Equipment tips: Choosing a saddle
Finding the perfect saddle isn’t always easy. Everyone who has ridden a bike for more than an hour has experienced some degree of discomfort, and the seat on the bike is often to blame. There are a lot of choices out there in bike saddles, and here are a few tips to help select a winner from all of the possibilities.
While the saddle itself is important, remember that it works in the context of a system. The type of bike you ride, your position on the bike, your body (pelvic shape, flexibility, weight), the clothing that you wear while riding, how hard you ride (pressure on the pedals), and the saddle are all elements in this system.
Saddles come in a variety of widths, densities, shapes and materials. There is no one saddle that is the best, or the most comfortable for every body. A friend may have a bike seat that they love, but in no way does this mean that the same saddle will work for you.
Saddles with the cutout on the top have received a lot of attention in the past decade. In our experience, the correct width saddle, positioned correctly, is the goal. Generally, the cutout is not helpful, and can actually make things worse. Sizing is the key. You can use one of the saddle measurement tools in the store (we call them ass-ometers) to figure out which width your riding position and pelvic shape needs.
These old saddles turned custom to their rider
Old-style leather saddles like Brooks use natural leather, and they conform to you, becoming “custom” over time. They can be extremely comfortable, but plan ahead, as there is a considerable break-in time for these saddles.
Inexpensive padded saddles use foam rubber for the padding. They feel plush to the thumb, but while riding, the foam can bottom out, leaving the rider sitting on the hard shell. Better saddles use gel. They provide more support than foam.
High-end saddles that use carbon fiber and titanium in the construction are more than just light. The high-tech materials can flex dramatically and absorb shock while maintaining the same strength and durability as more cheaply constructed saddles.
Here are a few generalizations that may make good starting points:
The pelvis is somewhat triangular in shape, and tips to a narrower portion as you bend over. The more stretched out that you are, the narrower the saddle that you want.
A saddle needs to be level to work right. Tipping the nose way down only puts your weight on your hands, and is generally an indication that the seat position is too high, or the bike fits poorly. Before you throw out an uncomfortable seat, you may want to consider getting your bike fit to you.
Your feet, hands, and rear end are the contact points on the bike. The more weight that is on your feet (how hard you’re pedaling), the less weight is supported by your hands and rear end. The little racing saddle that feels fine on hard weekend training rides will become unbearable when you slow down to ride with the kids.
Saddle width is critical to riding comfort. If the saddle is too narrow, the sit bones will be over the edge, and put too much pressure on sensitive areas. The correct width will perch the rider on top of the saddle so pressure is evenly distributed. A saddle that is too wide will make you straddle too much material, and it may cause chafing.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of cycling shorts. Or chamois cream.
Hope these guidelines will help you to find the mythical “Perfect Bicycle Saddle”.