Eddy Merckx from a 1969 Peugeot catalog. He pedaled, "Toe Down". Photo uploaded to Flickr by Stronglight
1) Saddle height is determined by knee angle and by foot angle. If you pedal heel down your saddle will be much lower than if you pedal toe down. This could be a couple of inches! I have subtle tricks I developed that I use in my fitting system to get the proper foot angle. Once this is established, then we can deal with the saddle height.
2) It is a hyper critical dimension, meaning that too low, you lose power and put undue strain on your knees. Too high, even a little bit, and it can put a lot of strain on your Achilles tendon, make the back of your knee sore, and make your saddle most uncomfortable.
This is an area where I disagree with lots of the other fitters out there. Using a sophisticated tool such as RETUL, one can accurately measure those angles. It is easy to get you “in the acceptable range”. What next? What if your body requires a very specific place that is “within the range” but is so critical that it is the only place that works?
The answer to this question is, “This is why I still have a job.” I have great success helping people who need absolute accuracy in their position. Most people can get away with a much broader range of positions, but since I have the tools and knowledge to work with those who need more accuracy, the folks who can get away with something “a little off” still benefit from having their position dialed in like the suspension on a Formula One racecar.
I hope you think about your position on the bike and how it affects you. Here is a question. Do you try to fit the bike, or does the bike fit you? What is more important, and ultimately more expensive, you, or the bike?
Thanks so much for reading and for your comments. I really appreciate hearing from you.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
When I get a New Bike I keep Fiddling with the Saddle until I am satisfied it is the right Height. I adjust it first to what I think is the right Height then I go for a Ride to decide if it is OKay.
If I feel there is Strain on my Knees or Legs I stop and think about it and decide what I am going to do. I set one Pedal at the Bottom of its Travel and sit on the Saddle and see if my Leg is Vertical on the Pedal with a slight Bend in the Leg and Adjust up or Down the Saddle until I am Comfortable. I go off for another Ride and have a little think about it and either Adjust it again or leave it alone.
I might after two Weeks decide to Adjust it again until I am finally Satisfied.Dublin Ireland
Hi Jack,
You describe what I have done for decades, trying to find better and better ways. I applaud you!