In your first week of cycling, it is normal to feel some crotch discomfort during and after your rides. According to bicycle guru, Sheldon Brown, when a untrained cyclist rides, his legs aren’t fit enough to bear much of his weight, putting the bulk of his body weight on the bike seat and causing soft tissue discomfort. If you are still sore after the initial break-in period, it might be time to try a new seat or “saddle.”
Function
Manufacturers design even the severest-looking saddles with comfort in mind. Your position on the bicycle determines the saddle’s shape. On a comfort bicycle, such as a beach cruiser or hybrid, the rider sits upright so more of her bottom rests directly on the saddle, requiring a wider design. On racing bikes, the rider leans forward in an aggressive position, so the widest part of her behind is off the narrow saddle. A seat that’s too wide can actually hinder pedaling. Saddles designed specifically for women are wider to accommodate wider hips.
Fit
Your saddle should be the correct width to support your butt bones. A saddle that is too narrow puts pressure on the soft tissue between your sit bones, and a saddle that is too wide can chafe your legs. Also, make sure that your saddle is adjusted properly to relieve pressure on the genital region. When you pedal, your knee should be fully extended without locking, and the saddle should be level, not tipped.
Misconceptions
Many inexperienced riders believe that the most padded seat will be the most comfortable, and they suffer for it later. A seat that’s too soft lets your sit bones sink into the padding, pressing on the tender tissue that is shielded on harder saddles and compressing important nerves and blood vessels. Also, the friction from a soft saddle can increase your risk for saddle sores. If you ride a lot, then a minimalist saddle is the most comfortable.
Materials
Lightweight, narrow competitive saddles made of metal and leather or synthetic materials are comfortable during long rides. Wide, plush comfort seats don’t require padded bicycle shorts, but become uncomfortable on longer rides. Some seats have springs underneath or a gel layer to soften the ride, and others stretch leather over a metal frame to create a drum-like forgiveness. On bikes where the rider spends most of his time standing up and may crash often such as BMX or downhill bikes, the seat is made of a harder material to withstand scrapes.
Warning
Many bicycle saddles compress the nerves and blood vessels that feed the genitals, producing numbness and erectile dysfunction in some men. According to a 1997 study at Boston University, cyclists are almost four times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction than runners. Saddles with cut-outs or no nose — the narrow part that points toward the handlebars — might reduce a rider’s risk of numbness and impotence. A 2008 study published in the "Journal of Sexual Medicine" found that noseless saddles reduced genital numbness threefold.
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