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SETTInG THE SADDLE HEIGHT
The correct saddle height for almost all bicycle types is the height which
gives maximum pedalling comfort and efficiency. When pedalling, the
ball of your foot should be positioned above the centre of the pedal axle.
With your feet in this position you should not be able to stretch your
legs completely straight at the lowest point, otherwise your pedalling
will become awkward.
a
Check the height of your saddle with flat-soled shoes. This is best done
with suitable cycling shoes.
Sit on the saddle and put your heel on the pedal at its lowest point
(a). Your leg should be fully stretched and your hips should remain
horizontal.
To adjust the saddle height loosen the quick-release lever
chapter "how to use Quick-releases") or the binder bolt of the seat
post clamp
b
The latter requires suitable tools, such as an Allen key, with which you
turn the bolt two to three turns anticlockwise. Now you can perform the
vertical adjustment of the seat post.
Be sure not to pull out the seat post too far – the mark on the seat post
(end, max., min., stop or the like) should always remain within the seat
tube
post that is inserted into a seat tube made of aluminium, titanium or
steel. Do not grease carbon seat posts and/or carbon seat tubes in the
clamping area! Use special carbon assembly paste instead.
Align the saddle with the frame by using the saddle nose and the bot-
c
tom bracket shell or top tube as a reference point (e).
Clamp the seat post tight again, by closing the quick-release, as de-
scribed in chapter "how to use Quick-releases" or by turning the
seat post binder bolt clockwise in half turns. You should not need much
strength in your hands to clamp the seat post sufficiently tight. Other-
wise the seat post does not match the frame.
Verify in between that the seat post is sufficiently tight by taking hold
of the saddle at both ends and then trying to rotate the seat post inside
the seat tube. If it does rotate, gently retighten the clamping bolt by half
d
a turn and do the check again.
30
(c)
at the top of the seat tube.
(d)
– and always grease the part of an aluminium or titanium seat
Does the leg stretch test now produce the right result (f)? Check by
moving your foot and pedal to the lowest point. When the ball of your
foot is exactly above the pedal centre in the ideal pedalling position,
your knee should be slightly bent. If it is, you have adjusted the saddle
height correctly.
Check whether you can touch the ground safely while sitting on the
saddle by stretching your feet to the ground. If you cannot, you should
lower the saddle a little, at least to begin with.
A
Tighten carefully by approaching the prescribed maximum
torque in small steps (0.5 nm increments) and check in be-
tween the proper fit of the component. never exceed the
maximum torque value specified by the manufacturer (g)!
G
never ride your bike with the seat post drawn out beyond
(b)
(see the
the end, limit, maximum, or stop mark! The seat post might
break or cause severe damage to the frame. In the case
of frames with seat tubes that extend beyond the top of
the frame's top tube, the seat post should be inserted into
the seat tube at least below the bottom of the top tube and
below the top of the seat stays! If the seat post and frame
require different minimum insertion depths, you should opt
for the deeper insertion depth.
G
never apply grease or oil into a seat tube of a frame made
of carbon unless an alloy sleeve is inside the frame. If you
mount a carbon seat post, do not put any grease on it, even
if the frame is made of metal. once greased, carbon com-
ponents may never again ensure reliable clamping. Use
special carbon assembly paste instead (h).
A
If the seat post does not move easily inside the seat tube
or if it cannot be tightened sufficiently, ask your WHEELER
bicycle dealer for advice! Do not use brute force!
e
f
f
g
h
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