Originally Posted by
Kapusta
Maybe thinks were different back in the day, but the exposed seat on that bike is not unusual at all by modern mtb standards and is a non-issue. With the move towards longer and longer dropper posts, that amount of extension is expected and planned for with modern bikes. You just have to make sure you have enough post insertion.
I don't have experience with the modern style of MTB and these ultra long seatposts. I have broken a couple of steel frames with ultra long seatposts. The frames did not break where I expected but more toward the bottom bracket. The frames I broke were heavy duty and designed for longer seatposts. I've never broken a frame using short seatpost lengths. I'm over 220lbs and this may also explain why I worry about this type of design.