Checking Your Saddle
What is It?
Your bicycle seat.
What does it Do?
It provides comfort, a place to rest your body weight while riding, and a third point of contact between you and your bike.
What Needs to be Checked?
- You should check your saddle to make sure it's secure and in the proper position.
- You should check your seat post to make sure the extension limit (the furthest point that the post can be safely extended upwards) has not been exceeded.
How Often should I Check?
Check your saddle quickly before each ride.
Check Procedure
Check your saddle by grasping it firmly and attempting to shift it out of position while holding your bicycle steady. Some side-to-side movement will probably occur. But if your seat post shifts up and down or your saddle feels loose, make adjustments. Check your seatpost visually to make sure you haven't exceeded the seat post extension limit line (which should be clearly marked on the side of the seat post).
Common Saddle Problems and Solutions
- Loose/poorly adjusted saddle
Proper saddle position is a matter of personal preference. Saddles can be adjusted for height, tilt and fore/aft position. The exact combination that works best for you will depend on your physical size and your riding style.
TIP: Once you've found that "perfect" saddle position, mark your seat post and your saddle rails with tape so you can readjust them easily.
Solution - Make sure your saddle is secure before every ride. Most saddles are held in place by a few simple nuts and bolts. All of them should be tight enough to resist vigorous shaking.
- Over-extended seat post
Over-extended seat posts are a serious safety hazard.
Solution - In general, at least two inches of your seat post should be inserted into your frame at all times (this rule may vary depending on your specific seat post). If you have to raise your seat post beyond its extension limit line to get comfortable on your saddle, it's time for a new seat post (or a bigger bike, in some cases).
Saddle Cleaning Procedures
To keep your saddle in good condition, simply wipe it down from time to time and treat it with UV-protective conditioner. Most models can be cleaned with light soap and a little clean water. Others require special cleaners designed for their specific materials.
Wipe your seat post down with a clean rag whenever you remove it from your frame, and coat it with a thin layer of bike grease before re-installing it. This grease layer will help protect the post against rust and corrosion. If your seat post is made of Titanium, use "Ti-Prep" instead.
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