How to Adjust a Mountain Bike Seat

Riding on a bike seat that is too low or high can be tiring and uncomfortable. Adjust your seat to your body proportions and the terrain you ride.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• All-purpose Bike Tools
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Seats/saddles
• Mountain Bikes

1. Loosen the quick-release lever or bolt below the seat to slide the seat up or down.

2. Rotate the pedals so that one is close to the ground at the lowest point of the revolution.

3. Place the heel of one foot on the pedal.

4. Slide the seat up or down so that the leg on the pedal is completely extended. This is the ideal height of your bike seat for most conditions.

5. Tighten the quick-release lever or bolt under the seat to set the height.

6. Test the height by placing the ball of your foot on the pedal. Your knee should be slightly bent in this position.

7. Lower the seat a few inches on steep mountain bike descents for stability and safety in case of a crash.

Tips & Warnings

• After you determine the ideal height, put a piece of colored tape around the seat post at the point where it enters the frame of the bike. This way you can slide your seat up and down and then easily return it to your favored position.
• Mountain biking is a is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[gza2002]

on 1/8/2007 The method outlined above is suitable for cross country and all mountain type of riding.

However, certain other types of mountain biking require a lower center of gravity (e.g. free riding, downhill, trials). In this case, generally a comprimise must be found between power (i.e. taller/longer seat posts) and stability (i.e. lower/shorter seatposts).

Some riders prefer to lower the seats as low as possible, however the 'correct' height is entirely dependent on personal preference.