Overview
You may decide the stock saddle your bike came with does not fit right or is not comfortable. Sometimes saddles become worn out or break during a crash. Whatever the reason for mounting a new saddle, this is one bike maintenance skill you can do yourself at home. Different seat posts may clamp onto the saddle’s rails slightly differently, but the directions are similar regardless. Knowing how to mount your saddle is also important so that you understand how to adjust your saddle’s fore and aft position.
Step 1
Measure your saddle position. Note how far the rear of the saddle is from the handlebar stem. Also measure the height to the top of the saddle. Your replacement saddle may be a different length or height and knowing these measurements allows you to place the new saddle in the same location as the old one.
Step 2
Locate the saddle binder bolt. This is the bolt that secures the seat post clamp to the saddle by holding the rails of the saddle in place. This bolt may be underneath the seat or beside the rails.
Step 3
Determine what size Allen wrench the bolt requires and loosen and remove the bolt. Pay attention to how the seat post clamp is put together; some clamps have multiple pieces that allow for adjustments in saddle angle. There may also be multiple bolts that need to be loosened or removed in order to replace the saddle.
Step 4
Clean the clamp. Wipe down the parts. The new bike rails can also be cleaned and greased. Wipe the rails dry.
Step 5
Place the new saddle in the clamp and assemble the pieces of the clamp.
Step 6
Replace and tighten the bolt until the saddle stays in place. Move the saddle forward or backwards until the saddle is the same distance from the handlebars as before. Make sure the saddle height is the same as before — adjust if needed.
Tips and Warnings
- You may want to also measure the saddle angle to ensure the new saddle is also at the same angle.
- Try out your new saddle on a shorter ride. Be prepared to make stops along the way for minor saddle adjustments as needed.
About this Author
Jessica Kovarik has been writing nutrition, healthy and physical fitness articles for three years. She is a registered, licensed dietitian. Kovarik specializes in sports nutrition, exercise physiology and medical nutritional therapy for heart health, celiac disease and diabetes.
