Is there an optimum seat height for your leg length? And does it differ from mtb to road?
I was always told that your leg should be almost straight when seated and one pedal at its lowest point for a good fit/greater pedaling efficiency. Don't personally do this 'cause i'm big and my bikes aren't. I've seen a good few pics on here where the seat height is just silly tall (compared to stem height) and assume the owners are also vertically gifted. Anyone else heard this golden rule and follow it?
Watching the TDF the other day I noticed almost all the guys had a distinct bend when the pedal was low. I'd imagine pedaling efficiency would be pretty high up on the 'to do' list for a professional cyclist.
Stick your heel on the pedal when it's at its lowest. Your leg should be straightish then.
I've found that doesn't always work (depends on shoe/pedal) - I work on the 'high as you can but without making your hips rock' method... and for the mtb - just whatever feels comfy; it's always going to be a tradeoff between efficiency and bike control...
It isn't just about total height, I'm 5'11", but have long legs and a short body. My saddle height is higher than a 6'1" friends.
that why dropper posts are so good. optimum height for climbing and then press a button for optimum descending height 🙂
SBZ's method works for me, heel just grazing pedal.
Depends how much effort you want to go to. I saw a fit specialist who measure my knee angle while I pedal using catfish video capture. The adjustments be made feel a lot better.
When I set the wife's bike up for her, I set the nds crank in line with the drive side and got both heels on the pedals at the bottom of the stroke to ensure there was no heel rock.
I did put the crank back to normal afterwards.
+1 for SBZ
I think the assembled wisdom is for road to be slightly less leg-stretched than MTB.
In my case, while only 6'2" I've long legs/arms and find that I'm too cramped on anything less than a large frame.
After a fair few bikes and components I've found that ignoring others and just buy (and set-up) what fits works. Consequently 20" HT and risers with a stack of washers underneath. When I buy new cranks, they'll be 180's.