Bicycling

Learn to set your saddle height correctly - you'll be amazed at the difference in comfort and performance.

Most retailers use an inseam measurement to estimate saddle height. Consensus on which percentage to use varies from the ‘Lemond’ value of 0.884 of inseam (for saddle height measured from the bottom bracket centre) to the traditional 107 to 109% of inseam length (for combined saddle height and crank length).

Although measurement of inseam is not strictly incorrect, it is not the most accurate method to assess leg length. Research has shown that inseam measurement only identifies the correct saddle height in 50% of cases.

A more accurate method of evaluating saddle height is to measure the leg length only. This is done by measuring from the bony part of the hip which can be felt below the pelvis to the base of the heal bone (pictured). When measured this way, the saddle height should measure approximately 96 to 100% of the leg length measurement and the knee should be flexed between 25° and 35° when the crank is at bottom dead centre (ie when you are measuring from the centre of the saddle to the bottom of the crank).

This fairly broad range is due to the lowest oxygen consumption and highest power outputs being recorded at saddle height values of 100% of leg length while the risk of developing lower back pain, hamstring injuries, saddle sores or ITB pain increases with increasing saddle height when hamstring flexibility and neuro-muscular efficiency are low. Getting this right means a rider needs to be assessed by an expert bike fitter to optimise their saddle height.