Saddle Setback, Saddle Fore Aft, Saddle Layback. Whatever you call it, it is a very tricky and complex topic. How can you tell if your saddle is too far forwards? Or too far backwards? There is so much evidence and opinion out there that it is hard to know where to start. Thankfully I've done the hard work for you, sifting through mountains of information, to present the ULTIMATE GUIDE to horizontal positioning of your road bike saddle!
The simplest method to find your optimal horizontal saddle position is called "KOPS". What is it? How did this come about? Is it a good strategy? I have the answers for you!
There are many tell tale signs that your saddle is too far forwards or backwards - I have rounded up as many as I could find, and presented all of them here.
At the end of the video I summarise ALL OF THESE FINDINGS and present, IMHO, what is the BEST method to determine the perfect saddle fore aft position.
Contents:
00:00 Intro
01:33 How To Measure Saddle Setback
02:47 Knee Over Pedal Spindle (KOPS)
07:13 Warning!
08:00 Power and Effectiveness
08:34 Muscle Activation and Pedalling Feel
11:00 Joint Pain and Strain
13:26 Upper Body Load and Hand Pressure
14:45 Body Proportions and Body Weight
15:31 Saddle Pressure
17:35 Steve Hogg Balance Test
19:47 Riding Out Of The Saddle
20:58 Bike Handling
21:46 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
22:09 Benefits of Having Saddle Forwards
22:54 Benefits of Having Saddle Backwards
23:32 DIY Options
24:34 MY Recommendations for DIY Saddle Setback
27:21 And We Are Done!
My "Saddle Height Perfection" Video: https://youtu.be/N_y5eSUOqNk