Is your saddle (the seat of your bike) uncomfortable? Then it’s the right time to make some changes, people! Getting a good bike seat can dramatically improve your riding experience. Choosing the right saddle and making a good purchase is easy once you read the following tips that can make your purchase a piece of cake!
Before going to the shop and buying a brand-new saddle, there are some capabilities that you should check out first; otherwise, your new saddle won’t make any difference:
- Is your saddle at the right height? Sometimes our saddle can be too high or too low, causing inconvenience.
- The angle of your bike seat may need some adjustments. It can easily be adjusted through the seat clamp (which is right under your seat). Loosen the screw and adjust your seat to the most comfortable position for you (forward or back). For flat saddles, try a slight forward tilt. Find the angle that makes you feel cozier.
While riding your bike, you can try some tips to relieve the pressure from your body. Here are some tips that helped me:
- Stand up on your pedals every 20 minutes or when you feel your legs being stressed.
- If it’s affordable for you, buy a full-suspension bike (I highly recommend this for those who go biking in the mountains) or a suspension seat post.
- Use gel (for recreational riders), foam (recommended for road riders), or saddle pads (a choice for touring bikers) to relieve your body from pressure.
- Switch to a recumbent bike.
- If you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking habits, or obesity, these conditions can maximize your discomfort (for those riding to overcome these situations, congratulations!). Keep in mind that if any problem persists, seeing your doctor is a must, bicycle lovers!
Have you tried all the above and still feel discomfort?
Now, it’s time to make the next step and buy a new saddle. But what saddle should you buy? Now you are ready to find out what’s the best choice for you according to the type of bike you have:
- Cruiser, commuter, or urban bike owners should try a cushioning saddle.
- Mountain bikers can try a mountain-specific saddle with pads for the bones.
- Touring bikers should opt for a performance saddle or a leather saddle.
- Women are anatomically different from men, so they should prefer women-specific saddles designed to relieve pressure.
Once at the store:
- Talk to the staff and ask for their recommendations.
- A test ride is a must (don’t be afraid to ask for it).
- Prefer titanium rails, as they provide a smoother ride (don’t be cheap, your comfort matters!).
Take your pick, and don’t be cheap—your butt will thank you for this!