Easy Tips For Optimal Mountain Bike Seat Tube Angle
A bike's seat tube is the component of a bike frame that holds the saddle. It stretches from the bottom bracket to the top of the seat post, is possibly the longest tube on the frame, and plays a vital role in how a biker rides. One of the significant factors that affect whether you will enjoy mountain biking or suffer from various body aches after each ride is the seat tube angle position. To stay comfortable, you will need to find your optimal mountain bike seat tube angle.
The optimal mountain bike seat tube angle is between 70-75 degrees. Use a 70-73 degree angle for XC mountain bikes and a 72-74 angle for uphill terrain. Adjust the seat tube angles to accommodate body proportions and personal preference.
The angle of a seat tube like this is measured between the seat tube and the horizontal plane. It influences the rider's posture and position on the bike.
You may also find interest in learning the difference between the road and mountain bike seat post itself. If so, be sure to take a look at our related article.
Why Does Finding the Optimal Mountain Bike Seat Tube Angle Matter?
The angle of your mountain bike’s seat tube angle is quite an important consideration if you would like to be as comfortable as possible when sitting on your saddle.
The optimal mountain bike seat tube angle matters because it affects saddle position and the rider’s weight distribution on the bike. Selecting the optimal seat tube angle will increase comfort on long rides.
Bikers ride on various terrains, and while some ride on extremely steep uphill trails, others ride on flatter paths. As a result, determining the optimal mountain bike seat tube angle is critical for the rider to maintain maximum pedaling power while remaining comfortable when riding long or short distances. The optimal mountain bike seat tube angle helps you to distribute your weight effectively and use the entire saddle strategically when riding.
MTB Seat Tube Angle Explained
Thanks to the seat tube angles, a rider's weight should be centered over the bike's crankset. Modern bikes typically have designs that make the seat post angle steeper, utilizing effective seat tube angles.
A mountain bike seat tube angle is the angle between the seat tube and the horizontal ground level. The seat tube of a bike has an angle that is specified in degrees, often falling between 70 and 75 degrees.
A correct bike seat tube angle is important to place the rider in the best possible position for pedaling. Our article about how to choose the proper mountain bike saddle height will also help with optimizing your position for pedaling.
Many geometry charts list an "actual" and an "effective" angle. You want the correct seat angle to get into the right position over the bottom bracket for effective seated pedaling. This thesis article written by Saori Hanaki-Martin at the University of Kentucky, explains the effects of seat post angle on cycling performance.
This is how finding your optimum mountain bike seat tube angle can impact your cycling:
Impact 1. Improved Climbing Capabilities
Seat tube angle improves bike climbing performance for a variety of reasons. For climbing, the correct bike seat tube angle allows for optimal movement and helps in evenly distributing the rider's weight over the front wheel and back wheel for directional control. This means that centering your weight farther back or forward can affect your leverage and control, and moving slightly forward would also allow you to direct the front tire better. Generally, shifting your weight allows strong control of both the front and back wheels to enhance your climbing capabilities.
Impact 2. Improved Stability
A bike seat tube angle should improve stability on the bike, whether it is positioned to be steep or slack. You should be seated in the middle of the saddle with the seat tube of your mountain bike at the proper angle—either steep or slack—so that you don't fall off the bike when ascending or descending a hill.
A steep seat angle, for instance, puts you in a more centered position for climbing and makes it easier to shift your weight forward or backward as necessary. Another helpful resource for angling your seat for optimal comfort and performance is our guide to adjusting mountain bike seat angle and improving performance.
The correct bike seat tube angle makes you feel more steady when riding since the front wheel sits wider out in front, and the rear wheels feel balanced at the back. Instead of feeling like you're on top of the bike, you'll feel like you're “in” the bike. The optimal bike seat tube angle allows you to be balanced on the bike and does not make you feel like you will wobble off while riding.
What’s the Difference Between Effective vs. Actual Seat Tube Angle?
The actual seat tube angle of a bike indicates the angle of the seat tube, which affects weight distribution and how far your body is positioned over the bike compared to the bottom bracket, and the effective seat tube angle is the adjustable angle of the seat tube.
The difference between an effective seat tube angle and an actual seat tube angle is that the effective seat tube angle is adjustable, while the actual seat tube isn’t adjustable.
This article from Geometry Geeks explains that the angle at which the seat tube is mounted to the frame is the actual seat angle. However, manufacturers are making seat tubes with bends or curves to make room for modern conveniences such as short chainstays and the introduction of suspension bikes like this one.
The effective seat tube angle is a more effective method of assessing the bike seat tube angle. The angle formed by a line drawn from the bottom bracket's center to the seat post's center and a line parallel to the ground is known as the effective seat tube angle.
When riding a full suspension bike, the effective seat tube angle may give a far more precise understanding of how the bike feels. The actual seat angle and the seat tube's shape will impact the rider's position. The effective seat angle accounts for both variables and provides a complete understanding of the rider's hip position in relation to the pedals.
The effective seat tube angle is the same as the actual seat angle for bikes with straight seat tubes. However, for people with a kinked or curved seat tube, which is common on full suspension bikes like this, the effective seat tube angle is steeper than the actual seat angle.
The main differences between effective and actual bike seat tube angles are:
Difference 1. The Effective Seat Tube Angle is Adjustable
The effective seat tube angle is adjustable while the actual seat tube is not. You may adjust the effective seat tube angle by moving the saddle forward or backward on the seat post rails. The saddle may frequently be adjusted to provide a variety of effective seat tube angles. Our article about how to fit a mountain bike saddle explains how to adjust the height and angle for maximum comfort.
Difference 2. The Actual Seat Angle is the Seat Tube's Angle
When compared to the actual seat angle, which is just the seat tube's angle on the frame, the effective seat tube angle considers the rider's saddle choice and the seat tube's angle on the frame. Our article about how to choose the ideal saddle position on your bike explains various saddle levels and angles including height, forward or aft positioning, and tilt.
You might also find interest in learning how to choose the best mountain bike handlebar sweep. Be sure to read our tips and tricks to find out more.
Types of Mountain Bike Seat Tube Angles
The preferred angle of the bike seat tube varies from rider to rider, and with new bike designs comes a variety of new angles and measurements that can seem confusing. It’s essential to know about the most common bike seat tube angles and how they work for you as a rider.
There are several types of mountain bike seat tube angles, but the most common ones are slack and steep. Other seat tube angles include a 65-degree angle, 70-degree angle, 75-degree angle, and 76-degree angle.
Below we describe these angles, what they mean, how they affect the mountain bike's overall fit and handling, and what they do for the mountain bike.
Type 1. Slack Seat Tube Angles
The slack seat tube angle of a mountain bike will distribute your weight further over the back wheel. This has an impact on handling. It will increase the front frame's responsiveness and, to some extent, stabilize the handling. It will be easier to turn, and the bike will tend to stay where you want it to be. When a seat tube angle is really slack, it may create a spacey area without adding to the wheelbase length, but it will also make it harder to keep the front wheel weighted down when climbing. Make sure you also take a look at our article explaining what mountain bike seat tube angle length you need for related information.
The way you pedal changes when your seat tube angle is slack. Pedaling from the back of the bike involves more glutes and hamstrings than the triathlete-directly-over-the-pedals position, according to this dissertation from Auburn University. A slack seat tube angle will lower your seat vertically if the distance between the seat and bottom bracket is the same. This makes it easier to rip while seated with your pedals fully extended.
Type 2. Steep Seat Tube Angles
A steep seat angle positions you for climbing in a more centered position and makes it simpler to shift your weight forward or backward as necessary. Once you're moving, it doesn't give you the impression that you will lose control. Don’t take it too far, however, as the knee joint can become unstable and more injury prone, according to this article from the Journal of Science and Cycling. If you're using a fixed-length seat post, a steep seat angle will encourage a forward attitude, which might make descending unsafe. However, this won't be an issue if you're using a dropper seat post like this one.
Type 3. 65-Degree Seat Tube Angles
A seat tube angle of 65 degrees is known as a slack angle. When using a 65-degree tube angle, the bike's front frame or fork, will stick out more, providing a more stable ride at high speeds but with slow handling.
Type 4. 70-Degree Seat Tube Angles
The angle of your seat tube affects how your weight is transferred to the pedals. When the angle is more acute, you can feel the weight shifting when you pedal because the front wheel has to work harder to keep up with you.
The 70-degree seat angle gives riders more room to tuck in their knees and relax while riding. This is great for those who like to ride with a lot of lean angles but still want a bike that has enough stability at high speeds so that they can keep up with the group.
Type 5. 75-Degree Seat Tube Angles
The 75-degree seat tube angle is one of the most robust angles in mountain biking. This angle impacts the fit and handling of a bike and its performance on the trails. This angle influences your body position and allows you to shift your weight by moving your upper body, which helps improve balance at high speeds or when cornering hard. The increased weight transferring also improves traction on slick terrain, which makes for safer trail conditions for other riders too.
Type 6. 76-Degree Seat Tube Angles
If you're looking to get more out of your bike, you'll want to ensure that your seat tube angle is as close to 76 degrees as possible. This is because a 76-degree angle impacts your riding experience and works best for steering, reducing pressure on your hands and wrists, and giving you the best fit possible.
What Angle Should My Mountain Bike Seat Tube Be?
The angle at which you ride your mountain bike is an important consideration. The optimal angle will depend on your riding style, but we've got some general guidelines for you to follow.
To get the most out of a mountain bike choose a seat tube angle of between 70 and 75 degrees. Choose a 70-Degree angle for a rear-wheel-drive feel and a 75-degree angle for a front-wheel-drive feel.
70-Degree angles are better for riders who prefer a "rear-wheel drive" riding style, where the rear wheel determines the traction and control. This is generally considered the best riding angle for beginners, though it's also great for anyone looking to improve their skills.
75-Degree angles are best for those who prefer a “front-wheel drive” riding style, where the front wheel is primarily responsible for traction and control. This is generally considered the best angle if you want more control over how your bike like this handles in corners and while turning.
Here are our tips for choosing the correct mountain bike seat tube angle:
Tip 1. Choose a 70-75 Degree Angle for Optimal Mountain Bike Designs And a Low to Mid-70s Angle for XC Bike Designs
Bike designs affect the degree to which the bike tube seat will be set, which is why mountain biking is a different sport than road riding. The way to make the most of your ride is by adjusting for the terrain and conditions. Different terrains require different terrain-specific bikes, so finding a good fit and angle for your bike can be tricky. Our mountain bike sizing chart would be a good starting point when considering the right size bike for your body.
This article from the International Journal of Exercise Science explains that if you're riding on hilly terrain requiring more power from your legs and less work from your arms (like when pedaling up steep hills), your seat tube angle should be higher. This allows more power to go through your legs and to work more efficiently. On the same type of terrain, if you're going downhill or have to pedal hard to keep up with other cyclists, the angle of your seat tube should be lower to keep your arms level over the pedals.
Tip 2. Use A Degree of 74, 75, and 76 Angle for Steep Terrain and a Slack Angle for Flat Terrain
Mountain bikers commonly prefer a degree of 74, 75, or 76 angles for steep terrain and a slack angle for flat terrain. The reason for that is, in the case of steep terrain, it can be harder to control your bike. 70 degrees is considered a good angle for mountain bikers on relatively level terrain as this allows for enough control. On the other hand, if you want to ride on steep terrain, then you should consider using a mountain bike with a seat tube angle of 74 or 76 degrees for more control.
Tip 3. Adjust Bike Tube Angle to Accommodate Body Proportions
If you want to be as efficient as possible on the bike and get the most out of your ride, then you'll need to think about how your body proportions affect your overall riding experience. Adjusting your bike tube angle to accommodate your physiology is a great way to ensure you're comfortable on the bike.
The ideal bicycle tube angle is between 70 and 75 degrees (74 degrees is the most common). But that doesn't mean that every cyclist should aim for this angle. The ideal angle depends on many factors, including your height, weight, and size (and even how flexible or muscular you are). Our article about choosing between trekking seats vs. mountain bike seats explains how your riding style, physiology, and preferred trails affect the seat and angle you should choose.
Tip 4. Adjust Bike Tube Angle for Personal Preference
The best way to figure this out is by trying different angles until you find one that works for you. If you're new to mountain biking or have never ridden before, this can take some time. Ask a friend or fellow rider to help you measure your angles when seated on the bike to determine where you need to make adjustments.
Are mountain bike saddles universal? Be sure to read our related article to find out the answer once and for all.
How Do I Adjust the Angle on My Bike Seat Tube?
The frame sets the seat tube angle, so you can't adjust it unless you cut this tube out and change its angle. However, you can adjust the effective seat tube angle, where the center of the seat rails and the bottom bracket meet.
To adjust the angle of a bike seat tube, loosen the bolts that hold the saddle, slide the seat along the rails, adjust the saddle angle, and tighten the bolts.
Choose a saddle with rails like this one, then the effective seat angle may be adjusted by sliding the seat back on the rails or moving it forward. This can alter how your weight is distributed during climbs and when you sit on the bike.
Here are the steps to adjust the effective seat tube angle:
Step 1. Loosen the Saddle Bolts
The bolts you should loosen are often located on the underside of the seat post. The bolts must be twisted counterclockwise with a Hex wrench from a set like this. When loosening the seat post with two bolts, go slowly and evenly. You can use a 6 mm Allen key for single-bolt saddle designs and a 5 mm Allen key for double-bolt saddle bolt designs. Make sure to check out our ultimate list of tools needed for mountain bike maintenance.
Step 2. Adjust the Saddle Forward or Aft Position
Make the seat tube angle adjustments while the fasteners are loose. The saddle rails should allow the saddle to be moved forward or backward in the cradle to the required position. With single-bolt designs, just loosen the bolt and move the cradle. When using the double bolts, whether the saddle is tilted up or down is determined by which bolt is tightened — the front or rear. You must balance the two before securing them. Be sure to read our related article about mountain bike saddle rail size to find out how it can help you.
Step 3. Tighten the Bolts
Tighten each bolt when you're satisfied with the saddle position. Retighten a single bolt on a post in a clockwise motion to the required fit.
Step 4. Check the Bike Seat Tube's New Angle
You should take the bike for a ride to check the new bike seat tube angle. If it's too steep, you could find it difficult to maintain balance when moving forward on slopes. And if it's too slack, you may have discomfort in your back or wrist pain from pushing back on the handlebar to maintain proper seating.
As a matter of interest, our article on mountain bike grip upgrades will also help you to have a better grip on the various contact points of your bike.
Tools To Adjust Bike Seat Tube Angle
| Tool | Function | Product Example from Amazon | Price |
| Allen Key | It is used for loosening and tightening bolts and screws with hexagonal shapes | The Hex key | ~ $15 |
| Torx key | It is used for loosening and tightening bolts and screws with star shapes | Eklind Torx key | ~ $5 |
How to Steepen the Seat Tube Angle
Steep angles are a current trend. Steep bike seat tube angles are required if you wish to race on uphill terrain or race downhill. For racers, a steep angle is ideal because it results in a more open hip angle and chest, which means breathing and power transmission are not hampered when riding hard.
To steepen a seat tube angle, first determine the appropriate angle, then loosen the saddle from the seat post, and adjust the saddle position to achieve the optimum angle.
Step 1. Determine the Ideal Angle
Steep angles are a general classification of seat tube angles that require the saddle to be moved forward. So, before deciding to increase your bike seat tube angle, you must decide at which angle you want to set the saddle. Most steep seat tube angles range from 73 - 76 degrees.
Step 2. Loosen the Saddle
For single-bolt posts, loosen the clamp bolt in the anticlockwise direction with the appropriate Allen key from a multi-tool like this until the mechanism slides freely. For a seat post with a twin-bolt clamp, you may use the appropriate size Allen key to loosen the rearmost or front bolt a few twists counterclockwise.
Step 3. Adjust the Saddle Position
When you pedal, you want the saddle as far forward as possible without allowing your kneecap to pass over the ball of your foot; this will ensure you maintain optimal cycling posture, according to this article from the Journal of Applied Ergonomics. Your weight distribution when climbing slopes and whenever you're sitting will change when you sit further forward after steepening the effective seat angle. You should also be aware that the knee joint becomes less secure and more prone to injury if you slide the saddle too far forward.
Step 4. Tighten the Bolts
Retighten single bolts to the proper torque by turning them clockwise. When using twin bolt clamps, tighten the front bolt clockwise if the rear bolt was loosened in step 2 and vice versa. Repeat until you get the appropriate seat tube angle.
Step 4. Test the New Seat Position
You should ride the bike to test the new bike seat tube angle. It should feel comfortable for you, and you should notice that it enhances your stability and climbing capability. If not, readjust the seat or have a professional bike fit done.