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CalculatorsOptimal Saddle Height Calculator

Optimal Saddle Height Calculator

The LeMond method is a measured starting saddle height, not a knee-angle fit. Multiply inseam in millimetres by 0.883, then fine-tune so the knee is slightly bent at the bottom of the stroke.

Inputs

Units
Barefoot, book between the legs, measure to the floor.

Results

Saddle height
28.5 in

The Result is indicative and educational. It does not constitute a design, a technical opinion or medical advice and does not replace calculations or verification by a person with the appropriate qualifications and authorisations. Before purchase, installation or use in practice – in particular in electrical installations – the Result should be verified by a qualified specialist. Details: Terms of Service, point 4.

How the number is made

Saddle height (mm) = inseam (cm) × 10 × 0.883. Measure along the seat tube from the bottom-bracket centre to the top of the saddle, in line with the seat tube.

Only LeMond is calculated: 0.883 × inseam, from BB centre to the saddle top along the seat tube. Heel-on-pedal is a feel check, not a second equation. Shoe stack, pedal stack and crank length are not subtracted. A longer crank changes knee angle even when this mark stays put.

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Questions

Where do I measure?

Bottom-bracket centre to the top of the saddle, following the seat-tube angle, not vertically to the floor.

What about the heel-on-pedal trick?

It is a coarser check. If your heel just brushes the pedal at the bottom, you are near this LeMond number.

Do I subtract crank length?

No. The number is only 0.883 times inseam, from the bottom-bracket centre to the saddle top. Shoe stack and crank length are not subtracted.

Example products

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