I don't have an XC bike at the moment (will within the month -- saving $$$) but I've ridden quite a few, and I don't know how my saddle would be anything but higher than my bars, unless I got the world's biggest riser stem/riser bar combo. Or maybe some ape hangers. 36" biking inseam = high seat, even on a mountain bike. My seat on my roadie is about 4" higher than the bars. I'm betting my seat on my XC bike will be a bit closer to bar-level, due to the frame geometry and the need to keep from crushing my balls, but still at least 2-3" higher than the bars. Plus i have bad knees (too much football, and BMX wipeouts) so I can't run my saddle too low without serious pain.