How To Pick A Bicycle Seat

Bike seats, often called saddles, come in many makes and models. They range from being hard or soft to wide or narrow. Because up to 50 percent of your weight rests on the seat when riding, picking the right one can affect your overall enjoyment. If you choose a seat that is too wide or too narrow, it could cause you to be uncomfortable. A bike seat needs to be tried out for size, and you should know what to look for. Your body shape and the type of riding you do will be the most important factors to consider.

Step 1

Know why it's important to get the right seat. If you are new to cycling or have never bought a new bike seat, it can be overwhelming at first because there are so many choices. Choosing the best seat can make a big difference. You will enjoy riding much more and want to spend more time doing it. Choosing the wrong seat will result in the opposite effect. A seat that doesn't fit you properly can cause a lot of pressure, discomfort, irritation and chafing, which will make you want to get off the bike and not ride as often.

Step 2

Determine which type of seat is best for your body. Seats are designed for men and women. Men's seats tend to be longer and narrower, while women's are typically shorter and wider. This is to help with comfort because men and women are shaped differently. Women's sit bones tend to be wider apart, while men's are closer together. Your sit bones are the bones located in your buttocks that you feel when you sit on a hard seat. You want a seat where they are centered on the main part. It is important that these bones are adequately supported so your weight is evenly distributed. Depending on the seat, you can often tell how it fits. Sit on the seat for a minute, get off and immediately look at the seat. If it fits you properly, you should see two centered indentations where your sit bones were.

Step 3

Look at materials. Bike seats are manufactured in several ways. They can be made out of leather, synthetic leather, fabric or plastic. Some have gel in them, which makes them softer to the touch and when seated. Other seats are designed with a center hole or cutout to reduce the pressure on your bottom when riding. Some seats are tougher and thicker than others, and some have small holes throughout to help add friction and prevent sliding around when riding. Seats come in a variety of colors too, but a basic black seat will hide wear and tear the best.

Step 4

Pick the right seat for the type of riding you do. If you do easy biking and touring around town, you will want a seat that is wider and softer. Gel seats are a good choice here because they will give you extra comfort with slower pedaling. If you mountain bike, find a seat especially made for off-road terrain. Mountain bike seats are designed to absorb shock better and come with a more rugged cover to keep you from sliding off. If you do road biking or racing, choose a seat that is long and narrow. When riding fast, your body weight tends to shift forward, so a longer seat will accommodate that. While racing seats are not the most comfortable at first, they are more aerodynamic and your body will adjust over time.

Step 5

Test for comfort and fit. The best way to judge a bike seat is to ride with it. Give your body time to warm up and adjust to the new seat. It may take a couple of rides, but after that, you will know if it is right for you. You want a bike seat that does not cause pain, numbness or irritation. Everyone's body is different, so you may have to try several seats before finding the right one.