Choosing A Saddle For Your Road Bike - FAQs And Answers

Whether you are a veteran or just starting out in your cycling hobby, comfort is an essential component. Riding on an uncomfortable saddle may affect the overall experience, negatively affect performance, and may cause excessive soreness after the ride. Nobody wants that. This is why choosing the right saddle is crucial. 

Cycling is a sport, and with this comes some level of pain and discomfort. However, many beginner cyclists tolerate the pain of an uncomfortable ride because of the lack of knowledge about bicycle saddles. The rest of this article will shed some light on this topic and hopefully help you check if your saddle is the right fit for you.

Choosing A Saddle For Your Road Bike: FAQs And Answers

Let us help you get the right seat for your bike. With the right seat, you will not need to worry about getting sore after a long ride. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you narrow down your search and get the saddle you need.

1 - Is more cushioning better?

It may be a misconception to think that more padding or cushioning means increased comfort. While this may be true for a sofa or a lounge chair, the same cannot be said for bike saddles. In this case, less is definitely more. You want to go for a firmer seat that will offer support when you sit on the saddle. Remember that you will not only spend a few minutes on sitting on the bike seat. This is why you need to choose one that will offer comfort and support at the same time. 

If you are a beginner, you don’t need to get the firmest cushion. However, it is wise not to get one that is too soft either. Go for less cushioning and a firmer pad.

2 - What shape is best?

There are many choices when it comes to bike saddles. Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution in this category. You need to find a saddle that will be correlational to your sit bones. You should choose a saddle that is neither too narrow nor too wide. Many have the perception of the cushioning (or lack of it) being the cause of discomfort, but many times, it may be caused by an ill-fitting saddle. Most bike shops will be able to help you measure and figure out which size will work best for you. You should also look into adjusting the height and angle of the seat, for optimal comfort. 

3 - How much pain is too much?

How much pain should you tolerate? Cyclists usually expect some pain because of the muscle strain they endure when they ride their bikes. However, this pain should only be temporary. Even if you are a beginner and it is your very first time riding, the pain should not typically last for more than a day. If you have intense pain that doesn’t seem to subside, and if the pain intensifies when you ride, there may be something wrong with your bike saddle. 

Conclusion

Getting the right saddle that will suit your needs will make your ride that much more comfortable and enjoyable. Now that you are armed with the information on how to find the perfect bike seat, you know what considerations to think about when you buy a new one. Take note that no new bike saddle will be like sitting on a sofa. Normally, there will still be some discomfort but that will be caused by the exercise and muscle strain that comes with cycling. While cyclists are no stranger to pain, by choosing the right saddle for your bike, you will be able to enjoy a fun and comfortable (to an extent!) ride.

If you are looking to improve your performance and lessen the pain when you ride, you can find the best saddle to fit your needs at Cushbike. Whether you need a wide bike seat, waterproof bike seat or even bicycle LED lights, we have it all for you! Come in and check out how we can improve your cycling experience.