Seat height on MTB vs road bike

I road my MTB today for the first time in years. I'm certainly not converting, but I've signed up to do a ride in December that is on a dirt road--so nothing really technical, but it does get steep at the end (and includes a river crossing--fun). The bike felt ok, but I really wanted to raise the seat. The post is already extended to the max, so raising the seat would necessitate getting a new post. Which makes me wonder whether I'm just wrong on this. Does one generally aim for the same leg extension on a MTB as on a road bike? Or does the nature of the riding require a more compact position?

Hi, Chile!

When we had our road bikes fitted by a knowledgeable bike shop guy, we asked about our mountain bikes. We were both surprised that the fit should be the same - including seat height. We both adjusted our mtb's as best we could to match the fit we'd gotten on our road bikes and were really pleased with the feel. The higher saddle will help your climbing a lot, and, unless the steep is really really steep or loose and technical, should not get in the way when descending. I say go for the longer seat post and enjoy your riding and the increased speed!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

Thanks! I need to take it in for a tune-up, so I'll get the seat post then (assuming they have it--this is Chile, after all, the land of "hay, pero se acabó").

you want your leg to be extended but not locked, pretty much the same as a road bike. You want your heel to be level at the 6 oclock position. Do not put your saddle up so high that you are riding with your toes pointing down. This is inefficient to say the least.