
Mountain bike seats are an often overlooked aspect of cycling. The seat is may seem like a simple idea, but a poorly designed seat can cause a host of problems ranging from minor aches and pains to more serious medical problems. Because of this, it is important to make sure your seat is properly designed for your body and riding style.
Knowing your riding style is an important aspect of choosing the right mountain bike seats. If you’re prone to speed, a more narrow racing style seat might be the best option. Because a more casual rider tends to put most of his or her weight directly over the hips, a wider, more cushioned seat might be recommended.
The position of most mountain bike seats can play a significant role in how comfortable they can be. For instance, a seat that is set too high will cause your hips to rock back and forth while pedaling, which can be extremely uncomfortable over a long ride. Conversely, a seat that is positioned too low causes inefficiency during pedaling, thereby causing undo stress and strain on leg muscles.