A good mountain bike seat can make the difference between an enjoyable trip or a sore bottom, often referred to as a saddle, for the ride home. There are several options depending on the ride time and terrain, ranging from recreational to high performance seats. The key to a comfortable seat is the balance between firmness, width and materials. It may take some trial and error: Always test the seat prior to purchasing.
Gender Specific
Your sitz bones, or ischial tuberosities, are the two bones you feel when sitting on hard surfaces and have a different structure in men and women. Women typically have a wider pelvis, thus wider sitz bones. Men's hips are narrower and the sitz bones are closer together. Today most manufactures make seats for both sexes. Choosing a seat that fits your sitz bones will provide the best comfort.
Soft vs Hard Seats
Your choice between hard and soft depends on the distance you plan to travel, the terrain and if you wear padded bike shorts. Most people would assume that the softer seat is for a greater distance but it is the opposite. Extremely soft seats will tend to create a rash on the inner thighs when the ride exceeds two hours. Firm to hard seats have padded sitz bone pads that carry the weight equally.
Narrow or Wide
This is the most important part of purchasing a seat. If the saddle is too narrow, your sitz bones will hang over the seat pads, causing discomfort. If it is too wide, it will create a rash. Your sitz bones should be in the center of both pads.
Material
Different types of seat materials affect the comfort. Leather seats are excellent for long distance and have a break-in period, molding to the particular rider. Plastic seats have the longest life span, but are the least comfortable and typically are used as racing seats. Gel seats are great, if you can't find the saddle that is right for you. Gel seats mold to your sitz bones and can help with numbness in your legs and buttocks.
Installation
Once you have found a seat that fits, make sure it is properly installed. The angle, front and back position and the height will affect comfort and should be adjusted during your first ride. During long bumpy rides, take a break by rising off the seat occasionally.
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