Should both feet touch the ground when I sit on the saddle?

Not necessarily on a conventional adult bicycle. Saddle height primarily supports comfortable pedalling. You must still be able to stop and step off safely; beginners or riders with balance difficulties may need a lower setting and individual advice.

What if the seatpost will not move or keeps slipping?

Do not force a stuck post or keep tightening a slipping clamp. Check the maker's instructions and have a workshop inspect it. Carbon parts need particular care; use grease or assembly paste only where and as the manufacturer specifies.

Can I use the same tightening torque for every bicycle?

No. Use the torque specified for your bicycle, seatpost and clamp. If the instructions conflict or you cannot find the correct value, ask the manufacturer or a workshop. Do not guess or treat a maximum value as a universal target.

Why do my hips rock or my knees hurt?

Rocking hips or reaching for the pedals may indicate excessive saddle height. Lower it by 3–5 mm (about 1/8–3/16 in) and reassess. Pain can have other causes, so stop if uncomfortable and seek a professional bike fit if symptoms persist.

Guides/Bike/How to Adjust Bicycle Saddle Height

How to Adjust Bicycle Saddle Height

Set a comfortable starting saddle height on an adult bicycle with a conventional adjustable seatpost. Use a supported pedal check, secure the clamp and refine the fit on a short ride; this is a starting point, not a professional bike fit.

Updated Oct 2, 2026

20 min5 stepsBeginnernew

What you need

Tick off what you already have.

Tools

Correctly fitting hex key or spanner for the seatpost clamp, if needed
Torque wrench with the correct bit for a bolted clamp
Tape measure
Cycling helmet
Helper to hold the bicycle upright

Adult beside a blue bicycle measuring from the crank axle to the saddle top

AI illustration

Step 01 / 05

Check the seatpost and record the starting height

Work on level ground and switch off an electric bike. This method is for a conventional seatpost, not a dropper post or integrated seatmast. Read the bicycle and seatpost instructions for insertion limits and clamp tightening. Check for cracks or damage; stop if found. Measure from the centre of the crank axle to the saddle top along the seat tube and note the height. Wear your usual riding shoes.

Guide progress1 / 5

1. Check the seatpost and record the starting height
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Work on level ground and switch off an electric bike. This method is for a conventional seatpost, not a dropper post or integrated seatmast. Read the bicycle and seatpost instructions for insertion limits and clamp tightening. Check for cracks or damage; stop if found. Measure from the centre of the crank axle to the saddle top along the seat tube and note the height. Wear your usual riding shoes.
2. Release the seatpost clamp
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Identify the clamp where the seatpost enters the frame, not the bolts beneath the saddle. With no one sitting on the bike, support the saddle and open the quick-release lever fully, or loosen the clamp bolt just enough for the post to move. Do not remove the bolt. If the post is stuck, do not force it; ask a bicycle workshop for help.
3. Set the height and secure the clamp
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Raise or lower the saddle a little, keeping its nose aligned with the frame. Keep the minimum-insertion mark fully inside the frame and obey any deeper frame insertion requirement and maximum insertion limit. Do not change saddle tilt or rail position. For a bolted clamp, tighten with a torque wrench to the specified torque; do not guess. For quick release, follow its instructions: adjust the nut while open so closing the lever needs firm palm pressure. Do not use the lever as a wing nut. Check that the saddle cannot twist or sink before sitting.
4. Check leg reach with the bicycle supported
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Have a helper hold the bicycle upright and steady while you sit normally. Put a heel on the pedal at its lowest position: as a rough starting point, your leg should be nearly straight without locking the knee, tilting your hips or stretching. With the ball of your foot over the pedal axle, your knee should stay slightly bent. If you cannot reach comfortably, lower the saddle; if the knee remains very bent with the heel on the pedal, raise it slightly. Dismount before every adjustment, repeat steps 2–3 and recheck. This check is approximate.
5. Test ride and fine-tune
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Wear a helmet and ride slowly in a quiet, traffic-free area. Practise stopping and stepping off the saddle; you need not place both feet flat on the ground while seated, but must be able to stop safely. If your hips rock or you reach for the pedals, lower the saddle by 3–5 mm (about 1/8–3/16 in) and retest. Dismount and secure the clamp after every change. Stop for pain, numbness or a slipping saddle; seek a bike fit or workshop help if problems persist. Record the final height.