In this article we’ll show you how to determine your saddle height yourself. Changes to your
saddle height can have huge benefits on your rides and help avoid injuries. There are several methods you
try at home to determine your saddle height.
Why your saddle height is important
Having the correct saddle height is so important for riders, it will really enhance your fitness, and
adventures. Some cyclists can just jump on the bike, have roughly the right saddle height and
have a long glorious pain free ride. Whereas others can be a few millimeters out and in agony
after 20 kilometers. Having the wrong saddle height can result in pain in the hips, knees and
many other places. It can leave for a longer recovery time between rides which can be
frustrating if you’re training. Nobody likes a painful ride or a painful recovery! A correct bike fit
means you can sit back and enjoy the ride for as long as you can keep pedalling.
So how can we avoid this? What is the solution? There is a correct saddle height for each
individual, find it and you will find your cycling sweet spot. The most obvious choice is a
professional bike fit, but they’re not cheap and take time. And sometimes you don’t want
to wait for an appointment, you want to get on the bike and go. Luckily, there are various DIY
approaches you can try at home, here are the four most popular methods cyclists use at home
and what is involved with a professional bike fit.
How to determine your ideal saddle height
The Hip Test
A fairly easy method, simply stand next to the bike and line the saddle directly next to your hip,
As a rule of thumb, aim to have the saddle and your hips parallel to each other. This is a great
method for using a rental bike borrowing from a friend, it is quick, effective and allows you to
hop on the bike much sooner.
The Heel To Pedal
In this test we put the heel of our foot on to the pedal of the bike at the lowest point of rotation.
Your leg should be completely straight while seated on the saddle and again when we return our
foot to the original position. When this is achieved the saddle height is correct. Although a great
method, there may be discrepancies that will alter the effectiveness, for example; the height of
your shoes, how you’re sitting on the saddle at the time and also the type of saddle you use. If
you change any of these, it may be worth repeating the ‘Heel To Pedal’ process.
Leg Inseam (109%)
Somewhat trickier than other methods, but the more vigorous the test the more accurate the
result. This process requires the rider to stand against a wall, then put either a ruler or a book
between our legs as shown in the photo below. Once the ruler is parallel to and flat against the
wall and firmly in place; mark the wall, and then measure from the floor to the mark. Ensure you
measure the distance in millimeters, then multiply by 0.9. Once you have the figure, apply the
given number to the crank – through the seat tube to the centre of the saddle. This is an
extremely useful method, although it may be slightly more time consuming, it gives you an
accurate representation of your perfect saddle height, plus it uses equipment you already have
at home.
Visual Fitting
This is by far the most accurate method and will give you the ultimate saddle height, it can be
used to give yourself a very good bike fit also. Many Apps on IOS and Android now offer bike
fitting applications. You may have to put aside some time to prepare and set up the filming of
yourself cycling on a turbo trainer. Then proceeding to make the many adjustments the app
recommends over and over again. It can be quite a long and complicated process but the
results are more than worth it. These are intelligent applications and are therefore very rarely
free, however the cost of a comfortable saddle height is priceless!
It does also require a little knowledge of your bike and it’s components to make the required
adjustments both safely and properly.
An app we would recommend is ‘Bike Fit Fast’, it’s simple to use and navigate, making it great
for all abilities. There is also an ‘Elite’ edition which is more complex and allows the user to
complete a full fit.
Bike Fitting
Although these DIY methods are great for those feeling comfortable with their bike, there is
always the alternative option of a professional bike fit. It is a great way to go if you are a bit of a
perfectionist! Unlike other methods, the ‘fitter’ will be able to thoroughly assess you on the bike,
and give you the perfect fit the first time. They will look at any strengths and weaknesses you
may have and adapt the bike. This bespoke fit will make your riding more efficient, comfortable
and keep you injury free. They will also know how to make the adjustments safely and
effectively, meaning both you and your bike are in safe hands.
Going to a knowledgeable professional with a lot of information is the most effective way to
ensure you have achieved the correct saddle height, they will also give you insights into your
riding which can make for a better rider! Most fitters will also ask you to come back after a few
rides to make any adjustments if required.
Now go out and ride!