Mountain Bike Saddle Height Calculator

Rider Height (inches)	Inseam Length (inches)	Recommended Saddle Height (inches)
5’0″ – 5’2″	26″ – 28″	26.0″ – 28.0″
5’2″ – 5’5″	28″ – 30″	27.5″ – 30.0″
5’5″ – 5’9″	30″ – 32″	29.0″ – 32.0″
5’9″ – 6’0″	32″ – 34″	31.0″ – 34.0″
6’0″ – 6’2″	34″ – 36″	33.0″ – 36.0″
6’2″ – 6’4″	36″ – 38″	35.0″ – 38.0″
6’4″ and above	38″ and above	37.0″ and above

FAQs

How high should my saddle be on a mountain bike? The proper saddle height on a mountain bike is generally when your leg is almost fully extended with a slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the lowest position.

What is the 109% rule for saddle height? The 109% rule suggests that your saddle height should be set at 109% of your inseam measurement.

What is the correct saddle height position? The correct saddle height position is when your leg is almost fully extended with a slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Should my saddle be higher than the handlebars? In most cases, your saddle should be slightly higher than your handlebars to achieve a more efficient and comfortable riding position.

What happens if saddle is too high? If your saddle is too high, it can cause rocking side to side while pedaling, increased stress on your knees, and discomfort.

How do I know if my saddle height is too low? If your saddle height is too low, you might experience discomfort in the front of your knees, reduced pedaling efficiency, and potential lower back pain.

What happens if the saddle is too short? If your saddle is too short, you may experience discomfort and pressure on soft tissues, leading to potential numbness or pain.

Should your leg fully extend on a bike? Your leg should not fully extend on a bike. There should be a slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the lowest position to avoid overextension.

Should my feet touch the ground on a bike? It’s not necessary for both feet to touch the ground while sitting on the saddle. You should be able to touch the ground with the balls of your feet while sitting on the saddle.

How far should your saddle be behind the bottom bracket? The saddle setback (distance behind the bottom bracket) is subjective and can vary depending on the rider’s preference and riding style. A common starting point is to have the saddle centered over the bottom bracket.

Should my MTB seat be higher than my handlebars? Yes, in most cases, your MTB seat should be higher than your handlebars for a more efficient and powerful pedaling position.

How much higher should the seat be than the handlebars? The height difference between the seat and the handlebars can vary based on personal preference and riding style, but typically, the seat is a few inches higher than the handlebars.

What is proper saddle placement? Proper saddle placement involves setting the saddle at the correct height and angle, centered over the bottom bracket, and aligned with your riding style and body’s biomechanics.

How do I know if my bike saddle is too high? If your bike saddle is too high, you may experience rocking side to side while pedaling, discomfort in the hips, and potential lower back pain.

Should a saddle lift at the back? A slight tilt of the saddle upwards at the back is common, but excessive tilting can cause discomfort and put pressure on sensitive areas.

What happens when your bike saddle is too low? When your bike saddle is too low, it can lead to knee pain, reduced pedaling efficiency, and discomfort in the hips and lower back.

What is the difference between too high and too low saddle? A saddle that is too high can cause rocking and stress on the knees, while a saddle that is too low can lead to discomfort and reduced power during pedaling.

How low should my bike seat be? Your bike seat should be set at a height that allows a slight bend in your knee when the pedal is at the lowest position, avoiding full leg extension.

What are the benefits of a shorter bike saddle? A shorter bike saddle can offer more maneuverability and clearance for technical mountain biking and provide a more aggressive riding position.

Can a saddle sit too low in the front? Yes, if the front of the saddle is too low, it can lead to discomfort and pressure on soft tissues.

How do you know if a mountain bike fits you? A mountain bike fits you well if you feel comfortable and in control while riding, with the saddle and handlebars set at proper heights and positions.

Should your leg be straight when pedaling a bike? No, your leg should have a slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the lowest position to avoid overextension and strain.

Why do bike riders stick their leg out? Bike riders may stick their leg out while riding to maintain balance during slow or technical maneuvers.

Should you sit or stand when mountain biking? Mountain bikers often alternate between sitting and standing positions, depending on the terrain and riding conditions.

Is it better to get a bigger or smaller mountain bike frame? Choosing the right size mountain bike frame is essential for comfort and control. A frame that is too big or small can lead to discomfort and reduced handling.

Why does my bum hurt after riding my bike? Saddle discomfort can occur due to improper saddle position, shape, or padding. It’s essential to find a saddle that suits your anatomy and riding style.

Is it better to move the saddle forward or back? Saddle position adjustments (forward or back) can affect your riding position and power output. It’s best to make small adjustments and find the most comfortable and efficient position for you.

What is the correct saddle setback? Saddle setback refers to the horizontal distance between the saddle and the bottom bracket. The correct setback depends on the rider’s body proportions and riding style.

Why do I keep sliding forward on my saddle? Sliding forward on the saddle can be due to an improper saddle angle or a saddle that doesn’t fit your anatomy correctly.

What is the best MTB saddle position? The best MTB saddle position is one that provides comfort, stability, and efficient power transfer for your riding style and body.

What is the correct MTB seat angle? The correct MTB seat angle varies between riders, but a common starting point is a neutral angle, with the saddle level or slightly tilted up or down.

What is the best position on MTB bike? The best position on an MTB bike is one that provides a comfortable and balanced riding posture, allowing you to control the bike effectively on various terrains.

How far should MTB seat be from the handlebar? The distance between the MTB seat and handlebar varies based on your body proportions and riding style. It should be set to achieve a comfortable and balanced riding position.

Why are mountain bike handlebars so low? Lower handlebars on mountain bikes can provide a more aerodynamic and aggressive riding position, improving stability and control on technical terrains.

What is the distance between the saddle and stem? The distance between the saddle and stem (handlebar) depends on the bike frame size and the rider’s preferred riding posture.

How many fingers should fit under a saddle? There is no fixed rule, but some riders find it comfortable to fit two to three fingers under the saddle when positioned correctly.

Where should your sit bones be on a bike saddle? Your sit bones should be resting on the wider part of the bike saddle, which provides support and comfort during the ride.