How do you find the perfect bicycle saddle?

Time to read 3 min

A good bike saddle makes the difference between a relaxing ride and painful kilometers. Whether you are a daily cyclist, go on long tours or ride sportively, a poorly fitting saddle quickly causes discomfort. But how do you choose the perfect saddle that suits your body and riding style? In this guide you will discover what to look for and which saddles are the best.

Why a good saddle is important

Many cyclists experience saddle pain, especially after longer rides. This is caused by a combination of pressure, friction and incorrect posture. A good saddle prevents painful sit bones, irritation and chafing. It provides the right support and prevents you from putting too much pressure on the wrong places.

A saddle that does not fit properly can lead to discomfort such as:

chafing and skin irritation
pressure on the perineum (sensitive areas)
numb or tingling legs
back and knee problems due to incorrect posture

The right saddle helps to prevent these problems and significantly increases your cycling pleasure.

How do you determine the correct saddle width?

The width of your saddle plays a crucial role in comfort. Your sit bones need to be well supported, without feeling too much pressure on sensitive areas.

how do you measure your sit bones?

The distance between your sit bones determines the ideal saddle width. You can have this measured at a specialized bike shop, but you can also do it yourself:

Take a piece of cardboard or aluminum foil and place it on a hard surface.
Sit on it and lean forward slightly.
Stand up and measure the distance between the deepest prints.
Add 20-30 mm to this to determine the ideal saddle width.

Choose a saddle that matches this measurement. A saddle that is too narrow will not provide enough support and will put pressure on the wrong places. A saddle that is too wide will cause friction and chafing.

Are you still looking for a bicycle saddle that you can easily mount? Then click on the link and discover all bicycle saddles from R2B.

Which saddles are the most comfortable?

There are different saddles designed for specific riding styles and body types. Here are some of the best options:

for racing cyclists : specialized s-works power saddle

This lightweight saddle has a wide cutout and a short nose, which ensures less pressure on the perineum. Perfect for long rides and aerodynamic positions.

for mountain bikers : fizik antares versus evo r3 adaptive

This saddle has a firm base with extra grip, so you don't slide around on technical trails. The cutout in the middle reduces pressure points.

for touring cyclists: brooks b17 standard leather saddle

This classic leather saddle conforms to your body and offers optimum comfort for long rides. It requires a short break-in period, but after that it feels like custom-made.

for city cyclists: ergon sr allroad core comp

An ergonomic saddle with soft padding and a special core to dampen vibrations. Ideal for everyday use in the city.

for triathletes and time trial riders: in combination with pn 3.0 saddle

This saddle has a wide nose and offers extra support for a hunched over posture. Reduces pressure on sensitive areas and improves blood circulation.

the correct saddle height and position

In addition to the right width and shape, the adjustment of your saddle is essential. An incorrectly adjusted saddle leads to knee, back and seat pain.

How do you determine the correct saddle height?

Place your pedal in the lowest position (6 o'clock position).
Place your heel on the pedal.
Your leg should be fully extended without lifting your hip.
When you cycle with your foot in the normal position (ball of the foot on the pedal), your knee remains slightly bent.

Adjusted too high? Then you get pain in your hips and lower back. Too low? Then you put unnecessary strain on your knees.

the correct saddle tilt

A neutral position is usually best: the saddle is horizontal.
A saddle tilted too far forward puts pressure on your wrists and hands.
A saddle that is tilted too far back puts too much pressure on the lower back and tailbone.

Experiment with small adjustments and notice how your body responds.

cycling clothing and extra tips against saddle pain

A good saddle alone is not always enough. Here are some extra tips to keep cycling comfortably:

Wear cycling shorts with a good chamois: This prevents friction and provides extra cushioning.

Avoid wearing underwear under your cycling shorts: Seamless contact with the chamois prevents chafing.

Use chamois cream: This reduces friction and protects your skin from irritation.

vary your posture: Stand up occasionally during long rides to relieve pressure.

Keep your saddle and cycling shorts clean: This prevents bacteria and inflammation.

conclusion: choose wisely for maximum comfort

Finding the perfect bike saddle is a combination of the right width, fit and adjustment. Have your sit bones measured, choose a saddle that suits your riding style and ensure correct mounting. Combine this with the right cycling clothing and care to prevent saddle pain.

Do you really want to cycle without worries? Invest in a good saddle and adjust the adjustment regularly. This way you can enjoy optimal comfort and performance on every ride. 🚴‍♂️

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