Mountain biking can be a rough recreational sport due to the craggy rock and soft terrain you encounter. Having your seat adjusted to the proper height can make for a much more comfortable ride. While mountain biking follows the same general seat height guidelines as other forms of cycling, there are a few special situations to consider when making your adjustments.
General Guidelines
According to "Mountain Bike Magazine's Compete Guide to Mountain Bike Skills," the average mountain bike seat post is 350 mm long, leaving plenty of room for height adjustment. The best seat height for maximum pedaling efficiency is whatever position you can sit on the seat with your knee only slightly bent when the pedal is in the lowest crank position. This is true whether you are using a mountain bike or a road bike.
Riding Condition Considerations
The difference between mountain biking and road cycling is that the riding conditions are much more rough in the former. "Mountain Bike Maintenance" suggests that you lower your seat slightly during "rocky descents and technical sections" because it may be uncomfortable to have it at normal height then. Cycling expert and technical writer Sheldon Brown notes that you may need to ride several miles on your seat after adjusting it to see if it is the perfect fit for you.
Making the Adjustment
Most mountain bicycles are equipped with a pinch bolt at the joint where the seat post enters the frame. Loosen this bolt with a hex wrench until the seat post can move freely in the frame. You do not need to remove it completely from the bike to make the adjustment. You may need to wiggle the seat from side to side as you lift it up or push it down, as the metal used in most seat posts can become corroded and difficult to move over time.
Quick Adjustment
If you are riding on a trail with a variety of slopes and riding conditions, it may be necessary to change your seat height regularly. If this is the case, "Mountain Bike Maintenance" suggests you outfit your bike with a saddle quick release. Much like a quick release lever for a wheel, this device allows you to flip a lever to instantly relieve the tension on your seat post. Having a quick release lever installed and keeping your seat post properly greased to protect it from corrosion ensures that you are able to quickly and easily adjust your mountain bike seat to the proper height while out on the trail.
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