BikingViking793 

I'm curious if it's normal to move around on the saddle on a road bike. My bottom always stays pretty comfortable with the saddle I'm using. But sometimes if my hands are getting a bit sore I will scoot back for a while and lift some weight off my hands. After my hands are back to normal I end up back in the same previous spot on the saddle. Is it normal to move about like this one the saddle? It seems like my body tries to stay in the same spot even if I move the saddle around. So if I were to move my saddle back I'm more likely to sit farther forward on the saddle than move with it. I've never seen any real rules about just where you sit on the saddle and just assume you gravitate to the most comfortable spot.

GameHasNoName

From my experience:
- it can be stem is too long which causes you to stretching forward and therefore increasing pressure on hands;
- it can be saddle angle being too negative causing increased pressure on hands;
- it can be saddle being too forward on the rails causing increased pressure on hands;

To check if my hands are "over-weighted" I did balance test. On the trainer: try slowly move hands off the handlebars while pedalling with a good effort (not maximum but steady), better description can be googled as "bike fit balance test". You should not move forward on the saddle while raising your hands and you should feel smooth pedaling.

Overall position on the bike should not feel like "doing a plank" and it should be more like "you can play on a piano".

BikingViking793 

I don’t have a huge problem with my hands, but after riding an hour or something I will move them around for a while. When I’m scooted back on the saddle I am more balanced and can lift my hands off the bars while riding. Should I try to ride more scooted back even if I want to gravitate more forward and my bottom is good? Or is it more normal to shift around a bit during long rides?

GameHasNoName

I'm currently have similar problem, where more scooted back position is good for my hands, but not so good for pedaling, can't really suggest anything here


if i would be in your place and there was no big issues (like even small hand numbness or considerable hand fatigue) I would just continue to ride

Iride01 

You can sit anywhere on the saddle you feel comfortable. If you have to work to maintain that position you want, then something is wrong. Usually reach. Sometimes tilt. Might also be an indicator you have the wrong bike for you.

PeteHski

It’s totally normal to move around on the saddle from time to time on long rides. That’s why some people prefer long flat saddle profiles. But some people also prefer to sit in a more static position. There are no rules on this. Just do what feels natural as long as you are not fighting an obvious problem.

BikingViking793 

thanks. I will shift hands a little and saddle, but feel good at the end of the ride.

PeteHski

Sounds like you are well sorted. It would actually be weird to sit in precisely the same position for 5 or 6 hours! It's more natural to shuffle around a bit and stand up occasionally. My saddle allows a couple of inches of movement fore-aft, which I do use during a ride. I also make full use of my bar drops, hoods and tops. That's why they are there.

scottfsmith

I tend to move back when I am putting more force on the pedals, e.g. for uphill seated grinding. I guess my brain thinks I get better leverage that way..

In general I am in agreement with the above posters that moving to the most natural position of the moment is a good thing.