Pro's change their saddle height based on terrain?
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Pro's change their saddle height based on terrain?
In watching The Tour, I've noticed that some riders have good leg extension (85-95% extended), and some that have it significantly shortened (65-75%).
Do the Pro's adjust their saddle height (prior to the start, of course!) depending on if their on flats or climbing?
Do the Pro's adjust their saddle height (prior to the start, of course!) depending on if their on flats or climbing?
#2
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Yeah, I was wondering the same thing! I'm watching stage 11 now, and I thought "damn, my saddle must be set too high, look how bent those guy's legs are"!
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Yeah, I also noticed that when they're time trialing, a lot of them are sitting on the front edge of their seat.
Interesting... maybe someone in here will shed some light.
Interesting... maybe someone in here will shed some light.
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Sitting way forward, like for TT'ing, generates more power- you sacrifice comfort for this. Do the pros change their saddle height depended on terrain? Don't know. I could see changing their fore/aft though, which would also mean adjusting their saddle height.
The position that one rider is in that generates the most power for them doesn't mean that it will work for another though. So don't look at a pro and think you need to lower/raise your saddle based on what you see on TV.
The position that one rider is in that generates the most power for them doesn't mean that it will work for another though. So don't look at a pro and think you need to lower/raise your saddle based on what you see on TV.
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many guys start the season with slightly lower saddles heights, particularly during some spring classics like roubaix. usually by this point in the season they've settled into their position though. then there are some guys who NEVER change their saddle height.
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It's like anything else on a bike. There is no one perfect fit for everyone. Each person is different.
Usually if your saddle is too high you can have pain behind the knee's and lower back. If it is too low the fronts of your knees will hurt. Adjust accordingly.
Usually if your saddle is too high you can have pain behind the knee's and lower back. If it is too low the fronts of your knees will hurt. Adjust accordingly.
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when a saddle is slightly lower it promotes spinning vs turning a big gear. This position does not always produce the most power but higher cadence can improve one climbing ability , and in some cases higher RPM mean more power. . especially if hills are not your thing lowering you saddle can help turn the gear. but we are talking a very minimal amount, not something you would even notice via TV camera. This however does not explain why a pro would lower their saddle position. It's probably just camera angles that is causing it to seem as if its a lower saddle position. The body would be in some serious pain if you were to switch positions back and forth over 100's of miles.
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Has coddling tendencies.
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From what I've seen most recreational cyclists run their saddles too high, which is why you see a proliferation of nose down saddle positions from weekend warrior types.
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when a saddle is slightly lower it promotes spinning vs turning a big gear. This position does not always produce the most power but higher cadence can improve one climbing ability , and in some cases higher RPM mean more power. . especially if hills are not your thing lowering you saddle can help turn the gear. but we are talking a very minimal amount, not something you would even notice via TV camera. This however does not explain why a pro would lower their saddle position. It's probably just camera angles that is causing it to seem as if its a lower saddle position. The body would be in some serious pain if you were to switch positions back and forth over 100's of miles.
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Looks fine to me. The knee bend *should* be around 25-30 degrees.
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It is an optical illusion. When they're mashing up the mountain, you see their legs in slo-mo and you see the full extension
When they're hammering at 120+ RPM, you tend to see the knee bend as it goes through the dead spot which looks considerably cramped
When they're hammering at 120+ RPM, you tend to see the knee bend as it goes through the dead spot which looks considerably cramped
#19
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Not that my riding style should even be brought up in the same thread as Arvesen, or even most of you guys, but...
I find if I am coasting, I can almost fully extend my knee at the bottom of my peddle stroke (saddle too high). But when I am peddling, I think my knee bends more and I don't extend as much. Is this a flaw in my technique, or is that the norm?
I find if I am coasting, I can almost fully extend my knee at the bottom of my peddle stroke (saddle too high). But when I am peddling, I think my knee bends more and I don't extend as much. Is this a flaw in my technique, or is that the norm?
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Not that my riding style should even be brought up in the same thread as Arvesen, or even most of you guys, but...
I find if I am coasting, I can almost fully extend my knee at the bottom of my peddle stroke (saddle too high). But when I am peddling, I think my knee bends more and I don't extend as much. Is this a flaw in my technique, or is that the norm?
I find if I am coasting, I can almost fully extend my knee at the bottom of my peddle stroke (saddle too high). But when I am peddling, I think my knee bends more and I don't extend as much. Is this a flaw in my technique, or is that the norm?
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What I saw was not. I saw Moinard from the side (90 degree angle). Also, I did not see the same "illusion" with any of the other riders.
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Saddle height is personal. Some like more bend at the bottom of the stroke than others. I don't think the pros change their saddle height for different conditions like climbing/rolling. They are really looking for a consistent position. However, a TT bike is obviously different.
... Brad
... Brad
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