I got a great fit from Jon Blyer at Acme in Brooklyn for my tri bike. Biggest change was increasing my saddle height and it’s made a world of difference. That aspect alone made the fit price worth it. I’ve used that as guidance to increase the saddle height on my road bike since I can’t afford another trip to Acme right now.
What is everyone else’s saddle height difference between the two bikes? Are there any rules of thumb?
…What is everyone else’s saddle height difference between the two bikes?
How are you measuring it? Actual vertical dimension or the distance from BB to sitting position (approx along angle of seat tube)?
I measure along the seat tube simply because it’s easier and I’m only comparing me to me. If I recall correctly my tri bike saddle may be a few millimeters higher (maybe 5mm at most) but then it’s dependent on lots of other factors that vary between the two bikes and on the rider’s proportions and position. For example, I have very different crank lengths (172.5mm road and 160mm tri). So, I don’t think you should base your decision on other people’s dimensions.
…Are there any rules of thumb?
Yes, do what feels best for you. Experimentation will likely be more useful than looking for a trend in others (IMO).
I normally set my saddle so my knee angle in my normal riding position is 145° on whatever bike I ride.
…What is everyone else’s saddle height difference between the two bikes?
How are you measuring it? Actual vertical dimension or the distance from BB to sitting position (approx along angle of seat tube)?
I measure along the seat tube simply because it’s easier and I’m only comparing me to me. If I recall correctly my tri bike saddle may be a few millimeters higher (maybe 5mm at most) but then it’s dependent on lots of other factors that vary between the two bikes and on the rider’s proportions and position. For example, I have very different crank lengths (172.5mm road and 160mm tri). So, I don’t think you should base your decision on other people’s dimensions.
…Are there any rules of thumb?
Yes, do what feels best for you. Experimentation will likely be more useful than looking for a trend in others (IMO).
Good point about the crank length. I’m on 165 on both so shouldn’t matter for me. My fitter measures from 100mm back from tip of saddle so I’m using that as a guideline. I’m not looking to copy anyone, more so interested in seeing the differences.
I normally set my saddle so my knee angle in my normal riding position is 145° on whatever bike I ride.
That seems like a good way to do it
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…What is everyone else’s saddle height difference between the two bikes?
How are you measuring it? Actual vertical dimension or the distance from BB to sitting position (approx along angle of seat tube)?
I measure along the seat tube simply because it’s easier and I’m only comparing me to me. If I recall correctly my tri bike saddle may be a few millimeters higher (maybe 5mm at most) but then it’s dependent on lots of other factors that vary between the two bikes and on the rider’s proportions and position. For example, I have very different crank lengths (172.5mm road and 160mm tri). So, I don’t think you should base your decision on other people’s dimensions.
…Are there any rules of thumb?
Yes, do what feels best for you. Experimentation will likely be more useful than looking for a trend in others (IMO).
This ^^^^
I find what feels good adjusting up mm by mm until I find it that fraction too high and put it back just below that point again.