, but now I think that the most efficient cycling is sitting and spinning. When you're spinning, the downward force on the front pedal is small - if you're putting out 200 watts through a 175 mm crankarm at 90 rpm, the average difference in force between the front pedal and rear pedal is about 30 pounds.
The only time I pull up is when I am out of the saddle climbing or out of the saddle accelerating in a sprint.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
10-30-06, 02:58 PM
#12
Faster but still slow
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Jersey
Posts: 5,978
Bikes: Trek 830 circa 1993 and a Fuji WSD Finest 1.0 2006
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
You can't "spin" AND "pull up" AND "float".
10-30-06, 03:06 PM
#13
I can't find my pants
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: UMASS, Amherst/ Swick, MA
Posts: 2,331
Bikes: 07 Specialized Langster Comp,06 Kona King Zing, 06 Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc; 03 LOOK KG461;(destroyed by suv); 85 Panasonic Team America; 73 Peugeot U0-8; 94 Balance Super B BMX; 04 Diamondback Outlook MTB, Diamondback DBR DH
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Phantoj
You can't "spin" AND "pull up" AND "float".
I used to believe in the float on the saddle idea, but now I think that the most efficient cycling is sitting and spinning. When you're spinning, the downward force on the front pedal is small - if you're putting out 200 watts through a 175 mm crankarm at 90 rpm, the average difference in force between the front pedal and rear pedal is about 30 pounds.
I used to believe in the float on the saddle idea, but now I think that the most efficient cycling is sitting and spinning. When you're spinning, the downward force on the front pedal is small - if you're putting out 200 watts through a 175 mm crankarm at 90 rpm, the average difference in force between the front pedal and rear pedal is about 30 pounds.
10-30-06, 03:17 PM
#14
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
I like Lemond's method...scraping dog do-do off your shoe as you come around to 6 o'clock. It's always held a special meaning to me, since I get home about six and after walking through the yard I have to do some scraping. 
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
10-30-06, 03:26 PM
#15
Blast from the Past
Originally Posted by slowandsteady
Just go for a leisurely ride with a really slow friend and you will see how your rear end wears out sooner. Anytime I ride with my friend who is much slower than me(and boy am I slow) my rear starts to hurt at about 1.5 - 2 hours. By the end of the ride I can't wait to get off. But if I ride my normal pace, I am fine for many hours.
10-30-06, 04:18 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 178
Bikes: Surly Cross Check 2008 50CM Misty Mountain Gray
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Umm I had a rootbeer float last night (hagen Daz and A&W) but what the H-E-Double Hockey Stix does that have to do with anything?
10-30-06, 04:23 PM
#18
OCP
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MILWAUKEE
Posts: 6,289
Bikes: The kind with two wheels
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by kylecrispin
Umm I had a rootbeer float last night (hagen Daz and A&W) but what the H-E-Double Hockey Stix does that have to do with anything?
Saddle float?
GG....just ride.
10-30-06, 06:04 PM
#20
I play in the street.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: College: K-State; Home: Overland Park, KS
Posts: 977
Bikes: 2005 Allez Triple, 1971 Schwinn Varsity Fixed Gear Conversion
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah, I can't spin and keep weight off the saddle at the same time. Either I am out of the saddle hammering or in the saddle spinning. I can't do both. My legs get tired after a minute or two of trying to stand and spin. Is that bad?
10-30-06, 06:58 PM
#21
Blue Light Special
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bay Area, Sunny Cali
Posts: 1,467
Bikes: '05 Felt F55, Schwinn Prologue road bike, '86 Centurion DS Iron Man, Sette Flite AM MTB
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I also either stand-and-mash or sit-and-spin. If I want to take a rest from the saddle while standing, I sometimes stand-and-spin, but it does get tiring.
10-30-06, 07:03 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Willimantic, Connecticut
Posts: 499
Bikes: '70s Puch sport tourer, '90 Peugeot Success.
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
With the sort of roads we have around here in many places, floating on the saddle is a necessity to avoid bone-jarring shocks every few seconds.
10-30-06, 07:28 PM
#24
Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 170
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Giant OCR-1, and a 1996 Raleigh M60 MTB
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I have wondered about this as well. I am a mountian bike convert, and with almost no trail being road smooth with a seat constantly hitting you in the ass, it is an easy lesson to learn. I don't yet have the clip pedals and wondered if road bikes were similar.
10-30-06, 09:00 PM
#25
Cathedral City, CA
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Cathedral City, CA
Posts: 1,504
Bikes: 2016 RITCHEY BreakAway (full Chorus 11), 2005 Ritchey BreakAway (full Chorus 11, STOLEN), 2001 Gary Fisher Tassajara mountain bike (sold), 2004 Giant TRC 2 road bike (sold)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by slowandsteady
Sure you can. Because the pedals are 180 from each other, you are only ever pulling up with one foot at at time. Of course I am assuming you also push down on each stroke also. Not sure why anyone would just pull up. Spinning, at least as I use the term and understand it, means sitting on one's saddle and using a high cadence such as over 85 rpms or so and having a smooth pedal stroke.
