HOW TO CHOOSE A BIKE SADDLE?

If now you’re considering a new bike seat (more properly known as bike saddle), it’s likely because the one you’re currently riding on is uncomfortable. Comfort is a common issue, especially among new cyclists, and one solution is to get a new saddle that’s better suited to the type of riding you do and your body mechanics.

Choosing a new saddle is very important. There are lots of options and comfort is very subjective, which means the saddle that works for your friend maybe not suit for you. Here i offer some tips for you to choose the right bicycle saddle for yourself.

Consider the type of your riding

Bike seats are often classified into one of five categories

1.?Recreational cycling: If you sit upright while pedaling a cruiser, urban or commuter bike and prefer short rides, try a saddle designed for recreational cycling. The saddles are often wide with plush padding and/or springs, and sometimes sport a short nose

2.?Road cycling:?Are you racing or clocking significant road miles? Road cycling saddles tend to be long and narrow and have minimal padding for the best power transfer while pedaling.

3.?Mountain biking:?On mountain trails, you alternately stand up on the pedals, perch way back (sometimes just hovering over or even off your saddle) or crouch down in a tucked position. Because of these varied positions, you’ll want a mountain-specific saddle with padding for your sit bones, a durable cover and a streamlined shape that will aid your movement.

4.?Bike touring:?For long-distance riding, you’ll want a saddle that falls between a road and mountain saddle. Saddles for bike touring typically provide cushioning for your sit bones and a fairly long, narrow nose.

?5.?Bike commuting:?A lot like saddles for road cycling and bike touring, saddles that are good for commuting have some padding, but generally not too much. Bike commuters who ride rain or shine may want to consider the weather resistance of the cover materials.

Decide What Type of Cushioning?You Want

There are two broad categories for bike saddles: performance saddles which have minimal cushioning?and cushioning?saddles which tend to be plush.

?1.?Performance saddles?are typically long and narrow and have minimal padding to create maximum power transfer and minimal chafing while pedaling. They are commonly found on road bikes, mountain bikes and touring bikes.

2.?Cushioning saddles?tend to be wide with plush padding and/or springs to absorb bumps in the road. They often have a short nose. They are typically found on bikes designed for recreational cycling and cruising.

Don't assume that more cushion is always better. In some cases, too much cushion can cause discomfort and pressure as your body sinks into the saddle.

The two most common types of cushioning are gel and foam.

?Gel cushioning?molds to your body and provides the plushest comfort. Most recreational riders prefer this for its superior comfort on casual rides. Its downside is that gel tends to get compacted more quickly than foam.

Foam cushioning?offers a pliable feel that springs back to shape. Road riders favor foam as it provides more support than gel while still delivering comfort. For longer rides, riders over 200 lbs. or riders with well-conditioned sit bones, firmer foam is preferred as it doesn’t compact as quickly as softer foam or gel.

?No cushioning:?Some bike saddles have zero cushioning. These saddles often have leather or cotton covers. Although a no-cushioning saddle may be uncomfortable for some riders when it is brand new, it will break in with frequent riding and eventually mold to your weight and shape. Some riders say that the “custom fit” you can get from leather or cotton saddles makes them more comfortable despite them not having any cushioning. Another plus of saddles with no cushioning is that they tend to stay cooler—a definite advantage on long, hot rides. Choose this option if a saddle with cushioning hasn’t worked well for you and if you’re drawn to the classic look of a leather or cotton saddle.

Consider Whether You Want a Center Cutout

Many bicycle seats are built to protect your perineum—the area between the sit bones, through which traverse a plethora of nerves and arteries. These saddles reduce or eliminate the material in the middle of the saddle, both relieving pressure on the perineum and providing airflow and comfort during long rides.

Because everyone’s anatomy is different, some riders find great relief with a perineal cutout; others use a saddle that either has a small indentation in the saddle or no accommodation at all. This kind of pressure-relieving design benefits most men and women but is truly a personal preference.

These are some elements to choose the right saddle for yourself and hope it can help you some. The most important one is that we had better to try it for riding when we choose, because saddle is one of three parts connect bicycle with our body.