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How to choose the right saddle is a key question that can affect how comfortable you are riding your bike. When riding a bike pain is not a necessary evil and the time you’ll spend researching for the right saddle can make a huge difference.
When picking a saddle your type of riding is crucial, your type of riding would directly affect the shape of your saddle.
Mountain biking - when mountain biking you often stand up on the pedals and maintain an upright endurance position. Saddles designed for off road riding would have features that reduce trail vibrations, such as flexible wing panels.
What is your comfortable position on your bike? Some riders prefer an upright position, but others would rather maintain a more aerodynamic position. The more you bend forward the more you put pressure on the forward part of your pelvic area. The way to prevent saddle pain is to choose a saddle that suits your specific riding position and removes the pressure from crucial parts of your body.
When picking the right saddle you want a saddle that is wide enough to gives you good support but not too wide that would cause rubbing.
Bike saddles have different sizes that accommodate different body types. To find the right saddle you need to consider the width that would support your ischial tuberosities (sit bones). You can easily measure the distance between your sit bones, most bike shops would help you do that.
Setting the correct height to your saddle will help you get a more efficient pedal stroke.
For most bikers, the right saddle height will result in your leg having just a slight bend when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
In terms of position - you should ensure that your saddle is in an horizontal position. If it inclines too far up or down it may feel uncomfortable.
There is a variety of materials available for saddles which have different looks, weight, cost, break in time and waterproofness. Most saddles are made of synthetic materials that are lightweight and low on maintenance - these are the most popular choice for riders. There are also saddles made from leather which in turn have a higher break in time but once they break in would fit to each person’s own shape better. Some saddles are made of cotton which offer better comfort and control.