Here's Why BMX Seats Point So Far Up

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Of course, sitting is the primary function of a BMX seat. But you may find that its importance goes beyond. that.

Riders have discovered that in certain positions, a BMX seat can cause discomfort. And ultimately, this can affect their riding.

Luckily, by adjusting the angles of their seats, riders can find the perfect seat position for them.

So why then do BMX seats point so far up?

BMX seats point up primarily to reduce the pressure around the groin region of a rider. By doing so, any potential strain to the rider is reduced.

BMX stunts in a sunray indoor gothic hall.

Also, with the seats pointing up, riders are afforded the possibility of riding comfortably for long periods.

In the subsequent paragraphs, we discuss more on why BMX seats point so far up. We also talk about how you can adjust the angle of a BMX seat and why BMX riders have low seats.

Why Do BMX Seats Point Up?

BMX seats point up to give the riders more control of their bikes when racing or performing tricks.

By pointing up, the seats allow the riders to lever and pivot their bikes through the air and over jumps.

A pointed BMX seat also provides more comfort and gives the rider more clearance while pedaling.

In their pointed-up position, BMX seats protect riders from sliding onto the handlebars. At the same time, they prevent a situation where the riders slam themselves into the bike frame while doing tricks.

When cruising around on a BMX bike, the upwardly tilted seats also provide more legroom. Of course, more legroom means more comfort.

How Do You Adjust the Angle on a BMX Seat?

Adjusting your BMX seat to the perfect angle is essential for efficient pedaling. Also, with your BMX seat at the right angle, you can avoid injury and enjoy a comfortable ride.

The following points sum up how you can adjust the angle on a BMX seat:

First, locate the adjustment bolt underneath the seat and above the rear wheel.
Next, loosen the adjustment bolt to change the position of the seat. You can achieve this using a 6mm Allen wrench.
To undo the bolt, turn it counterclockwise. As you do this, the pressure on the clamps will drop while keeping the bike seat in place.
Once the bolt is loose, move the seat forward or backward within the guide. Do this to adjust the angle and positioning. You will notice white limit markings on the seat rail. These markings indicate the maximum and minimum horizontal movements allowed. Do not go beyond these limits.
Once you have the bike seat in your desired position, retighten the adjustment bolt using the 6mm Allen wrench. To tighten the bolt, turn it clockwise.

If you ever experience difficulties while adjusting your seat angle by yourself, visit your local bike shop. A professional should be able to position your seat with more precision.

Young smiling man sitting next to his BMX bike.

Why Do BMX Riders Have Low Seats?

The following are some reasons why BMX riders have low seats:

It Provides Better Clearance

Low seats allow for more acrobatic body movement by providing clearance. Clearance is essential for all types of bike tricks, including bunny hops.

Since BMX bikes have no suspension, a low seat means your legs will absorb any landing impact whenever you jump off a ledge.

With a low seat, you have enough room for your legs to absorb any impact.

Conversely, if the seat is positioned higher, you may hurt your genitals or perineal area. And this can be painful.

Grip

Positioning your seat low allows you to grip the bike seat with your legs. It enables you to do things like bar spins and suicide no-handers with ease.

A lower seat is also ideal for those who enjoy doing stunts like no-footed cancan whips because there will be no obstruction.

Protection

The low seats of BMX bikes mean that riders usually pedal while standing. This is unlike what applies to road bikes and mountain bikes.

Pedaling while standing offers protection to the rider in many ways. One of them is preventing clamp or seat post damage.

Power

With the low seats on BMX riders, riders usually pedal while standing. This, in turn, means their leg will be fully straightened out.

If you pedal the bike with your leg fully straightened out, you get to put more momentum and power into your pumps.

Types of BMX Seats

The following are the 5 main types of BMX seats:

Standard

Standard BMX seats and seat post fitment are gradually being phased out. This withdrawal is partly due to the obstructive nature of the seats.

Besides that, it is not very easy for riders to grip the seat with their thighs while doing tricks.

Standard BMX seats come with a metal pipe that slides into the seat tube. They are typically held on with a small clamp known as seat guts.

Pivotal

Pivotal seats are the latest BMX seat innovation. They are typified by a seat and a seat post connected with a single bolt. The bolt runs through the top of the seat.

Also, pivotal seat posts are molded with a series of adjustment grooves fitted in the same place as the seat.

Tripod

Although the tripod seat is a relatively new innovation for BMX seats, its unique design has made it quite popular.

The tripod seat features a triangular plate located at the top of the seat post. The three-point support of this seat offers enhanced durability.

Railed

The railed seat is popular with BMX riders because it comes with a micro-adjustment setting. Mountain and road bike owners are also familiar with this seat type.

It allows riders to fine-tune their seat angle and position using the twin rail design positioned between plates that slide on the rails. Although setting the seat post along the rails may be super fidgety, it is easy.

Integrated

Integrated seats are the most popular type of BMX seats. The most notable thing about an integrated seat is that the seat and seat post come as a single unit and cannot be separated.

When purchasing this seat, always ensure the interior diameter of the seat tube and the diameter of the seat post are compatible. The most common integrated seat sizes range from 22.2mm-35mm. You can check the minimum insertion line for measurements or look for it online.

What Is a Slammed Seat, and What Is the Purpose of It?

A slammed seat is a seat laid down to the lowest possible position on its rails. Seat slamming is typically done on racing bikes whose seat tube has a steep angle. This holds because, with flatter angles, seat slamming increases the chances of breaking the rail.

The purpose of a slammed seat is to get more freedom while performing tricks – you get no obstruction and can execute your stunts with ease.

Final Take

BMX bike seats point up to offer control, comfort, clearance, and protection to riders. This combination makes the execution of tricks easier and safer for the rider.

Then again, you may find a strong preference for lower seats amongst BMX riders. With the extra clearance, protection, and legroom such seats offer, it is not hard to see why they prefer them.