seatpost and saddle fit

[[email protected]]

Hi all, first post here.

Long story short, got a vintage bike off eBay, built it up, and I feel
with the current seatpost/saddle setup that I'm way too far forward,
especially on downhills. I have a Sakae seatpost with a decent amount
of setback, and an older Vetta saddle (Turbo knock-off). Anyone have
any advice on reasonably priced equipment that might help me get
farther back? Anyone have experience with the WTB Power V saddles?

Thanks,

Mr. F

 

[Art Harris]

[email protected] wrote:
> Long story short, got a vintage bike off eBay, built it up, and I feel
> with the current seatpost/saddle setup that I'm way too far forward,
> especially on downhills. I have a Sakae seatpost with a decent amount
> of setback, and an older Vetta saddle (Turbo knock-off). Anyone have
> any advice on reasonably priced equipment that might help me get
> farther back? Anyone have experience with the WTB Power V saddles?
>

Your saddle and seatpost seem normal enough. Are you sure the problem
is that the saddle is too far forward, and not that the bars aren't
forward enough?

You could try the old plumb line routine (KOPS) to get an idea about
your fore/aft position. With the pedals level, drop the plumb line
from the bump on your forward knee, and measure the distance to the
pedal axle. If it's within a cm or so, your fore/aft position is in
the ballpark. Make sure to adjust your cleats to put the ball of your
foot over the pedal axle.

How about the frame? Are you sure it's big enough for you? Is the stem
extension adequate? Handlebar too low? What's your height? Long arms
and torso?

Give us more info.

Art Harris

 

[Michael Warner]

On Sun, 08 Jul 2007 21:38:00 -0700, [email protected] wrote:

> Hi all, first post here.
>
> Long story short, got a vintage bike off eBay, built it up, and I feel
> with the current seatpost/saddle setup that I'm way too far forward,
> especially on downhills.

Before you rush out and spend more money, you should check
your saddle position against the rule of thumb which states that
your kneecap should be directly over the pedal axle when the
cranks are horizontal. Get someone else to check you with a
plumb line.

If you can get this position with your current saddle's range of
movement, and you still feel cramped, then you either need a
longer stem or the frame's too short for you. Why not take it to
your favourite shop for an opinion?