Finding the right bike saddle is crucial. Have you ever felt uncomfortable on a saddle? Or are you planning to buy a new saddle and want to get it right the first time? Picking the best saddle for yourself requires careful consideration. After all, the temptation of online shopping doesn't always help us choose the right saddle. Buying a saddle online without trying it out can be risky. To help you choose the right saddle, we interviewed Dr. Andy Pruitt. Dr. Andy Pruitt is a pioneer in bicycle tuning. He was a consultant for Specialized and now works at CU Sports Medicine and Performance Center in Boulder, Colorado.
1. Installing a New Saddle and Bike Tuning It is necessary to perform a bike tune-up when installing a new saddle. The saddle is the core of bike tuning. When you replace a saddle, it is important to check the saddle height and fore-aft position because the sitting position on the new saddle will affect these factors. Even if you replace a saddle that you think is the same model, it may have differences in foam, covering, shape, etc. All of these factors mean that after changing the saddle, you should re-evaluate the bike tuning.
2. Considerations for choosing a saddle
1). Riding style Riding style is an important factor in choosing a saddle. The more upright you sit, the more pressure you put on your sit bones; when you lean forward, more pressure is transferred to the pubic ramus (the "rocking chair" part of the pelvis), and the more you lean forward, the narrower the contact point. Saddles come in different shapes, which can affect comfort and support. Flat saddles offer a larger seating area and are suitable for a variety of postures; shaped or arched saddles distribute pressure more centrally. Riders with aggressive riding postures may prefer contoured saddles for better support, while riders with a more upright sitting posture may benefit from a flatter design. So choose a saddle based on your riding style and body structure needs.
2). Special needs of female riders
Many saddles originally designed for men are not suitable for women. Historically, saddle design has focused on reducing pressure on specific nerves for men, introducing hollow designs, but these designs are often not suitable for women and sometimes even aggravate problems such as genital swelling. Women also face other issues related to saddle sores due to differences in body structure. They are more susceptible to urinary tract infections and vaginitis, so having the right saddle is crucial for women. Many female riders find that split saddles can reduce soft tissue discomfort in aggressive riding positions.
3. Common saddle-related problems
Saddle sores are a common saddle-related problem for both men and women. It is a painful skin irritation or injury caused by prolonged pressure and friction in the saddle area. White spots (local ischemia) appear when pressing the palm with the thumb, just as long-term sitting squeezes blood from the capillaries into the tissue. If sitting like this for a long time, the tissue lacking blood supply will die, causing pressure sores. Add friction to the skin, and you will get abrasions; hair follicles break off the surface of the skin, which may cause ingrown hairs; add sebaceous glands, and you have a petri dish for infection. Pressure, friction, ingrown hairs, etc. can all lead to saddle problems.
4. Ways to reduce the risk of saddle sores
The right saddle should evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Pressure mapping technology can highlight where the body exerts the most pressure on the saddle, helping to identify areas of discomfort and potential pain, showing how sitting position affects pressure distribution, and revealing asymmetric or high-pressure areas that can cause problems such as chafing. Understanding these pressure points can help you choose a saddle that reduces discomfort and improves your overall riding experience. At the same time, listen to your body and don't ignore recurring pain or sores. In addition, add Kegel exercises to your exercise routine to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and make it more tolerable to sit on the saddle.
5. Saddle Buying Guide
When buying a saddle, buying it in a physical store is usually the best option. Buying a saddle online without trying it out first is risky, even if you are familiar with the type of saddle.
Here is Dr. Pruitt's saddle buying checklist:
1. Size and width: The width of the saddle should match your sit bone measurement. Different brands may have different sizes, so test before buying.
2. Padding: Avoid choosing padding that is too soft, which may be pressed to the bottom or shift during riding. Harder foams that mimic human tissue are more supportive and stable, providing long-term comfort.
3. Hollow design: Hollow design can relieve pressure, but it may cause fluid accumulation and cause discomfort. Make sure the location of the hollow matches the body structure, and consider using a simple design or a hollow design filled with foam to achieve balance.
4. Length: Saddle length is mainly about aesthetics and has no significant effect on comfort or biomechanics. It should be selected based on personal preference and visual appeal rather than performance. I hope the above content can help you choose a bicycle saddle that suits you and enjoy a comfortable riding journey.
