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How to set your saddle height

Our saddle height adjustment guide is for riders who have just purchased a bike, not ridden it before and haven't had a fitting in-store at Condor or one of our stockists.

Our five step guide

1. Find your inseam leg measurement. It's important for this that you stand with your feet at shoulder-width apart, shoes off.

2. Stand next to a wall and place a spirit level between your legs and pull up slightly to simulate pressure from sitting on a saddle.

3. Mark the wall at the height of the spirit level. Make sure the spirit level is level.

4. Take a measurement straight down from the mark on the wall to the floor. Take off 10cm. This will give you your initial saddle height.

5. Once you have this vital measurement, apply it to your bike from the centre of your bottom bracket to the top of your saddle, following the line of your seat tube.

Do's

  • Make changes to your saddle height in small increments.
  • Take into account that different crank lengths will affect your seat height when changing your bike.
  • Keep your seatpost well maintained — you won't be able to adjust it if it's seized.
  • Be prepared to re-assess your seat height at a later date, based on improvements in your flexibility.

Don'ts

  • Persevere with a riding position that's uncomfortable.
  • Forget that changes to your handlebar or cleat position necessitate saddle height re-evaluation.
  • Mimic the pros — they're set up according to their own physical needs and comfort tolerances.

Get a detailed bike fitting, book a Condor bike fit. Learn more about the service here

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