Cycling UK Forum

Mick F wrote:

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I rode that beast for 1,500miles in total, and I never got used to that saddle.

I'll stop complaining!

I'll try adjusting the Selle Anatomica - as per the instructions and see how I get on for a few hundred miles

CREPELLO wrote:The OP might like to consider cutting a slot in the top of his B17 and lacing the sides, like the Brooks Imperial. There are articles on how to best do the modification, which I can't find just now.

Thanks Crepello - saw this, I think it was on an Audax link but I can't bear to do it to my lovely B17. Might give the Imperial a go if all else fails though. Thanks for the reminder

Knee-Over-Pedal-Spindle is a formula that's been found to be satisfactory for generations - don't listen to anyone who tells you different - I totally agree with Colin.

It is true that it's often a starting point, and a few milimeters back/forward are normally needed to get the optimum position.

As for the rule only being relevant to competitive cyclists - I'd say that's nonsense. Exactly where on the knee to drop the plumb line is a difficult one without X-ray equipment - but don't be mislead M_W.

The proclamation that leather saddles are old hat and should be consigned to posterity is also best forgotten. Leather (mainly Brooks in Britain) saddles aren't the comfortable solution for everyone, but I would say that more high mileage cyclists use leather saddles than any other single variety.

Unless of course we're all wrong.

Hi,

JohnW wrote:Knee-Over-Pedal-Spindle is a formula that's been found satisfactory for generations - don't listen to anyone who tells you different - I totally agree with Colin.
It is true that it's a starting point, and a few milimeters back/forward are normally needed to get the optimum position.

So what is the KOPS formular meant to set up specifically

NATURAL ANKLING wrote:Hi,

JohnW wrote:Knee-Over-Pedal-Spindle is a formula that's been found satisfactory for generations - don't listen to anyone who tells you different - I totally agree with Colin.
It is true that it's a starting point, and a few milimeters back/forward are normally needed to get the optimum position.

So what is the KOPS formular meant to set up specifically

A lot of people will be able to answer this.

One has to get saddle height correct first, and once the KOPS position has been ascertained, there may need to be a bit of adjustment with height as well.

Basically, with saddle at the correct height and bum-bones on the bum-bone spot on the saddle - set the cranks horizontally, and with the ball of the forward foot centered on the spindle of the forward pedal (obviously), you drop a plumb-line down the back of the forward knee-cap and it should pass through the centre of the pedal spindle.

It doesn't take too much imagination to realise that it's not too easy - you may need someone to help with this and it's very common for further slight adjustments to be made to find the optimum. I've been doing this for long enough to be able to do it by eye now - it's easy enough even though the first time you do it takes a little time.

This question was raised on another thread recently, and someone put a sketch on the thread which would be really helpful.

In my opinion the basics of KOPS are fine as a guide but that is all.... Nothing more, nothing less... its a starting point in the same manner as the various methods of setting your initial saddle height.

You then use your brain, or an experts(?) to fine tune to your individual body measurements and cycling style.

All of us are built differently ....

Perhaps NATURAL ANKLING was alluding to a view similar to this from Sheldon Brown site that may be of interest to some... http://sheldonbrown.com/kops.html

Hi,
http://www.ctc.org.uk/file/member/201003042.pdf

The phrase`Light blue touchpaper and withdraw....` springs to mind

I was delighted to find this in Bontrager's extensive rant against traditional fitting methods.....(the spelling errors are his, not mine).........

"There is not much one can vary from the range of accepted tradtional frame geometry and rider set up without compromising the rider's effectiveness in one or more of the important pedaling positions."

Quite.

Merry_Wanderer wrote:

CREPELLO wrote:The OP might like to consider cutting a slot in the top of his B17 and lacing the sides, like the Brooks Imperial. There are articles on how to best do the modification, which I can't find just now.

Thanks Crepello - saw this, I think it was on an Audax link but I can't bear to do it to my lovely B17. Might give the Imperial a go if all else fails though. Thanks for the reminder

Make the slot too wide and all else will fall through.