Your posture or riding stance varies depending on the terrain as well as the genre of bicycling. For example, recreational bikers have a relaxed posture while mountain bikers utilize a performance enhancing riding stance. According to cycling expert Sheldon Brown, incorrect posture can cause pain in your ankles, knees and lower back.
Recreational Posture
Recreational bikes, also commonly referred to as comfort bikes, allow you to maintain a comfortable riding stance while performing turns and maneuvers. The height of the handlebars will directly effect your posture. According to REI, the handlebars of the recreational bike have been placed higher than the seat. Your back will stay angled at almost 90 degrees while riding the recreational bike. The seat post of the recreational bike often features a built in suspension that allows you to easily adjust your posture.
Mountain Bike Posture
The seat of the mountain bike has been placed higher than the handlebars. Due to the seat height, your posture on the mountain bike will be angled forward slightly. This lowered riding stance allows you to stay balanced while executing high speed turns. The seat of the downhill mountain bike has been angled slightly backward. This specialized seat enables you to shift your body weight while navigating downward sloping trails and courses. Your back will stay at around a 45-degree angle while riding the mountain bike.
Road Bike Posture
The seat of the road bike sits higher than the custom drop handlebars. To maintain a proper grip, you will have to angle your riding stance forward. Depending on the gradient of the road, you will have to adjust your posture slightly. According to Smart Cycles, common road bike postures include the seated ride and the out of saddle sprint. During the seated ride, your back will stay angled at close to 45 degrees. When shifting to the out of saddle sprint, you will slightly decrease the angle of your back.
BMX Posture
The BMX bike has a unique riding stance compared with other genres of cycling. The seat of the BMX bike has been placed much lower than the handlebars. According to Ride BMX Magazine, to maintain a balanced riding stance, BMX bikers extend their legs to hover above the bicycle seat. The BMX bike features a compact design, which makes sitting on the seat awkward and uncomfortable. When preparing for a trick, BMX bikers bend their knees to compress the riding stance.
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