What exactly is a "level saddle?"
#26
Veteran Racer


Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
Because in the majority of situations it results in the most comfortable setup.
#27
~>~
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,929
Likes: 187
From: TX Hill Country
Why? It works for the great majority of properly fitted and conditioned riders, it's UCI legal and it's the known baseline to adjust from.
Don't like it? As always suit yourself.
-Bandera
Last edited by Siu Blue Wind; 05-15-16 at 09:51 AM.
#28
Hi guys, I cleaned up the unrelated burrito posts. It was more burrito in here than answering the question.
#30
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 474
Likes: 95
From: STL Missouri
Bikes: State Black Label All Road, Univega Gran Premio, Lotus Classique, Terranaut Metro
I've been wondering about this recently myself. I have one bike that's been driving me crazy for a while. What looks eyeball level is me always sliding forward off the saddle over time. What sure feels like only one detent higher is definitely nose up in appearance, but I stay on without frequently sliding myself back. I've decided to live with what feels right vs looks right.
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 19
From: Seattlish
Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 19
From: Seattlish
Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS
I've been wondering about this recently myself. I have one bike that's been driving me crazy for a while. What looks eyeball level is me always sliding forward off the saddle over time. What sure feels like only one detent higher is definitely nose up in appearance, but I stay on without frequently sliding myself back. I've decided to live with what feels right vs looks right.
#33
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,164
Likes: 5,295
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
#34
And valve caps.
I know wheel reflectors are safe...they still bug me though. Like the huge plastic plate that usually sits between a wheel/cassette.
My bike is jackass right now too. I need a more level stem with my risers. The angled downward Jaguar + risers = standard flat bar height.
I know wheel reflectors are safe...they still bug me though. Like the huge plastic plate that usually sits between a wheel/cassette.
My bike is jackass right now too. I need a more level stem with my risers. The angled downward Jaguar + risers = standard flat bar height.
#35
#37
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
Ok, I think I've invented a new bicycle saddleseat leveling system. If the rice in the burrito slides forward, you need to angle it upwards and vice versa. If all the rice pools in the middle then you have yourself a level saddle and will achieve many likes on instagram.
#38
Veteran Racer


Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
The correct term is "dork disk".
#39
You will need a 6 pack of beer to determine proper bar angle, you should be able to hang the 6 pack from the drops without them sliding in either direction. Pro move is to buy 2 6packs so your bars don't twist when attempting to align your angle.
#40
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
Just ride the damn thing. Is it comfortable? Keep riding it the way it is. If it's not comfortable make changes based on your needs, not what the internet says looks cool.
#41
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,861
Likes: 41
From: Coeur d' Alene
Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors
Ok, I think I've invented a new bicycle saddleseat leveling system. If the rice in the burrito slides forward, you need to angle it upwards and vice versa. If all the rice pools in the middle then you have yourself a level saddle and will achieve many likes on instagram.
#42
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_repose
100% Agreed.
#43
It seems you care much more about what your bike looks like than how it rides. You realize that getting a level stem will raise your hand position considerably, right?
Just ride the damn thing. Is it comfortable? Keep riding it the way it is. If it's not comfortable make changes based on your needs, not what the internet says looks cool.
Just ride the damn thing. Is it comfortable? Keep riding it the way it is. If it's not comfortable make changes based on your needs, not what the internet says looks cool.
If I only cared about looks, I would keep the Jaguar...the Cinelli 2A and Jaguar are two of the best looking quill stems.









