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The bicycle saddle demystified!

September 10, 2020

We often encounter cyclists on social media and blogs asking the community: what is the best saddle? The real question should rather be: what is the best saddle for me? Fortunately, there is a huge selection of saddles on the market and each of them has technical features that can suit different cyclist body types.

So, where do you start to choose the right saddle? We will try to answer this question while shedding some light on the subject.

Adjusting the saddle height of a bicycle

3 POINTS OF CONTACT

For an urban, road or mountain cyclist, when the ideal saddle height is reached, the knee angle is around 30˚.
Let's start with the fact that there are three points of contact on a bicycle: the saddle, the pedals and shoes, and the cockpit. That said, the saddle is the cyclist's first point of contact with their bike, and even the slightest change in its position will influence the position of the joints relative to the pedals, as well as the cockpit layout. Choosing the right saddle is therefore the first step towards optimal bike fit.
We can define the function of the saddle as follows: to provide optimal comfort to the cyclist by offering adequate support at the ischial tuberosities, promoting high pedaling efficiency and minimizing pressure on the perineum, thereby promoting good blood circulation to the genital organs.

In fact, several factors will influence the choice of saddle:

1. First, your sex (1) , indeed, given the different shape of the pelvis of men and women, manufacturers offer comfortable saddles for both women and men – this is often a good starting point.
2. Next comes the practical aspect (2) . It goes without saying that a mountain biker will choose a different saddle than a road cyclist or triathlete, for example. There will be a tendency to opt for a saddle with a little more padding in the mountains than on the road.
3. The aggressiveness (3) of the position and the flexibility (4) of the cyclist are both factors that should not be overlooked. Indeed, the more aggressive the position, the more your pelvis will rotate forward, which will have the effect of sitting on a narrower part of your ischial tuberosities.
4. Finally, the width (5) of your sit bones should be taken into consideration and can serve as a reference. However, it would be wrong to believe that this measurement alone will allow you to choose your saddle correctly, much like the inseam measurement when discussing bicycle size – these are good starting points to consider among a set of equally important factors.

Proper controller positioning is essential

The positioning of the levers affects the pressure points felt on the saddle.

Signs of wear on the bicycle saddle should not be taken lightly.

Signs of wear in a particular area of the saddle could indicate, for example, that it is crooked or that there is a misalignment of the cyclist's knee trajectory.

What you need to understand is that your saddle, while still aesthetically pleasing, will tend to sag over time, which can cause pain because you'll no longer be supported in the right places. A saddle has a lifespan of approximately 400 hours, though this varies depending on the cyclist's weight and the type of cycling. For the average cyclist, this could represent 3 to 5 seasons.
Your cycling shorts , too, will lose their density and muscle support over time. If you only have two or three pairs of cycling shorts, you may well be using them more than once a week and therefore need to replace them every two or three seasons.

A little tip: for your next purchase, opt for bib shorts – they often have a higher-quality chamois, and the bib straps help keep it securely in place, providing real protection where you need it most. A good product to add to your collection is chamois cream ; it will improve your comfort during rides and soothe any irritated or chafed areas.

Let's talk practical matters

We regularly see customers who try two, three, or even four or five saddles before finding the right one. Don't settle for the status quo, as the process can be lengthy but incredibly rewarding once you find the perfect saddle. That said, whenever you try a new saddle, the most important thing is to have it fitted for you. You can't just remove your saddle and install another one and expect to be successful. Even as a saddle fit expert, I don't adjust my own saddles. Since they all have different lengths, widths, and profiles, every time it's changed, the saddle height, angle, and setback must be readjusted. We also suggest always trying out and making adjustments in your most comfortable cycling shorts; this will give you the best possible chance of success.

To simplify the process, you can book time with a consultant and use the fitting room to optimize your saddle trials. Choosing the right bicycle saddle is crucial to the quality of your riding position, and at Cycle Studio Maglia Rosa , we dedicate ample time to ensure you select and adjust the saddle correctly. You'll have the opportunity to try several saddles, confident that each one will be properly fitted and perfectly suited to your riding style.

In addition to a large selection of models in store, Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa has the expertise to guide you towards comfort.

Book a saddle fitting session with a positioning expert here .