How To Choose Mountain Bike Saddle

The saddle, or seat, is one of the most important components of a mountain bike. It provides the rider with a comfortable place to sit while riding and helps to absorb shock from bumps in the terrain.

What saddle size do I need MTB?

145mm seems to be a good medium starting width for mountain bikers, with narrower and wider options available from most brands. In terms of length, longer saddles are generally better for climbing, while shorter saddles tend to do well for more aggressive handling.^[1]

How do I know what size bike saddle I need?

Sit with your feet tilted up long enough to leave a good impression. Stand and find the two deepest indentions your sit bones left behind and mark them both with a point. Measure from one point to the other with your measuring tape in millimeters. Add 20-25mm to determine your saddle size.^[2]

How do you pick a saddle height?

Calculating your ideal saddle height based on your inseam is easy. On average, the seat height should be 109% of your inseam. You can thus use your calculator to multiply your inseam in millimetres by 1,09. Multiply by 1,09 and you know your correct saddle height.^[3]

Why are MTB seats so hard?

Mountain bike seats are hard to provide adequate firm support to your ischial tuberosities or sit bones as they are referred. The shifting movements of pedaling require freedom of movement and padding in only the correct place to avoid damage to your soft tissues.^[4]

What happens if your bike saddle is too wide?

A bicycle saddle that is too wide causes chafing due to your thighs rubbing against the sides of the seat and reduces pedal efficiency since the saddle interferes with your pedaling motion. Also, aerodynamics is worsened from the increased contact area between your spread-out legs and the increased air resistance.^[5]

Is a wider saddle better?

Saddle shape Wider saddles tend to be more comfortable so are good for long rides or leisurely riders where extra weight from more materials isn’t an issue. Thinner saddles tend to be better for short efforts – such as racing – where comfort isn’t dispensed with entirely but is compromised in favour of other factors.^[6]

Do all saddles fit all bikes?

Bike saddles come in different sizes to accommodate different body types. Finding a bike saddle that is the right size for your body mostly has to do with the width of the saddle and how well it supports your ischial tuberosities (sit bones).^[7]

Where should your sit bones be on a bike saddle?

The optimal saddle width guarantees that the sit bones lie completely flat on the saddle. This is the only way in which pressure is relieved on the sensitive area in men and on the pubic arch in women and ensures more efficiency. A saddle should fit like a pair of shoes!^[8]

What happens if your bike seat is too low?

A saddle too low usually means the hip angle between the torso and the thigh at the top of the stroke is restricted, which further diminishes the ability to generate force. And when force is generated, some of it is transferred into the knee instead of down to the foot, and this is a common cause of anterior knee pain.^[9]

Should I be able to touch the ground from my bike seat?

The height of your saddle is important for the most comfortable position and safe riding style. When you sit on the saddle, both feet should reach the floor and the balls of your feet should be touching the ground.^[10]

How do I know if my saddle is too low?

Your foot is flat on the ground. Knee pops or clicks. Knee pain. Lack of pedal power.^[11]

What kind of saddle do I need?

If you know your seat size in an English saddle, a good rule of thumb is to choose a Western saddle with a seat size two inches smaller than your typical English saddle size. Sit in the Western saddle. There should be about four inches between your body and the swell of the saddle.^[12]