Getting the seat position right - Bacchetta Giro 20

I got a chance to have a bit of a play with my new to me Bacchetta Giro 20 with a Euromesh seat this morning. Everything is pretty well right to go and I hope to get commuting on it Tuesday (42 km each way) but I do have a couple of questions re the seat.

(1) First of all is there any easy way to estimate the seat angle? Currently the grenade pins are in the fifth hole from the top.

(2) Secondly I find once I sit on the bike and recline I tend to what to move slightly forward in the seat. Is this normal or should I be making adjustments? I feel I have the seat position pretty right for my legs as per the Bacchetta guide but maybe I need to do some tweaking here.

(3) I do find I want to lean my head back a bit so guessing a head rest is the way to go. I assume that the ADEM2 is the best option?

Thanks in advance
Andrew

 

As far as seat angle, I myself don't worry about what number or degree the seat is reclined. But I sure one of our injunears will tell you exactly how it's done I am looking for what works the best for me. I remember it seeming like a lot of work to begin with, hang in there it will all come together. Remember when you change the angle of the seatback you might need to adjust the boom a bit as well.

IMHO if you are trying to slide down in the seat you should try moving the boom in just a bit.

The ADEM headrest is about as good as it gets.

 

Thanks. I think I will do as you suggest and move it forward a touch more and try it.

Thanks
Andrew

 

Giro has a fixed boom.

Adjusting angle affects stroke length as your lumbar region is the best refernce and difficult to measure. Know that the lumbar moves farther from the pedals as you increase the recline. Moving the seat base forward to compensate is a good suggestion. Retaining positive pressure at bottom of stroke is your goal. ie: if you have to point your toes forward to get resistance, you're too far away.

After that comes the designed incline for the EuroMesh seat which does not want to be ridden higher than approx. 40* from horizontal. Once you get much lower than that - and you probably will - supporting the upper back or head from the scapulars up and/or a headrest become desireable.

Measuring technique is to position a straight-edge to bridge the rear supports on the seat's back or between the 2 curves on the front - measure versus level ground / not the frame.

The good news is .... once you figure all this out - you will be shocked at the increases in both comfort and efficiency, as many new muscles are recruited as the recline gets more severe.

I gained over 2 mph at only approx. 35* incline, seat needed to be moved approx. 1" forward to compensate for lumber drift.

Takes patience ... but its worth it.