3 Tips to Help You Find the Right Bicycle Saddle Shape
Your saddle impacts your cycling performance more than you may realize. From the height of the saddle to its angle, getting it right can be the difference between a comfortable cycling experience and a truly hellish one. That being said, if you are here today to maximize your saddle for cycling performance, you're in luck,
Today, we're going to talk about saddle shapes and how to get the right shape to maximize your cycling performance:
1. Know Your Riding Style
When you are figuring out the right saddle for you, you have to consider your riding style.
If you're looking for a saddle that you're going to be using for long, epic rides, a more rounded saddle is going to be your best bet. If you have a more upright riding style, you should probably be looking for a saddle with a shorter nose and a wider, rounded shape.
If you are looking for a more aggressive, race-focused saddle, then you'll want to consider a longer nose with a much more narrow and linear design.
2. Consider Your Body Type and Build
Consider the overall feel of your body and the size and shape of your sit bones when determining the right saddle for you.
For example, if you have a narrow build, you'll want to look for a wider saddle. If you have a larger build, you'll probably want to widen your saddle as well. Some cyclists with larger builds even prefer to ride with no-nose saddles to allow them to easily straddle the bike.
Also, think about your natural posture. If you have to lean over to ride or if you tend to sit with a slight arch in your back, then you should consider a saddle with a shorter nose. Riders with this posture find that a long nose at the front of the saddle causes the rider to lean over too far, which can cause discomfort.
For riders that tend to have a more upright posture and sit with a low back, you might prefer a saddle with a longer nose.
3. Consider Your Riding Environment
Where do you ride most often? Do you spend most of your time on pavement, or do you spend the majority of your time on dirt? If you're riding off-road more often, you'll probably want a more aggressive saddle design that can withstand the punishment of rocks and sticks.
If you are racing more frequently, you may need a saddle that offers a more narrow and pointed nose. This design allows you to attack the curves, switchbacks and climbs with more precision and controlled power.
Conclusion
The right saddle can make all the difference when it comes to your experience on the bike. Choosing the right saddle can make your rides more comfortable and more fun while choosing the wrong saddle can have the opposite effect. So whether you're a pro or a beginner, the right saddle is an essential part of your riding gear. Take the time to consider all of the factors above, and consider reaching out to experienced cyclists for their advice. This will help you boost your chances of picking the right saddle to ensure the perfect cycling experience!
Cushbike sells premium comfort bicycle seats and various other biking accessories to give riders the best biking experience possible. If you are looking to purchase bicycle saddles in the UK, check out our store!