Adjusting the height of your bike saddle may seem simple, but doing it right makes a big difference in how you feel when pedaling. Not only will you be more comfortable, but you'll also improve your performance and avoid those annoying knee or back injuries. The saddle is one of the three key contact points with your bike, along with the handlebars and pedals, so having it at the right height is more important than many people think.
Although the ideal way to get the perfect measurement would be a biomechanical study done at a specialized center, you can get a pretty good fit by following a few simple steps. Let’s take a look!
How to measure the correct saddle height in three steps?
1. Start with your inseam measurement
To calculate the saddle height, the first thing you need is to know your inseam measurement. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. Stand barefoot against a wall, making sure your heels touch the floor. Then, grab a book (or a level if you have one handy) and place it between your legs until it touches the superior part of your inseam, as if you were simulating sitting on the saddle. Ask someone to help you measure from the superior part of the book to the floor with a measuring tape. That’s your inseam height.
👉 How to choose the right bike size: get your bike size right, we tell you how in this post.
2. Apply the magic formula
A formula that works very well to calculate the ideal saddle height is to multiply your inseam height by 0.88. This number will give you the right distance so your knees bend just enough, allowing you to pedal efficiently without strain. If your inseam measures, for example, 80 cm, your saddle height should be 70.4 cm.
3. Adjust the saddle and check the fit
Once you have the number, measure that distance on your bike from the center of the bottom bracket to the middle of the saddle. You can use a measuring tape and adjust the seatpost until it matches the measurement. Remember that it’s important for the saddle to be straight and aligned with the handlebars. Then, try pedaling a few meters to see if you feel comfortable, without rocking your hips or straining your knees. And that’s it! Your saddle is adjusted.
Alternative methods to adjust saddle height
If math isn't your thing or you just want a quicker option, there's a well-known homemade trick. Get on the bike and place your heel on the pedal when it's at its lowest point. If your leg is completely stretched without bending your knee, you're pretty close to the ideal height.
Now, if you're looking for maximum precision and want to make sure your posture is perfect, a biomechanical study is your best bet. In a specialized center, a physical therapist will analyze your pedaling with sensors and other factors such as cleat placement, saddle position, and the length of your legs. With all that information, they'll make a millimetric adjustment that will help you prevent injuries and improve your performance. These studies usually cost between 100 and 150 euros, but the investment is worth it if you use your bike frequently or for competition.
What happens if your saddle is too high or too low?
Improperly adjusting the saddle won't just make pedaling uncomfortable, it can also have consequences for your body. If the saddle is too high, you'll notice quickly because your hips will sway with each pedal stroke. This movement can end up causing pain in your lower back or glutes if you keep it up for a long time.
On the other hand, if the saddle is too low, you'll be forcing your knees to bend more than necessary, which could cause overload and long-term injuries. The goal is that, with the saddle at the correct height, your knees bend slightly and you complete the pedal stroke without extra effort.
Adjusting the saddle height is a key step, especially if you're getting on a new bike for the first time. A good adjustment will let you pedal comfortably, improve your performance and, most importantly, avoid injuries. And don't forget to write down the measurement once you have it adjusted, in case you ever need to use it again.
And if you want to learn more about choosing a good saddle, don't hesitate to check out our other post focused on The 10 best saddles for MTB.
Also, if you're looking for a new bike, we invite you to explore our selection of road bikes, mountain bikes, or even electric bikes, all available in our online store. We look forward to seeing you at Tuvalum!