Stem & Saddle Set-Up Question

Triathlon Forum
1

Any tips or tricks for the following:

  1. Making sure the saddle is PERFECTLY parrallel with the top tube. EDIT – Asking in regards to seatpost not being turned to the left/right. I use an inclinometer to set tilt. Bladed posts that cannot be turned like on the QR & Cervelo’s would be my ideal, but alas, I don’t have one.

  2. Making sure the stem & fork/front wheel are PERFECTLY parrallel

Is perfection too much to hope for here? I want a tool and/or a technique that doesn’t rely on an eyeball. I am talking micrometers of perfection here… I center with handlebars with a pair of calipers, to give you an idea.

2

Any tips or tricks for the following:

  1. Making sure the saddle is PERFECTLY parrallel with the top tube. EDIT – Asking in regards to seatpost not being turned to the left/right. I use an inclinometer to set tilt. Bladed posts that cannot be turned like on the QR & Cervelo’s would be my ideal, but alas, I don’t have one.

.

Not directly to your point but you can offset the saddle on a Cervelo. The same seatpost head which allows you to set it steep or shallow allows you to offset the saddle if you prefer.

3

I use a carpenters laser and shine it from above on my stem to make sure the CL of the stem is in line with the wheel. You could do the same thing for the saddle and line it up with the top tube.

4

Under the “that’s so easy - why didn’t I think of it” file…

Lining up your seat? Drop a plum line from the center of the nose of the saddle. When it hangs over the center of the top tube, you’re lined up.

Lining up your stem? Again, drop a plum line from the center of the stem. When it hangs over the center of the front tire, your golden.

Simple, effective, and accurate. That’s always good, right?

5

in theory yes, that would work fine (the plumb bob). If the bike is angled a little bit though, it will through off your accuracy.

6

I had my daughter hack into JPL’s computer in Pasadena to enable their GPS satellite to beam down coordinates from the end of my Fizik to the center allen bolt of my headset.
We did it a night so it was easier to see the red laser beam.

Fun stuff : )