A shy person write:
> My impression is that the higher you can put your seatpost, the more
> efficient your pedal stroke will be, since you get better extension.
> Obviously at some point you can get into hyper-extension pain at the
> back of your knee if it's too high. Is that the correct thinking, or
> is there some other height that works better? I raise mine up little
> by little until it starts to hurt behind my knees after a ride, then
> lower it a few mm. I see people riding who effectively have much lower
> seat heights but since they're riding with me I don't make any
> suggestions... all thoughts and experiences appreciated.
From what I see when out riding is that your idea is prevalent among
riders. There is a fairly simple test, even if the person making the
fit is not practiced in the art. If the hips swivel while pedaling,
seen from behind, then the saddle is too high. Of course there are
exceptions for people who have some physical handicap but the hip
swivel test is a good one for physically adept people.
Often, too low a position comes from fear of falling or not being able
to reach the road with the feet. The best fit can easily be gotten by
having a person skilled in the art watch while the person rides, even
at a slow pace. "Fit Kit" tries to quantify that so this does not
need a field test that may not give useful results. An observer must
know what to look for. Swiveling hips and too long a reach to the
bars are sure indicators.
Jobst Brandt
[email protected]