Flat Tire and Proper Air Pressure

Useful tools and supplies typically needed:

  • Air pump
  • Tire levers
  • Patches and/or replacement inner tube
  • Wrench for non quick release axles
  • Read more...

The Correct Seat Height

To adjust your seat to its proper height, complete the following steps :

  • While seated, place the heel of either foot on one of the pedals, right over the axle
  • Your leg should be straight, if there is a bend at your knee, adjust the seat higher
  • The adjustment itself may involve loosening a bolt that would require a hex wrench 4, 5 or 6mm or a nut that would require a recommended socket or box wrench in one of these sizes 12, 13 or 14mm
  • You may have a quick release that you can open and close by hand
  • Raise the seat, tighten the bolt, re-check the position of your knee

Using this technique of placing the heel of the foot on the pedal and checking for a straight leg, is just a recommendation. Use this as a starting point for your seat height adjustment. It is recommended that you ride your bicycle and get a feel of how your pedal stroke is affected by your seat height. As you pedal your bicycle your legs should be the only things moving. Relax your upper body and purposefully grab the handlebars, if your butt and body follow your legs on each pedal stroke, your seat is too high.

Here are some scientific techniques for determing proper seat height.

109% formula
Scientific tests have proven that the most efficient saddle height is 109 percent of the inside leg measurement, although there are variations for individual differences. This seems to give a good combination of both maximum muscle stretch and pedalling fluidity. To get this measurement you need to measure the length of your leg on the inside from the floor to the crotch. Do this standing and without shoes on. Multiply this length by 109 percent and that will give you the length from the top of the saddle to the extended pedal at the bottom of the stroke (with the crank lined up with the seat tube).

Lemond formula, saddle height (cm) = inseam (cm) x 0.883
This is measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the low point of the top of your saddle. It assumes riders are wearing standard cycling shoes and your knees are bent at 15 degrees at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Happy riding!