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How to find the right saddle for your bike
It can be argued that the right saddle has more bearing on one’s enjoyment of cycling than any other component, including that new freeride frame or the carbon trail bike you’re building up in the garage. This article will help you find the perfect saddle to fit your perfect bottom.
Bike saddles were in the popular press a couple of years ago, a result of a study focusing specifically on cycling and a form of ‘erectile dysfunction’ brought about by extended time on the bike. And while the results of the study aren’t definitive, there is no denying that cycling can cause some discomfort in certain parts of the body.
The result of all of this attention? Plenty of saddle choices
One good thing to come of all that attention is the proliferation of new saddles. However, I don’t think that the technological advances such as cutouts and hi-tech materials are the important breakthrough. Instead, the biggest benefit of this increased awareness is the variation in saddle widths and profiles that are now on the market.
The key here is that manufacturers now recognize that saddle choice is an individual thing that is influenced by a number of factors: body size, body type, personal preferences, budget, etc. With more variety, there’s a greater chance that you can find a saddle that fits you.
How to determine what you need in a saddle
The current thinking on saddles is to first measure the width of your ’sit bones’ and then to find a saddle that is slightly wider than this dimension. A saddle that is too narrow can cause chafing on the backs of the leg and also restrict circulation of your ’sensitive’ areas.
Specialized developed a special tool for finding this measurement so it’s pretty easy for some dealers to measure:
Any guesses about the name of this tool?
This article discusses a method that you can use at home to measure your sit bones.
Other things to consider when looking for a saddle
Saddle Profile. This can be very personal preference, although the key is to support the sit bones without putting too much pressure on the area in front of and between them. Mountain bikers should pay closer attention to saddle profile if they do a lot of climbing or ride a lot of technicial, challenging terrain.
Most mountain bikers get on and off the saddle a lot, and a saddle with a pointy front profile can snag shorts and can poke you painfully in the butt in really technical riding. And since climbing up super steep terrain requires you to get really forward on a saddle, saddles with rounded front profiles (like my favorite saddle, the WTB Rocket V) are a lot more comfy for steep climbing than saddles without them.
Work with a good local shop. Keep in mind that it can take some trial and error before you find the right saddle so don’t get frustrated if you don’t get it the first time. You’ll often find that a particular saddle looks like it will work for you but when you get it home and on your bike, it just doesn’t do it. Be sure to ask your shop if you can exchange a saddle that doesn’t fit you the way you hoped for another one.
When purchasing a new bike, better bike shops will have a saddle swapout program where you can find a suitable seat without paying anything extra. Don’t hesitate to ask about this — it’s something that will make your new ride more comfortable and keep you on the bike.
Conclusion
It definitely is worth your time to analyze your saddle situation and determine if you are on the right one. Many times, people just assume that cycling is supposed to hurt your butt and leave it at that. However, this assumption is not true and, with the right seat on your bike, you can ride for hours at a time without painful discomfort.
The best part is that there has never been a better time for the consumer to find the perfect saddle than now.
Further Reading