Seat hight importance

[Seth Golub]

For over a year now, I've been riding a borrowed Schwinn 24". Soon the owner
will return from his travels and I'll need to give it back. I've been on the
lookout for a uni, and last weekend managed to get an almost-new Miyata 24"
(for US$100!).

The Schwinn's seat post is attached with a bolt. The Miyata has a quick-release.
That means I can make much finer adjustments to the seat hight on the Miyata.

Suddenly, my turns are much smoother, I can do tighter turns, and riding in
general is easier. I had heard people mention how important it was not to have
the seat too low, but I never imagined that such a small change would have such
a large effect.

A better rider probably would have had no problems with the lower seat, but I
didn't know what I was missing.

Needless to say, I'm very happy with my new uni!

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Seth Golub | "..And in all of Babylonia there was seth@cs.wustl.edu | wailing
and gnashing of teeth, till the
| prophets bade the multitudes get a grip on themselves and
| shape up." - W. Allen

[Jack Halpern]

Seth Golub wrote:
|> Suddenly, my turns are much smoother, I can do tighter turns, and riding in
|> general is easier. I had heard people mention how important it was not to
|> have the seat too low, but I never imagined that such a small change would
|> have such a large effect.
|>
|> A better rider probably would have had no problems with the lower seat, but I
|> didn't know what I was missing.
|>
|> Needless to say, I'm very happy with my new uni!

Seat height is of CRUCIAL importance. If the seat is too low, even slightly
lower than the correct height, you will feel uncomfortable. Seat height is
described in detail in my and Jack Wiley's books.

In a nutshell, place your HEEL on the pedal in the down position, and adjust so
that your leg is extended without strain (without leaning). When the ball of
your foot is on the pedal, your knee should be slightly bent. For racing it may
be best to lower the saddle *slightly*.

Your absolutely right. Even a slight change in sadle height could have a major
effect on riding comfort and progress in learning new skills. Many beginner
riders are unaware of this and ride with the saddle too low.

Stay on top, Jack Halpern, IUF Vice President