4 Reliable Methods to Find The Right Saddle Height For You

Riding an e-bike is enjoyable and shouldn't cause any harm unless you fall off it. And finding the right saddle height is critical for comfort, performance, and injury prevention.  A recent study showed that if you set the saddle height too low, you will spend 12% more time on the same distance. As a professional rider said:"When I ride a bike, everything starts with the saddle height and everything else is at the back."

The seat heights of our HJM Toury e-bikes can be adjusted between 32'' and 40'', while between 30'' and 39'' for Toury Step Thru. So, how to find the right saddle height for yourself?

The definition of the saddle height is the distance between the center of the five passes and the center of the saddle. Now let's take a look at the four methods to adjust the height.

Heel method

This is the most popular and simple method. Sit on the saddle, put your heel on the pedal and adjust the height of the saddle so that your leg is perpendicular to the pedal and see if the lowest point is in line with the pedal. The hip bones are level. However, this method has not been scientifically verified, and it may adjust the saddle too low. Professor Will Pelever of Mississippi Women’s University has published many papers to compare various adjustment methods. She said: "The main problem with this method (heel method) is that it does not take into account the differences in the physiological structure of each person, such as the length differences of the thighs, calves, and feet."

109% method

In 1967, Hamley and Thomas proposed a better method. They experimented with various saddle heights and thought that the ideal saddle height position is 109% of the inseam length (from the perineum to the sole of the foot or from the top of the pedal shaft to the the length of the highest position of the saddle). This method has been widely welcomed and approved by professional coaches after various practices.

Lemond Method

This method was first proposed by the triple champion of Tour de France Greg LeMond. It says the best height of the saddle is 88.3% of the length of the inseam. Professor Pelever said that this method works for most people except those with extremely long legs.

Holmes

The original purpose of this method is to reduce overwork during cycling. The Holmes method is completely different from the above three methods. Keep your pedals at the 6 o'clock position. The folding angle of your thighs and calves is recommended between 145-155 degrees when the saddle height is the best position you need. And the closer to 155 degrees, the better for those with old injuries (patella tendinitis). However, this method may be too technical.　

After the saddle adjusted, you may not get used to it in short time. But it does not mean it is not suitable. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to adjust to the new height and feel comfortable. Of course, if you still feel awkward and uncomfortable after a few weeks, you need to readjust it.