Choosing the right saddle is key to riding comfort and fun. Yet, with so many different shapes, styles and price points of cushions to choose from, it can be overwhelming. A comfortable bike saddle is essential for all cyclists, and this article will show you how to choose the right bike saddle.

Why Bike Seat Fit Matters

A bike saddle is one of three key touch points on your ride, which affects its overall perceived ride quality.

A well-fitting bike saddle should allow you to get the most out of your ride, whether it’s sustained power output, riding for days on end or getting you to the trails, and you should be able to do it all without discomfort. If you find a bike saddle that works for you, it can feel really powerful.

A well-fitting bike seat does not cause any discomfort: no numbness, pain, chafing or pinching.

Road bike saddle, mountain bike saddle, gravel bike saddle, women’s saddle – what’s the real difference?

The differences between bike saddles for different projects are mostly related to riding position, which depends not only on what type of bike you’re riding, but how you ride it.

For example, a road cyclist competing in a road race may have a more aggressive position than a long-travel cyclist.

This position is then related to the angle of the rider’s hips, which will affect how the pelvis interacts with the bike saddle and thus the optimal shape.

For faster speeds and more aerodynamic positions, such as road riding and triathlons, flatter, longer bike saddles tend to work best.

On the other hand, curved profile bike saddles are generally favored by riders in a more upright endurance position and are more commonly used by gravel riders, commuters or off-road riders.

In addition to bike saddle shape, you may find that some bike saddles designed for off-road riding have features designed to reduce wake vibrations, such as flexible wings or a more compliant bottom shell.

How to choose the right bike saddle

Below we have a little advice on how to choose the right bike saddle.

1. What kind of riding are you going to use this saddle for?

Even for the same person, different disciplines have different requirements for a bike saddle: the bike saddle on a road bike will rarely be the same as the bike saddle on the best mountain bike or touring bike.

If you plan on racing, a bike saddle with a flat profile and a wide, flat nose is probably best.

If you sit more upright on the bike and don’t move around a lot, the slightly wider curved profile may provide more comfort.

2. Consider your anatomy

Given that men’s and women’s anatomy are quite different, many brands make women’s specific bike saddles to accommodate the differences in anatomy. That said, there are plenty of women who are perfectly comfortable on men’s or unisex bike saddles, and vice versa.

3. The width and the shape of a saddle

Almost every bike saddle brand has its own proprietary fit system to help you find the right bike saddle.

Some bike shops will have a device to measure the distance between your two sitting bones. Bike shops will usually have you sit on the device’s gel or memory foam pads and measure your sit bone width.

4. Try it

Many bike shops will have a set of bike saddles for guests to test, and they will put you on the bike for a test ride. Some people know it’s not for them as soon as they sit down, but others take a while to figure out if they are.

It’s a good idea to spend at least an hour using the bike seat, as your body needs some time to adjust to the new seating arrangement and allow chores to surface. If you can take longer, all the better, as this will give any incompatibilities a greater chance of showing up before you invest.

5. Your budget?

The amount you need to spend on a bike saddle depends largely on the materials used.

If you opt for a strong yet lightweight carbon fiber bottom case and rails, the price tag is high. And entry-level saddles with polymer bottom shells and alloy rails are a great deal for the price, and in the case of the whole bike, the weight difference won’t be too big.

Processes such as hollow openings or grooves tend to add complexity to manufacturing, so prices may reflect this.

How can I make my bike saddle more comfortable?

Although a padded gel bike seat may seem like a great idea to make your bike more comfortable, it’s likely to have the opposite effect.

The way the thick gel pad squeezes and compresses under you during a ride may actually make your sit bones and soft tissues more uncomfortable.

Moving your bike saddle back and forth within safe limits can affect where you pedal and your riding position.

However, if you lean too much, you may find that the stress is put on your body through your wrists and hands, and you may be prone to calf cramps while riding. Making sure your bike’s saddle height is correct is very important to improve comfort.

All in all, a proper bike saddle should allow you to ride for hours on end without discomfort. By measuring the width of your sit bones and trying out different fit models, you will be sure to find what works best for you.