This drives me crazy!
When you fit new riders to Indoor Cycles you tell them their numbers, right? You say; your seat is hole 6, seat slider is X, handle bar height is Y, etc… You may write these settings down on a note card and your riders depend on these setting marks/numbers being accurate, regardless of which bike they ride.
Their expectation is that they'll be able to pull out the 3×5 index card, with the position numbers listed and set themselves up properly – regardless of which bike  they choose. Doesn't always work that way…
This past Thursday morning I set up my Instructor bike, jumped on and knew immediately that something was wrong. I felt like I was sitting way forward of my normal position. Jumped off and checked the slider position – It was exactly where I always have it. Jumped back on and still felt like I sitting too far forward… and I just lived with it while I taught my class.
I checked afterward to see what was causing my concern and it was as I suspected – someone must have switched out this bike and this saddle was installed in a different position, all the way to the front of the seat post = although I had adjusted the slider correctly the saddle was still to far forward.
You'll need a wrench to fix this.
Saddle Fore/Aft position of the saddle can be change in two ways:
- How you're familiar, using the adjuster knob or pin and sliding position –
- Or by loosening the nut that holds the two seat rails to the seat post – slider assembly. Here's where you need a 9/16 or 15mm wrench. Each saddle should have been installed in the same position – operative word here being should, they almost never are. You'll only need to make this adjustment once, preferably when you take each of the box.
Here's a video I made showing Spinner NXT's and how you can check that each saddle is installed correctly. NOTE: every Indoor Cycle and bicycle saddle adjusts on the rails the same way – how you measure the position, in relation to the slider, will be different between the various brands.
While you're at it, I suggest checking that each seat is level. Dead level is typically best for men and women. You're measuring from the high-points (not the center depression) on either side, to the nose of the saddle.
John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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Hi there,
Where do I get myself one of those saddle levels
They look like a functional tool to have in my toolbox
TIA
Mike
Mike that’s a one of a kind invention of mine. I’ve been too busy to pursue it – and the huge $$$s it would take to purchase the needed tooling to make them has me focused on other things.
This prototype was made by a company who does 3D digital printing.