It is a long ride and a tough day and imagine that you are struggling to find the perfect riding position and comfortable seat. It is sure irritating of a kind, right? And to address this, you listen to your body and feet that know the way to relief.
When finding comfort in mountain bike seating becomes too much of a problem, we have some tips to help you out. If your butt does not feel happy on the mountain bike ride, it ruins the fun part of your biking experience.
Sit bones (bottom part of your pelvis) can hurt when you fail to find an absolute seat position. It is an essential requirement to figure out the right saddle comfort for riding or a mild pedaling experience on your mountain bike.
And if it’s missing out, what happens? Despite having the trail all to yourself, you feel clumsy enough to focus, as nothing is going as your safe and comfy space.
Tip no 1: Make sure that your weight is taken by sit bones
Here is what a former pro cyclist has to say on weight to sit bones. An absolute trick from former pro cyclist cum presenter Manon Llyod in Global Cycling Network, presented by ex-pro riders, GCNs states.
The pain won’t just go away to make your new mountain bike more comfy.
Avoid holding from elbows. All vibrations are to go to your body if you fail to take the right posture and seating comfort. Bend your arms and relax when riding a mountain bike, Lean your body, and don’t increase the angle and hip for added comfort.
-pro cyclist cum presenter Manon Llyod
The saddle (seat) is designed to ensure that your sit bones are comfortable and your bumps don’t hurt. So, here is what you can do,
- A saddle position is to be rightly tracked for an individual.
- An unadjusted saddle bar, a little too far or near, can cause pain with uneven weight distribution.
- When the saddle is too near, you end up sitting on the nose of the sit bones.
- But when the saddle is too far you fall back when riding your bike.
- Try not to sit in such an uneven position for long, as your back starts to hurt.
Tip no 2: Avoid saddle that’s too high, to avoid trouble
When your saddle is high, your hips turn back and forth. On long rides, it is hard to keep those revs up with the uncomfortable seating. An increase in saddle saws can be hard and absolute against the seat comfort.
“Setting saddle height correctly is really important for efficient pedaling but also for avoiding any discomfort,”
YouTuber Neil from Global Mountain Bike Network
If you recently have a change in the seats on the bike, don’t wait long enough. Try to see if it is running correctly before it disturbs the absolute fun adventure of your life, (yes, mountain biking with your friends).
You kid me, not this absolute mountain bike hack shall prevent you from missing out. Also, it helps you point in the correct direction in your riding activity.
- Keep the nose of the saddle flat if measured from the front.
- And it seems curved if measured from the back.
- The angle fitting of the saddle should tilt a little.
- Don’t let your hips close off and over causing a disturbance in your riding.
- Engage the core and avoid fatigue when riding vigorously on the mountain biking trail.
- To prevent irritation get a saddle shape that matches your riding style.
- The tilt and position should be according to your convenience for a better riding experience.
Once you are aware of what the right sit bone is, you can use the width of the sit bones to find the corresponding width of the bike. Make sure the saddle of the bike is neither too narrow nor too wide, as the pain is induced by its irregular fit. Also, get a suitable bottom bracket for better suspension.
Tip no 3: Find the Trouble spots in mountain biking seating position
Always look for the trouble spots in mountain biking. These are the nemesis that disturb the absolute peace during rides on long and short biking routes.
Mountain bikes have sophisticated suspension linkage systems compared to gravel bikes. The problem varies based on which bike you have,
- Cross-country mountain bikes have around 100mm of suspension fork travel.
- Enduro and downhill bikes can have 180-200mm of travel front and rear.
This suspension allows mountain bikes to handle very rough trails that would be uncomfortable on a gravel bike. Hence, the suspension requirement is not the same in all cases. Let’s say for example,
When we talk about the trouble spots of Enduro mountain biking, a pedaling experience can be one. So, looking for the moderate pedal is ideal for enduro and can work well with the various seat comfort requirements.
A saddle too low is uncomfortable for hamstring balances, and knee injury, you better be watching that out. Not only that, little pedaling with a high saddle position can feel bulky and interfere with movement on the descent.
Hence, it becomes crucial for you to look for a saddle that is efficient. Though a high-density foam can prevent bottoming out, it’s not absolute.
Tip no 4: Look for a durable and branded saddle (with top suggestions)
No doubt the best saddle is the one that fits your riding style and body. But is it all? You could be missing out on various comfort factors, like,
- Saddle width
- Saddle shape
- And padding of the saddle
Focus on what your primary seat requirements are. Look for how you can adjust the upgraded saddle to your current bike. Ultimately adjust it with the right height, and position, and fix it on your bike frame. If you ask for suggestions, some of the best enduro saddle options we have are,
- Ergon SM Enduro Comp
- Specialized Bridge Comp
- Prologo Proxim W650
- SDG Bel-Air XT
If you ask a former pro-cyclist, Worldwide Cyclery YouTuber Jeff Caylery in his video has also listed some of the best saddle options saying,
Hope Technology, Sm enduro, Ergon SM Pr, and SMC sports gel are some popular seats for ultimate seating comfort. STG Bel Air RL is the classic.
Deity speed traps are pretty much loved by mountain bikes and upgrades. They have been around for several years. The mountain bikers settled it for personal preference since they first used it.
YouTuber Jeff Caylery
Tip no 5: Consider an upright riding position with the right saddle width
Expert bike fitter Neill Stanbury in the video of Road Cycling Academy, urges the importance of choosing the correct saddle width, he says.
“The saddle width measurement is very rough. The sit bone or the ischiopubic rami or technically the inferior curves of rami, are the parts where you sit your weight when you are on a seat”
YouTuber Neill Stanbury
Finding the best saddle is not just another achievement. It is making your rides more powerful and the one to remember to have the right width of the saddle, 155-165mm is often better for long rides.
Besides, bike shops may also have devices specialized to measure sit bone and saddle width. While exact measurements vary, the addition of 20-25mm measurement to your calculated sit bone width helps you pick the ideal saddle width.
Stanbury continues to give a clear idea of how the seat mechanism works in a mountain bike,
“They curve in 3 dimensions, they narrow at the front nose and widen at the rear, how rapidly they drop down. They curve back up, and the seating position merely cannot be the same.”
A key takeaway is how you relate to the saddle requirement of every riding style. There are several methods that help you find your ideal saddle width, which include,
- Consult a bike shop for measuring sit bones accurately, they have a legit tool these days.
- If not, you can do it with cardboard, using clear indentations from the expert video.
Tip no 6: Consider a suspension seatpost as a major comfort upgrade
When you take on a long ride your back may feel sore. Suspension seat posts were actually developed to address this cause and act as a shock absorber for bike riders. If you want a fatigue-free biking experience, suspension seat posts are the ones to consider.
Cycling About YouTube presenter Alee Denham mentions 6 reasons to use Suspension seat posts, in his video, and outlines the urgency of suspension seat posts saying,
The frame comfort, and vertical deflection at the back, all give rise to seat comfort when pedaling in the amazing mountain biking trails. Improve your comfort when the seatpost absorbs bigger hits.
He gave real-time updates adding,
Suspension, this is the rear tyre. The 70 % weight lies here, so ride comfort is basically the seat comfort one gets. It comes when you already maintain the tire width and pressure, and the best bit for suspension seat post upgrade can be as little as $100 if you know these genuine tips. It is easy to install too.
If you also want to give your back a cushion, against vibrations and bumps on a long day of riding, consider upgrading normal seat posts to suspension ones. These are the most reliable ones a rider can have.
Tip no 7: Adjust Your Bike Seat Height and Saddle Angle
Sometimes having the best comfortable saddle can not prevent your backstroke. This is because you could be missing out on bike seat height and saddle angle requirements.
The basic starting angle for the saddle is horizontal or flat. If you don’t know how the saddle angle is measured, it is done with the help of a device from the front to the back.
You can use the appropriate Allen key to adjust the required saddle angle, which is believed to be a 25-35-degree knee angle.
“If you tilt your saddle angle down it is supposed to be more efficient in uphill climbing,”
confirms the pro cyclist Bryan McCullough from @TheBikeTheBody.
You need not rely on this and experiment on your own, to achieve a level slightly forward or backward from the nose-down position to have a secure hold, which suits you. Once you are happy, tighten the clamp and pinch bolts and you are ready for a long good ride, without regrets.
Tip no 8: Choose the best materials for a comfortable bike seat
The key materials that make a mountain bike seat so convenient are the seat covers, padding, rails, and frames of your choice. You can find the balance between support and comfort when you choose quality materials that match your needs.
Ask yourself, “What is your priority for comfort, do you like leather, synthetic, or textured seating material?”
Yes, this is a personal choice. However, experts argue, that leather is a a long-term comfort for seat material but comes with more maintenance.
If synthetic cover is your choice, it’s one of a microfiber kind, easy to clean, made up of resistant material, and lightweight. This not only adds durability but provides good performance. The only issue you could have is, it is not as breathable as natural leather.
Textured seats are more in fashion. Mountain bikers these days enjoy perforation or embossed patterns in the saddle. Even, you can try it out as it is quite seamless and a better option to prevent pressure invasion during the challenging ride.
The texture, on the other hand, is breathable and reduces moisture build-up in the seats. If you are looking for an added grip and something that does not slip off during the ride, textured seats are good. Here is what one can add to their seat for ultimate comfort,
| Type of Seat Padding | Benefits |
|---|---|
| High-density foam padding | support and shape retention of the seat. |
| Gel padding | even pressure distribution when riding |
| Memory foam padding | durable padding benefits and comfort for riders |
| Dual-density padding | balance, support, comfort, and soft seating |
Riders can add rails and frames of alloy, steel, and carbon fiber for vibration damping, and corrosion resistance, as per their riding needs. In addition, choosing the right pedal just makes your seat comfort analysis much easier than speculating.
Tip no 9: Find a comfortable seat that aligns with your sitting posture
Tired of mountain bike seats, that drain all your energy? What if I say, you can improve seat comfort without inducing pain and actually changing the sitting posture you prefer on a ride?
An added pressure is relieved if there is adequate padding density and the right shape for your riding style. Comfort does not come until the bike saddle tilt and fore-aft position are well balanced considering saddle fit,
former pro-cyclist Neil.
Seat comfort becomes normal when a mountain bike’s saddle correlates with the ride’s frequency and duration. Here is a catch; riders can choose a big padded saddle on beach cruisers and city bikes for casual rides.
If you don’t know how to position your body on different mountain biking routes, here is a quick guide on seating posture.
| Riding position | Trail condition | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral riding position | Cruising or mellower trails (smooth trail) | Relaxed upper body position with arms and knees bent for absorbing bumps and shocks. |
| Cornering riding position | For flat trails with maximum high-speed cornering moves and traction | Lean the bike underneath to distribute weight outside pedal |
| Descending riding position | Steep and technical descents | Hips back and weight centered to lift yourself |
Tip no 10: Be prepared for essential tools used for adjusting a bike seat
The hex/Allen wrench is a multi-tool used to loosen and re-tighten the seat post for your convenience. You can always use a T24 bolt (Torx 25 screw) to tighten up the saddle (seat) to screw the seat post tight.
Other essential tools for bike seat adjustment are a tire pump, torque wrench, and tape measure. If you are searching for a multi-purpose portable bike repair tool kit, you can shop for great deals at various mountain bike outlets and e-commerce websites.
Don’t mess around differently. Sometimes the important piece of advice is not to overdo anything.
Conclusion
Every trail is demanding and has its own set of challenges and requirements. If you know, you know. There are techniques that professional riders have mastered over the ages.
The ultimate seat comfort comes with the correct saddle position (height, width, angle), its material, riding position, and overall mountain bike anatomy.
Shop now with The LBS to save up to 10% on your next saddle purchase. You can also view details about each mountain bike component before purchase, on our product pages and genuine reviews to help you find the best. We are available at your location, to exclusively serve with top-selling mountain bike components for your needs.
FAQs
1. How do I find the “ideal seat spot” on my mountain bike?
You can always experiment with seat position, either tilting forward or backward. Research on different seat options you can get on the market. The key idea includes inseam measurement (length from the sitting position to the floor), saddle height, and saddle tilt position.
2. How does the hood position affect seat comfort in mountain bikes?
The hood position refers to the handlebar position, which is attached an inch below the saddle of your mountain bike. The hood position determines the indirect connection with the handlebar and seat, for a better riding experience.
Touring cyclists enjoy upright posture but professional MTB riders want a slightly lower hood position. Ensure an ideal hood position to avoid fatigue and get comfortable on your next riding experience.
3. What are the common issues with bike seat adjustments?
Bike seat adjustment is a key technique a rider has to master in order to avoid inefficient pedaling, knee pain, and saddle sores. This can commonly result from adjustment mistakes with incorrect seat height, width, unstable, or inadequate tilted seat position.
4. How can I improve bike seat comfort for long rides?
Always experiment with seat position, mark it every time you find comfort, with electric tape, to remember to fix it before your next ride. Remember to ride comfortably with an even weight distribution, which is achievable through an ideal seat position, or else your hands will get numb with more pressure on them.
5. What are the best seats for long gravity rides?
In the market, you can find a variety of bike seats for long gravity rides, but knowing what suits you makes a difference here.
You can look for brands like Royal and Brooks for wider saddles. If you are on a long ride, moderate seat padding becomes a must, and also look out for cutout channels in seats. For which, Fizik, Specialized, and ISM seats serve the best for men.
If you are looking for leather saddles or suspension seat posts, that too is ideal for rough roads on long rides, to reduce vibrations on your hamstrings or sitting posture. Experiment with shape, and material, and also look for brands like Cane Creek, Thudbuster, or Suntour for added seat comfort.
