Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Padded Saddles

Many cyclists tend to ask the same questions when it comes to buying a new saddle.

"Which saddle is the most comfortable one?" 

In fact, this is the wrong question to ask because the most comfortable saddle is the one that fits your body. There is no such thing as "the most" comfortable saddle for everyone, and even the most comfortable saddle for you is still only comfortable, not pain-free.

Your saddle should be firm, with no padding. Padding allows your sit bone to sink in and effectively shortens your legs. A saddle should be flat and firm, in order to ensure that, as your legs splay to the side, they do so on the saddle and not in the air. A comfortable saddle has a base and edges that are close to your sit bones. It should fit your body, not the other way around. Look for a saddle that is made for the type of riding you'll be doing and is the right proportion for your size.

How Much Padding Should You Have

Padded saddles are most popular with people who don't like to ride long distances and who spend a lot of time sitting on their saddles. In short, they're popular with people who don't ride often or very far, or who have soft bodies. The longer you ride, the more important a firm, flat-bottomed saddle becomes and the less you notice any discomfort, let alone pain.

As almost every cycling saddle has a nose padding, it's not recommended to use a saddle that has no padding, as this can cause chafing from the nose.

What Is the Best Shape for You

If you're a cyclist who spends most of the time in the saddle, you'll prefer a narrow, flat saddle. If you are a cyclist who likes to stay out of the saddle, you'll be better off with a wider, rounder saddle.

If you have a wide pelvic girth, look for a saddle with a wide and flat nose. If you have a narrow pelvic girth, a saddle with a narrower nose and a fast curvature would be a better choice.

How Important Is the Shape of the Saddle

There is no single saddle shape that is best for everyone. Unless you are a professional cyclist, you don't need to worry about saddle shapes or the saddle nose or tail. You can choose a saddle that is the best fit for your body, and the shape will automatically fit your body and your position on the bike.

As a rule of thumb, a saddle for a road bike will usually have a gentle bend in the nose and tail that is meant to be low enough to put your cleats in when pedalling. The saddle is also shorter than a racing saddle, to allow you to move your legs as they buzz with exercise.

What Is the Best Material for a Saddle

If you are a serious cyclist and you ride at least 300 miles a week and you have a team sponsor that provides you with a bike and a saddle and you replace your saddle every 3 months, you may want to consider a saddle with a more expensive material than the mainstream carbon-fibre saddles, which are made from carbon fibre, polyurethane and other polymers.

If you are a serious cyclist with a team you might want to consider a saddle made from titanium or even a saddle made from bicarbonate.

On the other hand, if you use your bike to commute to work, ride to the grocery store, or to cycle to the beach, you don't need to worry about your saddle.

Carbon fibre is almost as comfortable as anything else, and it's much lighter than anything else, except for foam.

Conclusion

The final choice is up to you. It is important to remember that your saddle is as personal as your favourite pair of sneakers. That's why it's best to choose a saddle that is the right size for your body. You can't go wrong if you choose the saddle that fits your body, regardless of the materials it is made from.

Cushbike provides a wide variety of bike saddles that suit your needs and preferences. Let us help you find a saddle that fits you best. Shop for your new bike saddle today!