How to choose a bike saddle
There are a few things to remember when choosing the right bicycle seat for you. They include:
Budget
If you want a super light, premium saddle, then a carbon fibre shell and rails are for you. However, as with all things in life, premium quality comes with a price tag. Still, when you think about how long your derriere could be spending on it, the cost-per-ride ratio begins to look good! That said, you can still find quality saddles made from polymer shells and alloy rails, so don’t think a lower budget means poorer quality - not at all!
Gender
Generally speaking, your gender can influence what you find a comfortable bike saddle (or otherwise!). Women typically have wider hips than men, and each gender has particular delicate zones. This is why you sometimes see shapes removed from the bike seat - this reduces contact with those more sensitive areas. That said, it is not unusual for women to find bike seats for men very comfortable. It really does come down to personal preference!
Type of bike riding
As always, the style of biking is going to have an effect on the most appropriate saddle for you. The wider and curvier the seat, the more common it is for comfort riding or upright positions. On the other hand, an aggressive aerodynamic riding position usually calls for a flatter, longer saddle. Indeed, this is where a road bike saddle and a mountain bike saddle can be different… But not always! Indeed, if you’re an aggressive rider on and off-road, then there’s every chance the best road bike saddle, and mountain bike seat for you are long and flat. But if you tend to take it easy across both disciplines, then perhaps wide and curved is where your comfort zone lies.
A flat or angled bike seat?
Again, it comes down to personal preference. If you’re someone who naturally tends to slip down or move around a fair bit, then angling the saddle might be for you. We recommend starting level and adjusting accordingly. Better yet, get a professional bike fit - your body and riding performance will be forever thankful!
Explore our range of bike seats
Performance bike saddle
If you’re taking your bike riding seriously or spending a lot of time enjoying the sport, then no matter what type of riding you do, you need to look at performance bike saddles.
Comfort bike saddles
If a padded bike seat is more your style, you will look for a comfortable bike saddle. This type of seat usually features a thicker foam or gel padding.
Urban bike saddles
An urban bike saddle will also typically have that comfort factor. However, in addition, it should be waterproof or resistant (when you’ve parked it out the front of the shops, or your workplace, for example). Ideally, it should also be difficult to steal.
How to change a bike saddle
You would be surprised how straightforward it is to install or change a bike saddle! First, ensure the bike is propped up against something secure, so it’s not going to fall over. Then, just follow these easy steps.
Step one
Under the saddle, somewhere at the back, you will locate a clam that connects the rails. Depending on the age of the seat, you will either have one or two clamps. Loosen it/them with a wrench.
Step two
If your seat only has one clamp, move the top 90 degrees. If there are two clamps, twist the saddle sideways. Whatever move you just made, now you should be able to lift the seat away from the clamps.
Step three
If you’re dealing with one clamp, place the seat on the bottom half of it. You will notice half-circle divots on each side of the clamp - that’s where the two rails on the bottom of the seat slot on. Once the rails fit in, just swing the top back into place so the saddle is now in the standard forward-facing position. If you have two clamps, place your new saddle between the two.
Step four
Grab that wrench again and tighten the screws - but only well enough, not crazy tight.
Step five
Now go for a quick spin and see if everything feels right. If so, come back and screw in very firmly. If not, adjust accordingly and repeat from step four.
You should now be good to go!
Contact us about bike saddles today
Contact our team about any questions you have at all. We’re only too happy to help and ensure you get as comfy an outcome as possible!
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