If you’re pretty new to the world of BMX rides (and it’s never too late to learn BMX), there’s a chance that you’re not familiar with some of the basics. Therefore, we can assume that you’re still not sure how exactly you adjust the angle on a BMX seat. Needless to say, that’s all about to change, you being unsure and everything. In the article below, we’ll introduce you to some beginner’s BMX info without which you’re kinda stuck in the kiddie pool. Okay, seriously now, who uses that phrase?
You’ll simply need to find the slot on the top of the saddle, put an Allen wrench through it, and find your way to the bolt. Be patient since this can be somewhat irritating. Anyway, once you’ve located the bolt, turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen it up. Once done, adjust the seat any way you prefer.
Reading just the snippet won’t make you stand out in the park, trust us. Read the whole thing!
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How high should my seat be BMX?
As we’ve said, we’ll tackle some basic BMX info today. Before we answer the main question, it might be best to consider other related issues. For instance, just how high should your BMX be? Let’s find out!
Okay, so there’s really no ideal seat height when it comes to BMXs. If you were to look at various forums that “accommodate” discussions on a plethora of BMX-related subjects, we’d say that you’d get the same idea. Here’s the thing: since most BMXers don’t pedal while sitting down, it’s kinda hard to reach a convincing conclusion, really. Some riders go as far as to ask why BMXs have seats in the first, only to remember what would happen if you were to land on a seatless steel tube. Yikes!
So, yeah, the ideal BMX seat height is simply a matter of personal preference. However, you’ll find a lot of BMXers riding with their saddle slammed (the lowest option available).
How to adjust BMX seat height?
Now that we’ve talked about “the ideal BMX seat height”, let’s consider just how you’ll adjust it. Anyway, you’ll want to do this by loosening the pinch bolt where your seat post goes into the bike frame. Simply twist the seat to adjust the post as you like it and tighten the bolt once you reach the preferred seat height.
Oh, and since we’ve noted that many BMXers ride with their seats slammed, let’s see if there’s a good reason behind keeping your BMX seat so low.
Why are BMX seats so low?
Here’s the thing: low BMX seats will give you extra space and flexibility for more acrobatic body movement. Needless to say, such traits are necessary once you’re trying to master bunny hops or any other trick in the book that uses this skill as the foundation. Also, since long-distance riding and fast speeds clearly ain’t the goals for most BMXeers pedaling efficiencies you’d achieve by sporting a higher seat position can simply be ignored. Not to mention that if the seat’s low, you’re able to use your feet against the ground as a brake, if, of course, your BMX is brakeless.
Additionally, one should keep in mind that BMX bikes are usually ridden by children. It’s because of the low seat that they’re so easy to learn. So there goes another reason for the low BMX saddle. Okay, now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s tackle the main one: how do you adjust the angle on a BMX seat? Stick around for some useful stuff!
How do you adjust the angle on a BMX seat?
For this “ordeal” (it’s not that big of a deal, really), you’re going to need some Allen wrenches. Anyway, you’ll notice a slot on the very top of your BMX saddle. You’ll need to put an Allen wrench through the slot and find your way to the bolt in order to adjust the angle of your set. Keep in mind that this can be pretty irritating. Therefore, be patient and try not to get so stressed about it!
To continue: when you actually find the bolt, simply turn the wrench counter-clockwise in order to loosen it up. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to adjust your seat angle in any way you prefer. Just make you’ve got it loose enough so your adjusting turns out to be quite smooth and that’s about it. Afterward, just tighten the bolt and you’ll be ready to enjoy your newly adjusted BMX seat angle!
Also, you should know that most BMX riders like their seats pointed upward. If you’re wondering why that’s so, read the following paragraph! Also, if you’re on the lookout for more two-wheeler tips, check our page on cycling.
Why do BMXers like their seats pointed upward?
As you’re well aware, in order to perform tricks – BMX riders will need to be able to maneuver their bikes into various positions & angles, both on the ground and in the air. Therefore, they’ll have to adjust their states as low as possible (slammed) to enjoy some space over the frame of the bike. Here we come the main part: BMX seats will also have to be pointed up in order to allow the riders to grip & grab them in various ways. That’s because it will help them pivot and whip the BMX around in the most daring & downright outrageous positions & perform some jaw-dropping tricks.
Oh, and here’s another reason why riders like their seats pointed up: this kind of setting allows them to protect themselves from sliding forward onto the handlebars and slamming into the frame when pulling off various tricks. Also, keeping their BMX seats pointed up will give them more leg room when pedaling.
Okay, now let’s see if there’s anything else that we’d like to share with you today concerning the topic of BMX seats.
What are the different types of BMX seats?
Before we introduce you to the various types of BMX seats out there, let’s get a thing or two out of the way first.
When you’re out buying yourself a new BMX seat, there are some things & features you’ll want to pay attention to. Also, what kind of things & features you’ll be paying attention to will depend on your riding style, experience, or plain ol’ lovely things such as durability and comfort.
So, durability might be the first thing you’ll need to consider. Therefore, let’s talk about different types of material used in the production of BMX seats. Typically, choosing a BMX seat that’s made with natural leather will mean extra comfiness & durability. However, keep in mind that leather seats belong on the expensive side. On the other hand, synthetic BMX seats are the less comfy, cheaper kind.
Also, talking about materials, here’s something you should know: the bumpers you’ll find on the nose and sides of just about any BMX seat are made with either plastic or Kevlar and they’re intended to keep you safe & secure against impacts. Anyway, now we’ve come to the main section.
It’s all about seat post fitment
Basically, the main thing because of which BMX seats differ from each other is the seat post fitment. What are we talking about? Well, seat post fitment refers to the way the bottom of your seat connects to the top of the seat post. We can differentiate between 5 main fitment types:
- Integrated. The seat and the seat post are one. Therefore, you can’t separate them. With integrated fitment, you’ll have to make sure that the seat post diameter and the internal diameter of the bike’s seat tube are a perfect match.
- Standard. We’re talking about a simple metal pipe that slides into the bike’s seat tube. Anyway, the saddle’s bolted on the top with a small clamp most commonly known as the seat guts. Standard fitment is standard for low-budget BMX models. Experienced riders avoid them.
- Railed. Also known as the so-called micro-adjust seat posts, these share a resemblance with the mountain bike and road bike standard setup. They’ve got two twin rails underneath the saddle and a twin-bolt clamp on top of the seat post.
- Pivotal. Just recently, this type of fitment became something of a standard within the BMX industry. This kind of setup is distinguished by the top that is molded with a good number of adjustment grooves and that’s where the seat’s placed. Anyway, the two parts are connected & secured with a single bolt that goes through the top of the seat. The bolt slot we’ve talked about above (inside the main section) is the easiest thing you’ll memorize this type of fitment by.
- Tripod. This one’s slowly gaining some popularity. Tripod fitments have a triangular plate on top of the seat post and bolts in each corner.
Final thoughts on how you adjust the angle on a BMX seat (and other info)
Alright, folks, that’s just about all there’s to say on the subject of how you adjust the angle on a BMX seat. As you could’ve seen, it’s not that big of a hassle. There are certainly more difficult things in the world of BMXs than seat angle adjustment. Anyway, if you’re on the lookout for more tips and info on the most extreme sports you’re able to count on your hands, click right here.
