Try not to include distance as a factor. The types of riding/bikes relate more to the type of terrain and speed required over that terrain. Shock travel and saddle position are things that come with the territory with the type of riding required.

Type::::Terrain::::Saddle Height::::Travel
XC::::least technical, most uphills:::::highest:::::shortest 2-3inch
AM:::::"all terrain", short drops:::::mid::::-pretty long 4inch
FR:::::few uphills, very technical + freq drops:::::low:::::long 5-6inch
DH:::::walk uphill, big drops, most downhill:::::lowest:::::longest 7-9inch maybe more