How to Choose a Bicycle Saddle for a Road Bike
Saddle sore is the most common discomfort riders experience. This makes choosing a bicycle saddle a crucial process. It has to be a perfect fit. And just like shoes, you have to try a few to find the one you will be most comfortable on. To help you out, keep in mind the following tips on how to choose a bicycle saddle for you to have a comfortable and fun ride.
SHAPE
There are a wide variety of saddle shapes available in the market that can fit many body types. Women sit bones are naturally wider than those of men. This is why women-specific bicycle saddles are wider. Gender aside, a bike seat that's too wide can chafe the skin. While a narrow seat can't provide enough support.
The profile of saddle varies -- some are flat with squarish sides when viewed from the front, while others have a steady curve and rounder. It is recommended that you measure the width of your sit bone to find the saddle width that would best fit the natural shape of your butt.
SHELL AND CUTOUT DESIGN
The hard shell of bicycle saddles is made from molded plastic that is normally nylon. It determines how the saddle flexes under the weight of the rider. If you prefer a lighter kind of saddle, look for one made of plastic mixed with fiber. Aside from making the saddle light, the carbon fiber also makes it more flexible. If speed matters to you, choose a sports model with an all-carbon shell. Many shells have cut-outs or splits through the nose of the saddle which may provide more comfort. Saddles with such grooves work best for about 80% of riders by transferring the pressure and strain away from the rider's soft tissue and toward the sit bones.
PADDING
The padding gives a saddle its squish. The most common padding material is urethane foam with polymer gels. The gels have flesh- and rubber-like consistency which provide a nice comfortable feel to many riders. Various padding materials are sometimes utilized on a single saddle to provide more comfort to those who cycle at high-pressure conditions. But know that more padding does not mean more comfort. Some padding is important to help distribute strain or pressure point over a larger area. However, when the padding is too thick, chances are, it would be deformed and can move to spots where you would not want pressure, like between the sit bones. If you don't want any padding, there are very light saddles without any.
RAILS
Many years past, almost all bicycle saddles were made from less expensive and heavy
chrome-plated carbon metal. When titanium was introduced on the market, things sort of lightened up. Later on, it has become the most preferred material for most high-end bike seats. Chro-moly, a strong and light steel (often in hollow tubular form) is likewise common. Carbon fiber can also be found in the rails of some costly seats, where it is normally wrapped in aluminum to make it stronger. A few bicycle makers make use of a beam system or proprietary monorail with a dedicated bike seat.
COVERING
The smooth external skin of saddles could be 100% leather, synthetic leather, or a variety of fabrics and plastics. Some are perforated with tiny holes to provide more friction. Such simple features help keep the rider from sliding around and off the seat. Some off-road seats have sturdier corners to enhance durability in case of a fall. Choices in colors allow you to ride with style, but if you want fading to be unnoticeable, go with black.
SHAPE
There are a wide variety of saddle shapes available in the market that can fit many body types. Women sit bones are naturally wider than those of men. This is why women-specific bicycle saddles are wider. Gender aside, a bike seat that's too wide can chafe the skin. While a narrow seat can't provide enough support.
The profile of saddle varies -- some are flat with squarish sides when viewed from the front, while others have a steady curve and rounder. It is recommended that you measure the width of your sit bone to find the saddle width that would best fit the natural shape of your butt.
SHELL AND CUTOUT DESIGN
The hard shell of bicycle saddles is made from molded plastic that is normally nylon. It determines how the saddle flexes under the weight of the rider. If you prefer a lighter kind of saddle, look for one made of plastic mixed with fiber. Aside from making the saddle light, the carbon fiber also makes it more flexible. If speed matters to you, choose a sports model with an all-carbon shell. Many shells have cut-outs or splits through the nose of the saddle which may provide more comfort. Saddles with such grooves work best for about 80% of riders by transferring the pressure and strain away from the rider's soft tissue and toward the sit bones.
PADDING
The padding gives a saddle its squish. The most common padding material is urethane foam with polymer gels. The gels have flesh- and rubber-like consistency which provide a nice comfortable feel to many riders. Various padding materials are sometimes utilized on a single saddle to provide more comfort to those who cycle at high-pressure conditions. But know that more padding does not mean more comfort. Some padding is important to help distribute strain or pressure point over a larger area. However, when the padding is too thick, chances are, it would be deformed and can move to spots where you would not want pressure, like between the sit bones. If you don't want any padding, there are very light saddles without any.
RAILS
Many years past, almost all bicycle saddles were made from less expensive and heavy
chrome-plated carbon metal. When titanium was introduced on the market, things sort of lightened up. Later on, it has become the most preferred material for most high-end bike seats. Chro-moly, a strong and light steel (often in hollow tubular form) is likewise common. Carbon fiber can also be found in the rails of some costly seats, where it is normally wrapped in aluminum to make it stronger. A few bicycle makers make use of a beam system or proprietary monorail with a dedicated bike seat.
COVERING
The smooth external skin of saddles could be 100% leather, synthetic leather, or a variety of fabrics and plastics. Some are perforated with tiny holes to provide more friction. Such simple features help keep the rider from sliding around and off the seat. Some off-road seats have sturdier corners to enhance durability in case of a fall. Choices in colors allow you to ride with style, but if you want fading to be unnoticeable, go with black.
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