WHAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW......
Choosing the right saddle for your bike can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry, I’ve got some friendly advice to make this daunting task a breeze. Whether you’re a casual rider or a wannabe Tour de France champion, here’s how to find the saddle that will keep your undercarriage happy!
The Basics: What to look for in a saddle
- Purpose: Ask yourself, “What’s my bike for?” Are you commuting to work, riding for fun, racing, or just trying to avoid gym fees? The answer will help narrow down your choices.
- Ride Position: How do you sit on your bike? Do you lean forward like you’re racing for gold, or do you sit up and enjoy the scenery? Your posture affects which saddle will be most comfortable.
- Size and Fit: Think of saddle size like shoe size. A too-narrow saddle is like wearing shoes that pinch, and a too-wide saddle is like flopping around in clown shoes. You need the Goldilocks fit: just right.
- Health Checks: Got any aches, pains, or quirks like a leg that’s slightly longer than the other? These can affect your comfort on the bike.
Questions to ponder
If your nether regions are screaming for help, here are some questions to ask:
- Where does it hurt? Is it the sit bones, soft tissue, or somewhere more delicate?
- What kind of pain is it? Pressure, friction, pinching, chafing, or numbness?
- How is your weight distributed on the bike? Are you leaning too much on the handlebars
- Is the pain only on one side? Do you have any leg length differences that could be throwing things off?
- Are there other factors, like your cycling shorts, seat padding, or even how clean you keep things post-ride?
Common challenges for women and men
Women often deal with issues around soft tissue pressure. You might think a saddle with a cut-out (a hole in the middle) is the answer, but it can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. Look into saddles like the Specialized Mimic, which has special foam to keep things comfy.
Men might face numbness (ouch!). A saddle with a cut-out can help relieve pressure down there. And once you get the saddle height, tilt, and position right, most of your worries should disappear.
Special tips for women over 45
Ladies, if you’ve hit the big 4-5 and started feeling less comfy on the bike, it might be due to hormonal changes. A little topical oestrogen can work wonders, keeping things smooth and elastic down there. Talk to your doctor about it.
Saddle talk in women’s cycling clubs
In women’s cycling clubs, saddle comfort is a hot topic, right up there with the best coffee stops and cake recipes. Here’s a gem from one of our club members: “Saddle comfort is crucial. It can make the difference between a 20-minute ride and a four-hour ride. I switch between two types of saddles depending on my ride. It’s personal, but it’s essential for wellness, not just comfort.”
Conclusion
Finding your perfect saddle is a bit like dating: it takes time, patience, and a willingness to try different options. A professional bike fit can set you on the right path, but real-world testing is where the magic happens. With the right saddle, every ride can be a joy. So saddle up, and let the adventure begin!
Saddle Shopping Checklist
So you’ve decided you need to invest in a new saddle. Here are our ‘Must-Ask’ Questions when shopping around
For everyone
Purpose: What am I using the saddle for? Leisure, speed, or avoiding the subway?
Ride Position: Am I riding relaxed or trying to beat my personal best?
Size: What size saddle do I need? Measure twice, buy once.
Health: Do I have any existing issues that need special consideration?
For Women
– Do I need a saddle with a cut-out? Will it help or just shift the pain?
– Is my bike setup causing pressure that could be fixed with a different saddle or a tweak in the setup?
For Men
– Am I getting numb down there? If so, a cut-out saddle might be the way to go.
Find out more about Tammy Corney and Cognition Bike Fit here.