This post will help you to pick out the right bike saddle for your own particular cycling style and type of riding. Most bike frames and all bike saddles are created for specific types of riding. This can range from racing in the Tour de France to leisurely rides along the coast. Depending on what you would like to do, there is a saddle that is designed for that purpose.
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Riding Position and Bike Saddle Type
Cruiser Bikes
Generally, the more you will be riding in an upright position, the more material you need on your saddle. These types of comfort saddles are meant for “cruiser” bikes. They have a wide backside and deep cushioning throughout. This allows a rider a comfortable seat for upright leisure riding.
Bike Saddles for Racing Bikes
On the other hand, racing saddles have very little padding and are narrow towards the front. The reason for this is so that the cyclist can move his/her legs very rapidly without hitting the saddle with their legs.
Also, the narrow front makes it easier for the cyclist to stand upright on the pedals, and generally to adopt the many different positions that are possible on a racing bike. The design of the seat is such that the pelvic bones are supported by the saddle, while not necessarily engulfed. With this kind of saddle, you will definitely need to invest in some padded shorts to protect your sensitive parts!
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Saddles for Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes need a specific type of saddle to ensure you are comfortable bumping along the trailsSaddles for mountain bikes are somewhere between both worlds. There is enough of a cushion on the back of the saddle to absorb the bumps felt on trails, while there is a fairly narrow “nose” so that the cyclist can transfer energy efficiently from their legs to the pedals efficiently.
Touring Saddles
If you are planning to go on long bike rides, or to bike commute, I recommend looking at a touring saddle. Most touring saddles have a space in the center. This relieves pressure on the perineum. Each person’s anatomy is different, so try out different saddles. Bontrager and many other manufacturers offer a 30-day comfort guarantee, so if you do not like the saddle you choose, most bike shops will allow you to return the product.
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Women’s Specific Design (WSD) Saddles
WSD stands for Women’s Specific Design. Many women have wider hips and may be more comfortable cycling on a WSD saddle that is especially designed to accommodate this anatomical factor. There are many women’s bike saddle reviews online. Bear in mind however that some women cyclists find that wider saddles cause chafing on their inner thighs.
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Another Option for Women Cyclists
The author of Bike Fit, Phil Burt, recommends that women cyclists try forked saddles made by Adamo. He notes that many Olympic women cyclists swear by their ISM Adamo saddles. He believes that this saddle helps “not solely because of the cutaway but because the two arms of the saddle front flex and rotate with the rider as they pedal.”
This saddle was originally aimed at men, but has also been warmly embraced by women. It was designed for time trialists and triathletes, has a curved nose for a comfortable forward leaning position, and combines foam and gel padding.
Apart from your saddle, it is also absolutely essential to get your bike fit correct. This book shows you how to do it right. Click here to check out the current price on AmazonLeather Bike Saddles
Another important player in the game is the leather saddle. Many cyclists (regardless of riding style) have come to love a leather saddle. Unlike other options, the leather saddle will mold itself to match your body’s dimensions and weight. That said, leather saddles are comparable in price to well-designed road saddles. That is, they are not cheap. However, many cyclists will argue that you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to saddles.
Particularly well loved among these premium leather saddles are the Brooks saddles, which are hand made in England, and aim to provide a lifetime of cycling comfort by molding to your body.
Selle Anatomica Saddles
For a made-in-the-USA option, the famous Selle Anatomica saddles combine quality leather materials with anatomical science, to bring you a saddle with a slot that is designed to eliminate perineal pressure, sit bone pain, and saddle sores. The slot design also gives the saddle great flexibility, with the result that the “break-in” period, during which the saddle adapts to your body, is much faster than with traditional leather saddles. These saddles also have extra long rails, increasing the extent to which you can adjust the saddle forward or backwards.
Leather saddles are not waterproof, so use a leather protector if you decide to go this route. Many of these saddles can be purchased with a leather protector that is specifically designed for them.
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More Bike Saddle Comfort Tips
If saddle comfort is important to you, here are a few more tips:
- Do not be timid with money. Most great saddles will be in the $70+ range, but if you ride frequently, this will be a wise investment.
- Only BMX riders should use a saddle without padding. This is because BMX riders rarely sit down and do not need the padding.
- Gel-covered saddles are a great alternative to leather and sometimes offer great value for the price.
- Most good bike shops will have a sit-bone sizing tool. Using this will help you hone in on which exact saddle is right for you.
I hope these tips have equipped you to find a comfortable bike saddle. Go get yourself a comfortable saddle, and get out there and have fun on your bike!
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