When you ride a bicycle, it should not feel painful. If you are experiencing discomfort when you ride, then you most likely are not using the right type of bicycle seat. Bicycle seats are typically recommended based on your riding style. If you tend to ride the bike in an upright position, you will need a different seat than if you ride low.
Types
When you ride in the upright position, you can choose a cruiser saddle. These are recommended for riders who casually take their bikes out onto the road. Cruiser saddles are very wide and typically contain gel padding for added comfort. Sport saddles are recommended for individuals who ride in the traditional cycling position. The regular riding position involves you leaning slightly forward with a portion of your weight supported on the handlebars and pedals. Features of a sport saddle include medium padding and narrow nose.
Features
Racing seats are available for cyclists who ride in the professional position. Racing seats are for riders who lean very forward in order to ride very fast. Racing saddles are very light and very narrow. Racing seats typically only have a light amount of padding.
Identification
Your anatomy will also come into play when you decide which type of bicycle seat is best for you. If you have a wide pelvis, you need a wide bicycle saddle to support you during rides. If you have a smaller frame, choose a narrow bicycle seat. You should be able to test the bicycle seat before you buy. When you sit on the seat, your sit bones should be centered and to the rear of the saddle for best fit.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is using your thumb to test the softness of the seat before you buy it. Extra padding does not always mean the most comfortable ride. If you tend to ride long distances, the excess padding puts pressure on your bottom and can cause pain and discomfort. Since padding saddles also tend to be wider, they can lead to chafing between the thighs as you ride.
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