If you’re sitting in the wrong position, you’re wasting energy, putting yourself at risk of injury and reducing your control over the bike. With the new TF1 + TF2 Bike Fitting Tool, Ergon is expanding its tried-and-tested fitting system to include a tool set for achieving the perfect saddle position.
We’ve all been there: the saddle sort of fits, but never quite right. Too high, too low, slightly askew – and after 50 kilometres, your bum really makes itself felt.
Long gone are the days when saddle height was adjusted using the classic ‘rule of thumb’ method or the ‘heel method’. Incorrectly positioned contact points (saddle, handlebars/grips and pedals) inevitably lead to inefficiencies. Knee problems, numb hands, neck pain or an unstable ride are the result.
Ergon, a well-established name in the bike fitting sector for many years, has now expanded its range to include a key piece of kit: the TF1 + TF2 Bike Fitting Tool Kit.
The perfect saddle adjustment: that’s what matters
Saddle height – the basis for everything The correct saddle height not only determines your distance from the pedals, but, together with the handlebar height, also affects the angle of your upper body. If it’s not right, your entire riding position suffers.
Horizontal saddle adjustment – harmony in the pedalling motion The horizontal position of your saddle determines the distance to the handlebars – known as the ‘reach’. If this measurement is correct, you’ll benefit from a smooth pedalling motion and good posture – even after 80 kilometres.
Every millimetre counts!
This compact polypropylene tool tackles five parameters at once: saddle height, saddle angle, seat length, rear offset and saddle rotation can all be precisely measured and reliably recorded. The latter is the key feature – anyone who rides several bikes or needs to readjust everything after a crash can simply transfer the values, once determined, 1:1 to other bikes. No more fiddling around for hours on end.
The TF1 + TF2 Tool Kit integrates seamlessly into Ergon’s fitting ecosystem. Alongside the ergonomic grips for a wide range of applications and the CF3 Cleat Fitting Tool for pedal plate alignment, the TF1 + TF2 set now fills the last major gap in the system: the saddle. Anyone already using one of the previous Ergon Fitting Boxes can use it directly as a measuring aid – alternatively, a tape measure, plumb line and spirit level will suffice. An accompanying instructional video clears up any remaining doubts for beginners.
Editorial assessment
Pain whilst cycling can quickly spoil your enjoyment of the sport. That’s why it’s worth paying particular attention to the contact points on your bike. Often, adjusting your riding position by just a few millimetres can make all the difference between discomfort and enjoyment when cycling. Ergon’s Bike Fitting Tool, used in conjunction with the video tutorial, can be a great help – particularly for beginners and those less experienced with bike maintenance – in finding the optimal riding position.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
