Saddle and Stem length setup

[md1975]

I am having some problems getting my saddle set to the right height. I have used many methods. My most typical is heel on pedal, leg should be almost straight. Thus when you are on the ball of the foot in the saddle you are supposed to get proper knee bend. However, I still get a slight pain at times in my low back on longer rides. I have heard of "The LeMond method" of judging seat height but don't know what the correct numbers are to do it.

Any tips welcome.

 

[JayKosta]

'old school' guideline for stem to saddle nose distance is that with your elbow on the saddle nose, your finger tips should reach the bars near the stem. Some adjustment can be done with moving the saddle on the seatpost.
YOU need to determine what torso angle works for your particular body dimensions.
The method you mentioned for seat height is traditional and reasonable. Key issue is that you should not need to 'rock' your hips while pedaling.

 

[md1975]

'old school' guideline for stem to saddle nose distance is that with your elbow on the saddle nose, your finger tips should reach the bars near the stem. Some adjustment can be done with moving the saddle on the seatpost.
YOU need to determine what torso angle works for your particular body dimensions.
The method you mentioned for seat height is traditional and reasonable. Key issue is that you should not need to 'rock' your hips while pedaling.

Thanks. I will be measuring it and see what needs to change. I think it is the bars to seat distance. Which is a simple fix. Right now I am pretty sure, without having my bike in front of me, it's too far. Causing me to feel odd after a few miles. When I 1st start out, everything is fine. But I can see how being a bit to stretched out would start Causing an issue after say 4 or 5 miles.. and then get worse the further I go

 

[JayKosta]

For recreational riding I usually have my hands on the bars near the stem - that gives me a fairly upright comfortable position. For faster riding, hands are on the brake hoods and I am leaning forward a bit. I rarely ride with my hands very low on the drops of the bars.