[Ottoreni]

I was measuring the length from the center of my crank arm bolt to the top of my saddle to find the correct saddle height, but I ran into a dilema I was not expecting.

Th Ned Overend books states to measure your inseam length with feet shoulder width apart, I wore my shoes,too (I've seen other places to do this). Than I multiplied this measurement by .883 and got my saddle height (or at least a good starting point). (33.25x.883=29.36")
EASY ENOUGH!

Now the problem. I have a WTB Rocket V saddle. Those of you familiar with this saddle will know that this saddle has a high nose and back section, but it slopes down in the center section.
If I measure to the center top section of the saddle, from the crank bolt, the front and rear of the saddle are approximately 1/2" higher than the center (I had a t-square/ruler along the top of the saddle to be able to compare the height of the front and rear of the saddle to the center).

So which measurement do I use to set up the .883 distance?
1)From the crank bolt center to the middle of the saddle.
2) Or from the crank bolt center to the middle of the saddle going up to the ruler/t-square I am using?

THanks much!

 

[kapusta]

I was measuring the length from the center of my crank arm bolt to the top of my saddle to find the correct saddle height, but I ran into a dilema I was not expecting.

Th Ned Overend books states to measure your inseam length with feet shoulder width apart, I wore my shoes,too (I've seen other places to do this). Than I multiplied this measurement by .883 and got my saddle height (or at least a good starting point). (33.25x.883=29.36")
EASY ENOUGH!

Now the problem. I have a WTB Rocket V saddle. Those of you familiar with this saddle will know that this saddle has a high nose and back section, but it slopes down in the center section.
If I measure to the center top section of the saddle, from the crank bolt, the front and rear of the saddle are approximately 1/2" higher than the center (I had a t-square/ruler along the top of the saddle to be able to compare the height of the front and rear of the saddle to the center).

So which measurement do I use to set up the .883 distance?
1)From the crank bolt center to the middle of the saddle.
2) Or from the crank bolt center to the middle of the saddle going up to the ruler/t-square I am using?

THanks much!

Couple of things....

First, I would not get TOO caught up in those formulas and calculations. They are very useful starting points. The starting point I use is that my leg should be fully extended with my HEEL on the pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Again, it is just a good starting point. Sinse everybody's butt is unique, and saddles vary tremendously, you just need to experiment. It is hard to tell exactly where on this saddle you will end up being perched, so it is hard to tell where to be measuring from. Also, I find that how I sit on the saddle changes when I'm actually riding. If you want to use the Overend method, just split the difference betweeen the two hieghts you are torn between and see how it feels. Use a QR or take a allen wrench with you a play with the hieght on your next ride.

As far as the shape of the WTB Rocket goes, I always looked at those as sloping up in the back, down in the front, and level in the middle. I think you are looking at it tilted back a bit compared to how I would run it, but again, that is all personal preference. My point is that there is no set place to be measuring to. Not only do saddle shapes vary widely, but we don't all even run them in the same position.

Kapusta

 

[ferday]

to expand on the last reply, completely ignore the calculations and numbers, as a starting point or otherwise. ned overend may be a good rider, but for the love of crap ride what feels good. i have serious knee problems, and as such must ride the seat higher than normal when DH, and lower than normal for XC (meaning i'm in the midrange of height all the time). if i went by the numbers i'd never be able to walk again. get a good QR seat clamp and experiment for an hour or 2, you'll thank yourself.

 

[RonSonic]

Measurements are to the lower part of the middle of the saddle. IOW, to the part you're gonna be sitting on.

Ron

 

[Socal-Stumpjumper]

Interesting responses. I used the same calculation years ago. I then took a piece of string, measured it and put knots in it at the correct length. I then just roll it up and keep it in my camelback. I can quickly set up any bike to fit my exact seat height requirement by using this string. I hold it center of bottom bracket bolt - along the seat tube - to the top of the saddle, usually right in the middle (fore/aft).
I have the same saddle you do, on my singlespeed, and this worked with no problems.
This has worked really well for me over the years and I've never had a problem with sore knees or anything else.
Good luck.