Every bike needs a good saddle to make the rider comfortable. It's needed to have an enjoyable experience of cycling. However, if the saddle is unsuitable or uncomfortable, it can affect the wonderful experience you're expected to enjoy and possibly lead to serious health issues.
Do you plan to get a new saddle (a bike seat), which may be because the current one is not good for you? There are necessary things you must know. As a cyclist, your comfort is important, and by getting the right saddle that suits your type of riding and your body mechanics, you have the proper solution.
However, it can sometimes be challenging to choose a new saddle because of the numerous options on the market. So, this article will explore the important details you must arm yourself with to get the most suitable cycling saddle for you.
Riding Type And Cycling Saddle
Riders are usually accustomed to a specific riding type. So, the first step to getting a suitable cycling saddle is to consider your riding type. Check below to see where exactly you belong among the five categories where bike seats are placed.
· Road Cycling
The road cycling category is for those that race or clock significant road miles. If you fall here, road cycling saddles will be the best option. These saddles are narrow and long and feature minimal padding for great power transfer during pedaling.
· Bike Commuting
For bike commuting, the most suitable saddles feature some padding. Are you a bike commuter that rides shine or rain? You may want to go for the weather-resistant cover materials.
· Mountain Biking
Mountain biking comes with different positions, such as crouching down in a tucked position, perching way back, or standing up on the pedals. Due to these different positions, getting a mountain-specific saddle that comes with padding (for sit bones), a streamlined shape (aiding movement), and a durable cover is ideal.
· Recreational Cycling
A saddle made for recreational cycling will be ideal for you if you prefer short rides and sitting upright as you pedal a cruiser, commuter, or urban bike. The saddles are usually wide and feature plush padding/springs and a short nose.
· Bike TouringA saddle between a mountain and road saddle is great for long-distance riding. Saddles for bike touring feature a fairly narrow and long nose. They are typically designed to offer cushioning for sit bones.
The Types of Cycling Saddle
Below are the two categories for cycling saddles:
- Performance saddles: These saddles are usually found on touring bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes. They are narrow and long and feature minimal cushioning.
- Cushioning saddles: These saddles are usually found on recreational cycling and cruising. They have a short nose, are wide, and feature plush padding/springs for bump absorption in the road.
Cushioning common types include gel cushioning (for superior comfort on casual rides) and foam cushioning ( for a pliable feel and more support). There are also the no cushioning type (usually with cotton or leather cover) and saddle pad (placed on a saddle for extra cushioning).
A Cycling Saddle Center Cutout: With or Without
Some riders may prefer their saddle with a cutout, while others may do otherwise. There is a center cutout to protect the area between the sit bones (perineum). This will offer comfort and airflow during long rides and help relieve pressure on the perineum.
Choosing between a saddle with a center cutout and one without will depend on your preference. Your choice may actually depend on your anatomy. Some people may find a perineal cutout relieving, while others may prefer a saddle with no accommodation at all or a small indentation in the saddle.
What Cycling Saddle Material Would You Prefer?
The materials used in making saddles can influence the flex, weight, waterproofness, break-in time, and cost. The most important parts of the saddle you should focus on are:
Cycling Saddle Cover Material
- Cotton: The cotton material makes the cover move and stretch when riding. It makes riding comfortable and offers control while pedaling. Cotton requires a shorter break-in period when compared to leather.
- Leather: This cover is stretched and suspended between metal frame rails. The leather is designed to mold to rider's weight and shape after a break-in period of about 200 miles. The major con of this cover is that it's not waterproof.
- Synthetic:The most comfortable saddles are produced with synthetic materials. They are low maintenance and lightweight. Besides, they are mostly preferred by riders because they require no break-in time.
- Titanium: This is an expensive material that is strong and significantly light. It is great in absorbing vibrations.
- Carbon: This material is found on expensive saddles. It is lightweight and made to absorb vibrations.
- Steel: This is a reliable and strong rail material, but heavy.
- Alloy: This material is strong and lighter when compared with steel
Note The differences in rail material influence things like strength, weight, flexibility, and cost.
What Is The Right Cycling Saddle Size For You?
There are different sizes of cycling saddles for different types of bodies. To know the right cycling saddle size for your body, you will need to check the saddle width and how it can support your sit bones (ischial tuberosities).
Generally, a recommended saddle will be one with enough width for great support ( not too wide, leading to chafing and rubbing). Besides, regardless of who a saddle is designed for (men or women), go for the option that best fits your body.
Notes:
- To know what width saddle you want, you can see a professional at a local bike shop.
- Try to check if what your current saddle needs is adjustment before getting a new saddle. The parts of your saddle that can be adjusted include the saddle height, saddle fore/aft position, and saddle tilt.
How to Improve Comfort in the Saddle
Below are tips that can help you boost your comfort in the saddle:
- Ensure you stand up on your pedals briefly every 10 minutes or thereabout.
- Try to stand over bumps slightly ( make your legs the shock absorbers)
- Go for a suspension Seatpost (seen on some commuting and recreational bikes) or a full-suspension bike (great for mountain biking).
- Use padded bike shorts ( help reduce friction, cushion bumps, and wick moisture).
Wrapping Up
The comfort you get while riding on your bike is mostly determined by your saddle choice. So, by knowing the basic things about cycling saddles, including the types, material, size, etc., you should be able to make a good decision in getting a suitable cycling saddle.
