Saddle height is the single adjustment that makes the biggest difference to comfort. For learners it is also a safety setting, and it changes as your skills grow.
Stage 1: low, while you learn
While you learn to balance and glide, keep the saddle low enough that both feet rest flat on the ground when you sit. Cycling UK advises exactly this, and says to raise it again once the rider is pedalling confidently. A low saddle is not “wrong”. It is the right setting for learning.
Stage 2: the heel-on-pedal method
Once you can pedal confidently, set the saddle for efficient, comfortable riding. Cycling UK describes a simple heel-on-pedal method:
- Lean the bicycle against a wall, or ask a friend to hold it steady.
- Sit on the saddle and rotate the cranks so one pedal is at its lowest point, pointing straight down (the six o’clock position).
- Place your heel on that pedal. Your leg should be fully straight.
- If your knee is bent, the saddle is too low: raise it. If you cannot reach the pedal without tipping your hips, it is too high: lower it.
- Tighten the saddle clamp firmly.
When you then ride with the ball of your foot on the pedal, your leg will have a slight bend at the bottom of each stroke, around 25 to 30 degrees according to Cycling UK. That is the position you want.
Signs your saddle is wrong
- Too low: your knees ache at the front, and pedalling feels like climbing stairs.
- Too high: your hips rock from side to side as you pedal, and you stretch to reach the pedals.
Keep safety in mind
If you feel unsteady in traffic or at junctions, lower the saddle a little. Being able to put a foot down quickly is worth more than a perfect pedalling position, especially in your first months.
Sources and further reading
The facts in this article were checked against these pages in October 2026. Figures and guidance can change, so please check the originals, and speak to a doctor or qualified coach for personal advice.