If you’re immersed in mountain biking culture, you’ve likely encountered a flood of advice on upgrading your bike’s components. Amidst the buzz, there’s a particular focus on “essential” upgrades, often tempting riders to invest in the latest gear.

While upgrading bike parts can enhance performance, not all upgrades are equally necessary. For instance, drivetrains are frequently highlighted in upgrade discussions. However, as you ascend from entry-level to mid-level or top-tier drivetrains, the performance gains diminish, making mid-level components a more cost-effective choice.

Yet, no other upgrade category is as misunderstood as “touchpoints” in the mountain biking community.

Understanding Mountain Bike Touchpoints

Touchpoints refer to the components where your body makes physical contact with the bike—handlebar grips, pedals, and, notably, bike seats, often the subject of costly upgrades.

Encouraging new riders to immediately upgrade these components can be misleading for two main reasons.

Firstly, discomfort is common for new riders adjusting to mountain biking’s physical demands. Soreness, including discomfort in the buttocks, is natural and typically subsides with time and continued riding. Rushing into expensive seat upgrades may yield little relief and unnecessary expenditure.

Secondly, the discussion often overlooks the importance of properly sized bike seats. Fortunately, sit bones provide a measurable reference point.

How to Choose the Right Bike Seat

Suppose you’ve given your current bike seat ample time for adjustment and still experience discomfort. In that case, it may be time to explore new options. However, before making a purchase, determine the correct seat size based on your sit bone measurements.

Here’s a simple method to measure your sit bones at home:

1. Gather a piece of cardboard, aluminum foil, a permanent marker, and a measuring tape.
2. Cover the cardboard with aluminum foil, ensuring a smooth surface.
3. Sit on the foil-covered cardboard with knees bent at a 90° angle on a firm surface.
4. Press down evenly to create indentations of your sit bones.
5. Carefully remove the foil to reveal the imprints and mark the center of each indentation.
6. Measure the distance between the marks and convert it from inches to millimeters.
7. Use this measurement to determine the appropriate seat size, considering variations like narrow, medium, or wide options.

By following this method, you can make informed decisions when upgrading your mountain bike seat, ensuring comfort without unnecessary expenses.

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