Choosing the right saddle for your bike

La bike saddle is a part made up of many elements: the rails, which allow the saddle to be mounted on the seat post. They can be made from aluminum, steel, titanium, or even carbon on the higher performance models.

Then the hull of the bicycle saddle is covered with a coating. Depending on the areas of the bicycle saddle, the padding located under this covering will be more or less thick.

The bicycle saddle is a crucial element of riding comfort. Indeed, it is the only part of the bike that comes into direct contact with the cyclist. It is therefore important to choose a good bicycle saddle according to your morphology and your riding habits.

Selection criteria

Among the possible criteria in choosing a saddle, here are the main ones to take into account to choose the right one.

1 - Profiles:

Round : this type of saddle is generally suitable for long distances and for cyclists looking for comfort. The weight is generally better distributed and the shape limits long-term overheating.

Flat : this saddle is designed for short distances and/or high intensity efforts. It is suitable for cyclists who require regular position changes.

Semi-rounded: the saddle is designed with an intermediate shape between round and flat, it makes it possible to offer a versatile saddle model.

2 - The central channel:

The central channel can be hollowed out or perforated. This reduces pressure on the perineum area and prevents numbness. This channel is valuable for cyclists who have good back flexibility and who have a sporty position on their bike. The perforated space relieves the central pressure to better distribute the weight on the seat.

3 - The width of the seat:

The width of the pelvis directly affects the distance between the support points of the seat bones, which are the 2 points of contact with the saddle. For a wider pelvis, a slightly wider than average saddle is recommended, and vice versa. The classic saddle width is around 135mm.

Position on the bike also affects saddle width. The higher your position (recreational), the more weight you put on it. In this case, a slightly wider saddle is recommended. Indeed, your weight is distributed differently between the seat, the handlebars and the pedals depending on whether you are in a sporty or more upright position. Be careful, a seat that is too wide can interfere with pedaling and cause friction on the inside of the thighs.

4 - The length of the saddle:

A short saddle is less than 250 mm in length. It allows you to position yourself at the back of the bike on steep descents, and to find your position more quickly. Standing on the pedals, the short saddle has less risk of friction on the thighs.

The long saddle measures over 250mm. It allows you to move on the saddle depending on the phase of the ride or the race (at the front during strong acceleration). The position is less instinctive to find at first.

5 - The material of the shell and the rails:

The shell material can be of different kinds. Mostly, you find nylon, carbon, composite, magnesium or plastic saddles. Your choice should be about comfort and flexibility.

Opt for a flexible shell in nylon material with padding suitable for long outings.

If you want to practice mountain biking in a sportier way, choose a rigid carbon shell.

For rails, the different materials, as for bicycle frames, have their own technical characteristics. Carbon remains the best choice in terms of comfort and weight.

• Titanium: the most comfortable, with a contained weight.

• Steel: relatively comfortable.

• Aluminum: relatively light.

• Carbon: the lightest, and very comfortable.

Your practice should also guide your choice. Over long distances, it promotes comfort and therefore the filtration of vibrations. Carbon should therefore be avoided and titanium preferred. The carbon rails are obviously light and also absorb vibrations well. On the other hand, they are not suitable for all types of saddle clamp because of their often oval shape.