how high does your bike seat has to be?

Question

Yeah, I know I'm supposed to make it higher but how high should it be? Like are there any rule of thumbs or anything?

Answer 1

To get maximum pedalling efficiency, your leg should be almost perfectly straight when it is at the bottom of the stroke. A very slight bend is OK because you don't want to hyperextend your knee.

You shouldn't actually be able to put your feet down flat when you are on the seat. If you don't care about efficiency then whatever is comfortable for you is OK.

Answer 2

A good rule of thumb is that when on a down stroke your leg should almost fully extend with your foot able to sit flat onto the pedal.

Answer 3

When your standing over the bike, not on the seat, your feet planted on the ground you should have approximately 1.5 inches of clearence between the frame and your crotch. I was just fitted for my bike, i bought a 2007 schwinn super sport for RAGBRAI its a race that lance armstrong does.

Answer 4

Depends bmx or road cycling? if your asking about Bmx then I would say make it even with the stem(what holds your handlebars and fork)and that should be pretty good unless you want it to be slammed which is all the way down,most riders prefer this because it doesn't get in the way when your getting big air.

Good luck hope I could help.

Answer 5

You should be able to touch the ground flat footed without bending you knee while sitting on the bike. Can't remember who told me that but it has always stuck and it's how I adjust my seat.

Answer 6

megalomaniac is the only one who has given you the right answer here. I would elaborate on his answer but there's no more to say.

Answer 7

there are no rules...just whatever you are comfortable with