Maybe a percentage of the seat post where the posts stability/strength is compromised?
2007-08-05 07:15:03 · 6 answers · asked by mcslain 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
OK... let me modify this a bit. Is there a point where the seat post is extended out of the frame so much that it indicates the rider needs a diffferent frame size?
2007-08-06 08:04:29 · update #1
Hello,
You don't say if you are riding a road bike or a mountain bike. I will answer for a road bike.
How much seat post is showing depends on the geometry of your bike. If you have a classic geometry frame with a horizontal top tube, there will be less seatpost showing. If you have a compact frame geometry with a sloping top tube you will have more seatpost showing.
How much is too much?
Well depends on what king of riding you do. If you want a more comfortable, relaxed riding you want to be able to lower the seatpost to the point where the saddle is about the same height as the handlebars. If you cannot lower the seatpost that much or raise the handlebar that high then you might want a different frame size.
If you want a more aggressive racing position then you want the saddle to be about 3 to 5 inches higher than the handlebar. (Don't go to 5 inches unless you are limber and flexible enough or it will do a number on your back!)
Again, if you cannot reach these goals then you might want a different frame size.
There are a lot of other things that factor into frame size. You asked only about seatpost position so I have constrained my answer to that...
Best answer though is to go to your LBS and have them help you if you are in doubt.
thanks
2007-08-10 06:30:54 · answer #1 · answered by SoCalBiker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seatposts are required to be marked with the minimum insertion point.....usually about 3-4" depending on the type. If you don't have a mark of some kind on yours, then stick with 4" unless you have a frame with an extended seat tube coming up from the top tube junction. If you happen to be using a steel post you can probably have more extension.
It's not just about the seatpost's strength, it's also about your frame's integrity.
2007-08-05 14:46:04 · answer #2 · answered by Ride!Urban 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Industry standard minimum seatpost insertion is 4 inches. This means that no matter how much is sticking out of the frame, you MUST have at least 4" INSIDE the frame.
2007-08-06 15:37:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Both seat post and frames have a minimum insert point.
Seat post should have it marked, and some frames require a certain amount which might vary. You have to respect both.
2007-08-06 08:32:26 · answer #4 · answered by Roberto 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well you should leave at least 3" inside the bike so it will not drop out and hurt you,
2007-08-05 17:02:27 · answer #5 · answered by G-T Rider 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yeah, just what he said...
2007-08-05 14:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋