How to correctly adjust the height of your bicycle armchair to improve your performance

Adjusting the height of your bike's armchair may seem simple, but making it well makes a big difference in how you feel pedaling. Not only will you be more comfortable, you will also improve your performance and avoid those annoying knee or back injuries. The armchair is one of the three key points where you connect with your bicycle, along with the handlebars and pedals, so having it up to the right height is more important than many think.

Although to achieve the perfect measure, the ideal would be a biomechanical study, to be done in a specialized center, you can obtain a fairly good adjustment following simple steps. Let's see it!

How to measure the correct height of the armchair in three steps?

1. Start with the measure of your crotter

To calculate the height of the armchair, the first thing you need is to know the measure of your crotch. Quiet, it is not complicated. Stand, barefoot, against a wall, and make sure your heels touch the ground. Then, grab a book (or a level if you have by hand) and place it between your legs until it touches the part superior of the crotch, as if you simulate being sitting in the armchair. Ask someone to help you measure from the part superior from the book to the ground with a tape measure. That is your crotch height.

👉 How to choose bicycle size: Be right with your bicycle size, we tell you how in This post.

2. Apply the magic formula

A formula that works very well to calculate the ideal height of the armchair is to multiply the height of your crotch by 0.88. This number will give you the right distance so that your knees flex the fair, allowing you to pedal efficiently without forcing. If your crotch measures, for example, 80 cm, the height of your armchair should be 70.4 cm.

3. Adjust the armchair and check the adjustment

Once you have the figure, measure that distance on your bike from the center of the pedalier axis to the middle of the armchair. You can use a measuring tape and adjust the stiper of the armchair until it matches the measurement. Remember that it is important that the armchair is straight and aligned with the handlebar. Then, try to pedal a few meters to see if you feel comfortable, without balance your hips or force your knees. And voila! You have your adjusted armchairs.

Alternative methods to adjust the height of the armchair

If mathematics is not yours or you simply want another faster option, there is a well -known homemade trick. Get on the bike and place the heel on the pedal when it is at its lowest point. If your leg is completely stretched without flexing the knee, you are quite close to the ideal height.

Now, if you are looking for a maximum precision and want to make sure that your position is perfect, a biomechanical study is your best bet. In a specialized center, a physiotherapist will analyze your pedaling with sensors and other factors such as the placement of the coves, the position of the armchair and the length of your legs. With all that information, they will make a millimeter adjustment that will help you prevent injuries and improve your performance. These studies are usually around 100 and 150 euros, but the investment is worth it if you use the bicycle frequently or to compete.

What happens if you wear the armchair too high or too low?

Badly adjusting the saddle will not only make you pedal uncomfortable, it can also have consequences for your body. If the armchair is too high, you will realize quickly because your hips will balance each pedal. This movement can end up causing pain in the lower back or buttocks if you keep it for a long time.

On the other hand, if the armchair is too low, you will be forcing your knees to flex more than necessary, which could generate overloads and long -term injuries. The goal is that, with the armchair at the right height, your knees are slightly flex and complete the pedaling without extra effort.

Adjusting the height of the armchair is a key step, especially if you go up for the first time to a new bike. A good adjustment will allow you to pedal comfortable, improve your performance and, most importantly, avoid injuries. And do not forget to point the measure once you have adjusted, in case you ever need to use it again.

And if you want to learn more about the choice of a good armchair, do not hesitate to review our other post focused on The 10 best armchairs for MTB.

In addition, if you are looking for a new bicycle, we invite you to explore our selection of road bicycles, mountain bicycles, or even electric bicycles, all available in our online store. We are waiting for you in Tuvalum!