Changing ergonomics.

[Louis Balfour]

Lady Balfour got a new road bike for Christmas. Because she isn't confident, she has the saddle a few inches lower than is ideal. It is not good and she needs to adopt a more efficient saddle height.

When I used to cycle, I sustained a knee injury from adjusting saddle height upwards and riding as normal. I am keen that Lady B avoids the same. So what is the best approach?

Increase saddle height gradually or increase it to the correct height and start at short distances, building up? I think the latter is a better plan but remain to be told otherwise.

[Mastodon2]

Just set it to the right height and forget about it.

[TobyLerone]

If she's got SPD pedals, shelf them for a bit.

Get big grippy flat pedals until she's a bit more confident.

For clip pedals, MTB stuff is superior for access, so consider that. I like Crank Brothers Eggbeaters - 4 sided entry and a bit of float too.

[frisbee]

Set it too high, she’ll complain about you fiddling with her bike, then set it at the correct height and she won’t realise it has been raised!

[henrycrun]

Have a look on YT videos

[Paul Drawmer]

Set the seat height correct, but don't force her to ride in a tuck, lift the bars if necessary.

[Ian-27xza]

I bought a new bike for my better half recently. In my experience, when someone first starts riding a new bike who may not be an experienced rider is that that the initial desired saddle height was a bit low. This is to keep the standover height lower initially.

After about 2-3 hours riding and when confidence is higher then that is the time to get the saddle at exactly the right height.

The difference in height between the initial height and the current height is small at about 10-12mm.