Just bought a new bike? Don't be discouraged if the seat that came with it isn't a perfect fit. Bike seats have a tough job. They must support a large amount of weight over a small surface, yet be comfortable enough to make riding a pleasure rather than a chore. A bike seat that fits one rider perfectly might cause irritation or serious pain for another. But there's a seat out there for every rider--it's just a matter of finding it.
Anatomy
The typical bike seat has two different areas, the rear and the nose. The rear of the bike seat supports your sitting bones and takes most of the weight of your body. The nose is the long, narrow section at the front of the seat. The nose aids in stability and control, allowing you to shift your weight and steer with your thighs. On the underside of the bike seat you'll find the rails, which support the seat and connect it to the seat post.
Types
Two of the most common bike seats are the racing seat and the mountain bike seat. Made of lightweight materials, the racing seat is long and thin. The mountain-bike seat is more padded and wider than a racing bike seat, to accommodate bumpy terrain and difficult maneuvering. You can also choose from a diverse selection of comfort-conscious bike seats. These include seats filled with shock-absorbing gel that conforms to your anatomy and seats fitted with springs for added suspension.
Special Design
Groin pain, irritation and numbness are all-too-common side effects of long-distance bike riding. According to Dr. Irwin Goldstein, a professor of urology formerly at the Boston University School of Medicine, as many as 100,000 American men may suffer from bike-related impotency due to the pressure placed on the nerves of the groin. To address this issue, many bike-seat manufacturers now offer anatomical, or "cutaway," bicycle seats that have channels cut into their centers to relieve the pressure.
Considerations
Because women's pelvises are, in general, wider than men's, most manufacturers divide their bike seats into men's and women's models. You might not end up with a seat designed specifically for your gender, but it's a good starting point. Keep your riding style in mind as well. If you lean over the handlebars, look for a narrow seat with a thin nose to keep your thighs from chafing. If you ride with a more upright posture, try a wider, more supportive seat with extra padding.
Buying Tips
When shopping for a new bike seat, look for a local bicycle shop with experienced, knowledgeable employees who are willing to spend time with a customer. Ask if you can take the seat out for a ride around the block before you buy it. Take your time. A seat that you decide is "good enough" might turn into your worst nightmare. Check the store's return policy before you buy, just in case the seat doesn't work out.
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