What’s the Right Way to Change Saddle Position?

Question: I’m 43 and ride about 70 miles per week. I recently changed seatposts and moved my saddle rearward. Now my back gets sore, especially when climbing hills. What should I do? — Pat C.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Having the seat too far back is a leading cause of low-back pain.

This isn’t to say that a rearward position is wrong. But when making such a change, don’t go the entire distance all at once or your body may suffer.

Instead, move to the new position in increments, with several rides between each adjustment to allow adaptation. (This goes for any position adjustment that’s more than 2-3 millimeters.)

Moving the saddle took your back out of its “comfort zone.” Try moving it forward half the distance you moved it back and see if that makes a difference. If your back feels fine after several rides, continue moving the saddle rearward in increments till it’s where you want it.