How to Fit a Bicycle Seat

Proper seat fit will allow you to capitalize on your pedaling power.

Bicycle fit is a personal choice. But you want to reach the most comfortable, efficient and aerodynamic position on the bicycle so that you can perform at your best. Seat fit is a crucial part to the fit on your bicycle as it is one of the three contact points (feet and hands are the other two) between you and the bike. If you fit your seat correctly, you will be a long way towards having a well fit, efficient cycling position.

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle
• Allen wrenches
• String with weight at end
• Tape measure
• Level

Instructions

1. Place the bicycle on level ground and secure it either by putting its kickstand down or by leaning it against a tree or post. Put the level on top of the seat and look to see how close the seat is to level when on flat ground. You want the seat to be as level as possible so that your pelvis can comfortably rest on a flat surface. If it is not level, loosen the screw on top of the seat tube with the Allen wrenches and tilt the seat in the appropriate direction to make it level.

2. Use the Allen wrenches to tighten the seat down in position and mount the bicycle. Put your dominant leg on the pedal and turn the pedal until it is forward and horizontal. Have a friend drop the line with a weight on it from the front of your knee. You want the line to pass through the middle of your crank. If it is too far forward or back, loosen the seat again and scoot it in the applicable direction.

3. Extend your leg to the bottom of the pedal stroke. There should be a slight bend in your knee, but less than 30 degrees to ensure that you are maximizing the strength of both your hamstring and your glute. If your leg is straight, lower your seat and if it is bent more than 30 degrees, raise your seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Bike shops will often offer to fit you to a specific bike and you can even set up a session with a professional "fitter" for a fee.

• If you are in pain in a particular position, that is not the correct position for your riding style. Use these guidelines as a way to get your fit close, and then dial it in according to how you ride and feel.

Resources

• Review a site aimed at helping people fit bikes to their riding style, not fitting themselves to the bike.