For the vast majority of cyclists, the first part of the body to feel discomfort during a ride is usually the buttocks. As a component in direct and intimate contact with the buttocks, the significance of the bicycle seat cannot be overstated.
The seat that comes standard with the original bicycle frequently doesn’t fit you properly. It’s as if you’ve accidentally put on someone else’s shoes and are trying to run. In less severe cases, it will merely result in an unpleasant riding experience. However, in more serious situations, it can cause intractable health issues, potentially forcing you to bid farewell to cycling for good.
Should I Choose A Wide Or Narrow Saddle?
If the saddle is too narrow, the sit bones will hang on the sides of the saddle, and the soft tissue will bear a greater load, causing discomfort in the perineum.
If the saddle is too wide, it is easy to cause chafing on the inner thighs, especially in hot weather.
How to Select the Right Saddle Size
1.Saddle Width: The Primary Consideration
The width of the saddle is a crucial fixed – value factor. To determine the appropriate saddle width, first, find out the distance between the two ischial tuberosities on your buttocks when you sit normally on a stool. This distance corresponds to the ideal saddle width. But how can we measure it accurately? Prepare a large piece of corrugated paper. Sit vertically on it, then apply significant pressure to the paper without moving your buttocks. After standing up, you will notice two distinct depressions on the paper. Use a ruler to measure the distance between these two depressions, and this measurement is precisely your saddle width.
2.The Influence of Riding Posture
Riding posture has a profound impact on saddle – size selection. In various riding postures, the position of the saddle relative to the rider changes, and so do the pressure points on the ischial tuberosities. Generally, the more you lean forward, the narrower the effective distance between the contact points on the saddle. Conversely, when you maintain an upright riding posture, this distance becomes wider.
Regardless of the riding posture, the saddle must offer adequate support to the ischial tuberosities. Based on the distance between the ischial bones and the riding posture, saddles can be classified into three categories: large, medium, and small. You can make a choice according to your specific needs.
3.The Role of Riding Purpose
The purpose of your ride often dictates the choice of saddle. Different riding purposes call for different types of bicycles, each with its own suitable saddle. For road bikes, the saddle width is relatively narrow. Road cyclists, especially those aiming for competition or high – speed rides, try to lower their upper bodies as much as possible to reduce wind resistance. In this posture, the thighs tend to be closer to the vertical. If the saddle is too wide, it will not only impede pedaling force but also cause chafing on the inner thigh root. Therefore, road bike saddles are usually narrow.
Mountain bike riding postures are more upright compared to road bikes, and the road conditions are far more rugged. A slightly wider saddle can provide more comfort without restricting leg movement, making it a better choice for mountain biking.
For scooters, the saddle typically bears most of the rider’s body weight. The riding posture is more upright, the riding purpose is often more casual, and the riding distance is usually not too long. Comfort is the top priority, so scooter saddles are generally wider.
Why Are Bicycle Seats So Hard Now?
Reason 1: Frame geometry and riding posture have changed
The picture below explains very well how the force on the seat and the riding range are different under different riding postures. It can be seen that the lower the aerodynamic posture, the closer the riding range is to the test.
The seat of the bicycle I rode to school in the 1990s was very soft, which was also because it was mainly used for leisure commuting at that time. It was the leftmost posture in the above picture. Now, even for entry-level flat-handle road riding, the posture will tend to be the second exercise posture.
Reason 2: You should wear cycling pants
Cycling pants are a good thing. You don’t need to wear them for short distances or commuting (if the seat cushion is comfortable enough). But for long distances, or when cycling is taken as a serious sport, professional cycling pants with cushions are still necessary.
Because when riding a bicycle, the only part of the human body that touches the seat cushion is the ischium. The function of cycling pants is to provide a layer of cushion to cushion and protect the different stress areas of the ischium and the seat cushion in different postures. Not only can it relieve some tissue numbness that may be caused by nerve compression, the heat dissipation and breathability of cycling pants will also greatly improve your athletic ability.
Of course, if you don’t consider the above content and just want to travel, you can also modify a shock-absorbing seat cushion similar to that of a shared bicycle.
Bicycle Seats Components
Surface Material
Leather: It is relatively low in price, smooth on the surface and easy to maintain. However, its breathability is poor. Some brands will adopt designs such as perforations to improve breathability.
Genuine Leather: It offers excellent comfort, breathability and smoothness, and can be shaped according to the shape of the buttocks. But it is expensive and afraid of being soaked by rain, thus requiring careful maintenance.
Carbon Fiber: It is expensive, lightweight, high-strength and easy to maintain, but relatively poor in comfort.
Cloth: It is cheap and breathable, but has a large friction, which easily causes high temperature and abrasions on the buttocks, and is also prone to damage. It has been used less in recent years.
Filling and Shock Absorption Material
Silicone: It has good softness and elasticity, can fit the curve of the buttocks well, distribute the body weight, reduce local pressure, and has excellent shock absorption performance, making the rider feel more comfortable.
Air Cushion: It is less used at present and the technology may not be mature enough. However, its principle is to provide shock absorption through the compression and rebound of gas. Theoretically, it can provide good comfort and adaptability.
Spring: It is generally seen in old-fashioned saddles and relieves vibration through the expansion and contraction of the spring. However, the elasticity and durability of the spring are limited, and deformation and weakening of elasticity may occur after long-term use.
Base Plate
Plastic: It is lightweight, elastic and inexpensive. It is a relatively common base plate material that can provide certain support and cushioning for the filling material and body weight.
Carbon Fiber: It has the advantages of light weight and high strength. It can support the filling material and body weight well and also play a certain shock absorption role, but the cost is high.
Iron Plate: It is relatively rare because it is heavy and not conducive to the lightweight of the bicycle, but it may be used in some special cases that require high-strength support.
Rail
It is generally made of ordinary steel, chromium molybdenum steel, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, carbon fiber and other materials. It not only supports the saddle but also has the function of reducing vibration. Some brands also adopt the hollow tube technology. For example, the rail of Selle italia saddle is made of I – Beam, which achieves lightweight and better vibration relief effect.
What Brand Of Bicycle Seat Is Good?
COOLWUFAN Oversized Bike Seat for Peloton Bike & Bike
This product is an oversized bike seat by COOLWUFAN,selling item in the bike seat category. It’s compatible with Peloton, road, and exercise bikes. It features an ergonomic design, breathable material with an air vent, anti – slip texture, and is made of waterproof leather. The seat is filled with high – density foam and has dual shock – absorbing balls for comfort. It comes with a universal saddle adapter, reflective armband, installation manual, and mounting tools, and is easy to install on standard seatposts. The product has a 1 – year warranty and can support up to 400 pounds.
Oversized Bike Seat for Peloton Bike & Bike+, Comfort Seat Cushion Compatible with Peloton, Road or Exercise Bikes
LCYMD Comfortable Seat Cushion
This Comfortable & Waterproof Bike Seat Cushion offers ultimate comfort and support for cyclists. Made with a soft, absorbent material, it helps reduce pressure and prevent discomfort during long rides. The waterproof cover ensures durability in any weather condition, while the universal design fits most stationary and outdoor bike seats, making it perfect for both casual and serious cyclists.
Comfortable Seat Cushion for Men Women with Dual Shock Absorbing Ball Memory Foam Waterproof Wide Bicycle Saddle Fit for Road Bikes
Zacro Zacro Bike Seat Cushion
The Zacro BS031 Extra Bicycle Seat Cover is a high-quality, cushioned seat cover designed to provide additional comfort for your bike rides. It features a thick foam padding that helps alleviate discomfort and pressure, making it ideal for long-distance cycling. The cover is made from a durable, waterproof material, protecting your seat from the elements while also offering a non-slip design to keep it securely in place. Its ergonomic shape and soft, breathable fabric contribute to a comfortable ride, whether you’re cycling on rough terrain or smooth roads. It’s easy to install and fits most standard bicycle seats.
Zacro Bike Seat Cushion – Gel Padded Bike Seat Cover for Men Women Comfort, Extra Soft Exercise Bicycle Seat Compatible with Peloton
Twomaples Bicycle Seat
The Twomaples Oversized Bike Seat is a comfortable and versatile cycling accessory. It’s designed for a wide range of bikes including Peloton, electric, mountain, and exercise bikes. Made of breathable and waterproof PU leather and premium high – density memory foam, it features a US – patented widened base wing concave shape that can support up to 650 LBS. Installation is quick, taking just 2 minutes with the included tools and adapter. It has two shock spring balls for a smooth ride, reducing muscle soreness. However, if your exercise bike has a triangular seat – to – body linker, you may need to buy an additional adapter. With a 4.5 – star rating and a high best – sellers rank, it comes with lifetime support from the brand.
Twomaples Bicycle Seat, Bike Seat for Women Men Extra Comfort Wide, Oversized Comfortable Seats Saddle for Peloton Bikes
BLUEWIND New Noseless Oversized Bike Seat
The BLUEWIND Noseless Oversized Universal Exercise Bike Seat Cushion is designed to provide comfort during long cycling sessions. Its ergonomic, noseless design reduces pressure on sensitive areas, while the oversized shape fits most stationary bikes. Made with high-density foam, it helps alleviate discomfort and supports a more enjoyable workout experience. Ideal for individuals looking to enhance comfort while cycling.
