A Beginner’s Guide on How to Set Your Saddle Height
As you begin your cycling journey, it soon becomes apparent that there are so many small elements of riding that you’d not previously considered.
Several key choices are necessary to ensure you get off to the best possible start. The obvious considerations include the type of bike that you’re after, proper clothing, accessories, and how to perform roadside fixes.
Factors such as learning how to set your saddle height may not immediately spring to mind, but they’re just as important as the fundamentals. At Fawkes Cycles, we’re here to help you understand all elements of setting your saddle height so no matter your bike specification or terrain, you’ll be ready to go at a height that benefits your comfort and performance.
Table of contents
- How to measure saddle height
- Best methods for setting your saddle height
- How to know if your saddle height is correct
- Saddles at Fawkes Cycles
How to measure saddle height
To properly set your saddle height, you need to know your measurements.
Using your tape measure, begin at the top of your saddle and measure directly to the centre of your bottom bracket. For maximum accuracy you should record to the nearest millimetre.
It’s also useful to determine your saddle setback, which is the horizontal distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the front of the saddle. Place your bike against a wall and take your first measurement by measuring from the wall to the bottom bracket. Your second measurement is from the wall to the tip of the saddle.
Find your saddle setback by subtracting the first measurement from the second. This is also known as the fore-aft position and assists you in achieving efficient pedalling and comfortable positioning.
Best methods for setting your saddle height
Each cyclist has their preferred method of setting their saddle height. Whether this depends on the style of cycling they partake in, personal comfort, or ergonomic performance is down to the individual. Still, there are a few popular methods many cyclists use.
We’ve outlined the methods we feel are the most effective for setting your preferred saddle height below.
The heel method
One of the most common methods cyclists use to help set their saddle height is the heel method, also known as the heel-toe. Sit on the saddle and, wearing the shoes you intend to cycle in, place your heel on the lower pedal and adjust your saddle height until your knee is completely straight.
Gently pedal in either direction. If your hips are rocking back and forth as you pedal, your saddle is set too high. Adjust until you’re pedalling smoothly and aren’t overreaching to secure your heels on the pedals.
Alternatively, you can lower your saddle by around 10-15mm once your knee is completely straight for a quicker set for this method. The height you set from the heel method is an estimate, so it may require further tweaking and adjustment.
LeMond method
Another popular way to set your saddle height is to calculate your preferred setting using the LeMond method. For this method, you’ll need an inseam measurement. Measure your inseam by standing against a wall without wearing shoes. Keep your feet apart at shoulder’s width and place a book or similar item between your legs. Mark the top of the book on the wall and measure from there to the floor.
Take this measurement and multiply it by 0.883 to determine your saddle height. Use your calculation to set your saddle height by starting from the centre of the bottom bracket and finishing at the top of your saddle.
This is a simple and consistent method to utilise across most bikes. However, it doesn’t take into account factors such as crank length, so adjust where necessary.
Hamley method
The Hamley method is almost identical to the LeMond method, however the calculation and what determines your saddle height differs slightly. Instead of multiplying your inseam measurement by 0.883, the Hamley method requires you to multiply your inseam by 1.09.
This difference in calculation is necessary as the Hamley method determines your saddle height from the base of the pedal to the top of the saddle rather than from the centre of the bottom bracket. The additional height takes into account crank length in the final measurement.
Holmes method
Our final helpful method for setting your saddle height is the Holmes method, which works based on the assumption that 25-30 degrees is the optimal static knee angle at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
Mount your bike while it is in a stationary trainer and pedal until you’re comfortable. Halt pedalling when one pedal is at the bottom of the stroke and have a friend use a goniometer to measure your knee angle at this position. The landmarks for this measurement are the lateral femoral condyle at the knee, lateral malleolus at the ankle, and greater trochanter at the hip.
Repeat the process at different saddle heights until you achieve a static knee angle of 25-30 degrees. While this is the most complicated of the methods and requires the help of an assistant, it is research-backed and accounts for your movement during real cycling.
How to know if your saddle height is correct
The most straightforward way to know if you have the correct saddle height is if you feel comfortable and able to pedal smoothly without too much contortion. Comfort and feeling set are some of the most important factors when determining your performance, and your correct saddle height plays a big role in that.
Saddle height checklist
Refer to the following points to ensure you have set the correct saddle height and adjust where necessary:
- Your foot is level with no excessive toe stretching or heel down.
- A stable pelvis and no hips rocking side-to-side while riding.
- Maintaining a consistent saddle position without rocking back and forth.
- A smooth and repetitive pedalling motion and no losing grip at the bottom of the stroke.
- Minimal knee discomfort.
- Even load distribution between your muscles.
Saddles at Fawkes Cycles
Confident in finding your ideal saddle height? Take the next step and find a perfect saddle for your preferred cycling method from our collection at Fawkes Cycles. Our durable and high-quality saddles and seats are perfect for experienced and new cyclists, simple to install and can help boost your performance instantly.
Whether you’re looking for your first saddle or need an upgrade, our collection has you covered. Shop saddles and seats from trusted and reliable brands, including, Cinelli, PRO, Selle Italia and more.
As you progress through your cycling journey, Fawkes Cycles is there for every pedal to help you improve and upgrade. Browse components, including brakes, frames, handlebars, tyres & tubes and wheels for any necessary replacement or upgrade needs from our site for guaranteed quality.
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