A few small adjustments can make a big difference in how your Selle Anatomica saddle feels. Follow the video and instructions below to get started, and remember that finding your ideal setup may take a little experimentation.

Leather Saddle Adjustment Instructions

Saddle Adjustment Video

Height

Getting your saddle height right is an important part of a comfortable, efficient ride. There are several established methods for determining the ideal height, including the LeMond Method, but a simple visual check is a good place to start.

Have someone watch you pedal from behind during a short ride. If your hips rock from side to side, your saddle may be too high. Lower it gradually until the rocking stops. Just be careful not to go too low, as this can reduce pedaling efficiency and strain your knees.

For the best results, we recommend a professional bike fitting.

Setback

With your pedals positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock, imagine a vertical line extending from your forward kneecap to the front pedal axle. Aligning these points is one common starting point for determining saddle setback.

Move your saddle forward or backward as needed, but never position the seatpost clamp directly against the forward bend in the saddle rails. Leave at least 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between the clamp and the bend.

Tilt

Start with the nose of your saddle tilted slightly upward, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3–6 mm) above level.

Test your position by sitting upright in a safe, controlled setting. If you feel yourself sliding forward, try raising the nose slightly. The goal is to keep your weight comfortably supported by your sit bones while minimizing pressure on sensitive soft tissue.

Rotation

If you feel uneven pressure beneath one sit bone or discomfort along your groin or inner thigh, a slight adjustment to your saddle's rotation may help.

Differences in leg length or other aspects of your riding position can sometimes contribute to these pressure points. Try making small adjustments, about 1 degree at a time, and check how the saddle feels. If discomfort persists, consider consulting a professional bike fitter.

Tension

Your Selle Anatomica saddle arrives pre-tensioned, but the leather will naturally stretch and adapt as you ride. Because every piece of leather is different, some saddles need adjustment fairly early, while others may go longer before requiring additional tension.

What proper tension looks like

As your saddle breaks in, the leather should develop a gentle, hammock-like dip of approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) when viewed from the side. You should sit in this hammock rather than on a tightly stretched, flat surface.

The small indentations in the leather help position your sit bones correctly. At the narrowest point toward the rear of the saddle slot, the two sides should be approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) apart.

How to adjust the tension

Use a 6 mm hex key to adjust the tension bolt:

• To tighten: Turn the bolt counterclockwise (reverse direction).
• To loosen: Turn the bolt clockwise (forward direction).

Make small adjustments and check the saddle's shape and slot width as you go.

When to adjust the tension

If the edges of the slot begin touching at the narrowest point and a raised ridge develops along one side, it's likely time to add tension. If the leather has sagged so far that you're contacting the seatpost beneath it, an adjustment is overdue.

Be careful not to overtighten. A saddle that appears flat when viewed from the side, or has a slot opening of approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) at its narrowest point, is overtensioned.

Other Important Setup & Care Tips

Protecting Saddle Rails

Selle Anatomica's extended saddle rails give riders plenty of flexibility to find a comfortable position, but proper installation is important to help prevent bending, particularly with chromoly steel rails.

Always leave at least 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) between the front of your seatpost clamp and the forward bend in the rails. Never position the clamp directly against the bend.

One more important tip: Lift your weight off the saddle when riding over bumps or rough terrain. This helps reduce stress on the rails and protects your saddle over time.

Waterproofing Your Leather Saddle

Protecting your leather from moisture is an important part of keeping it in great condition.

Apply waterproofing treatment to the underside and exposed raw edges of your leather saddle. Selle Anatomica's WaterShed leather is already treated on the top surface, so there's no need to apply additional waterproofing there.

We recommend Saddle Sauce, although beeswax is also acceptable. Avoid Proofide, solvents, and silicone-based treatments, which can soften the leather.

For more detailed instructions, visit our Leather Saddle Care Guide.