How do I find the right bike saddle?
“Which saddle is right for me?” Many cyclists ask themselves this question, especially if they experience discomfort when cycling. The right saddle often makes the difference between a pleasant ride or experiencing discomfort that spoils your enjoyment of the ride. Dr. Kim Tofaute, one of Europe's leading sports ergonomists explains in his FAQ video : “A suitable saddle and an optimal riding position can prevent pain and long-term health problems.” Here you will find everything you need to know to select the perfect saddle for your bike, whether it's an e-bike, road bike or mountain bike.
Why is the right saddle important?
An unsuitable saddle can lead to pain and numbness, especially in the perineal and genital areas or on the sit bones. In the long term, this can lead to health problems such as circulatory disorders or even nerve damage. Correctly adjusted, ergonomic bike saddles , on the other hand, promote a healthy riding position, increase riding comfort and improve your performance.
Which bike saddle is right for me?
To find the right saddle for your bike, you need to consider various factors:
Riding position:
City bikes and road bikes are not the same. Depending on the riding style and type of bike, the riding position varies and so do the requirements for the saddle.
Sit bone width:
The width of your sit bones is very important for the correct saddle width.
Gender:
Due to differences in anatomy, men and women require different saddles. For example, the pubic arch is usually significantly lower in women. This is why there are saddles specifically designed for men and women.
Riding duration and distance:
A different saddle is required for longer rides on the road or mountain than for short distances in the city.
Suitable padding:
The padding of the saddle should match the intended use. While soft padding is comfortable on short distances, firmer padding offers better support and reduces friction on long distances. Your body weight also plays a role here.
The riding position – as important as the saddle itself
An incorrect adjustment, even if it is only a few centimetres or even millimeters, can negate the advantages of the best saddle. Here are some tips for achieving the optimum riding position:
Saddle height:
the height of the saddle should be adjusted so that the legs are slightly bent at the lowest point of the pedals when pedaling. This enables efficient power transmission while seated and reduces pressure on the knees.
Saddle tilt:
A neutral/level position is most comfortable for most riders. A slightly forward sloping saddle tip can further reduce pressure on the perineal area.
Handlebar position:
The handlebars should be adjusted so that the rider sits in a slightly forward and relaxed position. This relieves pressure on the back and shoulders.
Saddle setback:
The setback determines the distance between the handlebars and saddle. Only with the right setting can you achieve an ergonomic and efficient power transmission.
Special requirements for e-bike riders:
E-bikes often require special saddles, as the sitting position and the load can vary due to the electric assist. An ergonomic e-bike saddle can significantly increase comfort and maximize riding pleasure.
If you need more information and tips on determining the correct setting for your riding position, you can find all the details here . Tip: Why not try our Fitting Box ?
Which saddle shape is right for me?
The shape of the saddle and the saddle’s width play a key role in comfort:
Wide saddle:
Suitable for upright riding positions, including touring and city bikes. Provides more padding and comfort.
Narrow saddle:
Ideal for athletic riding positions, such as road, gravel or MTB. Allows more freedom of movement and reduces friction on the inner thighs.
Saddle nose length:
Depending on what kind of bike you are riding and exactly where you are sitting on the saddle (e.g. traithlon), you will need a longer or shorter saddle nose.
Ergonomic relief:
Many saddles have a recess in the middle, called the relief channel, to reduce pressure on the genital area and allow better ventilation.
The padding makes all the difference
The right padding on the seat can noticeably improve comfort, but it must be precisely matched to the rider and the riding style. Padding that is too soft can cause the buttocks to sink in and increase pressure on the sit bones and sensitive areas of the body. The ideal padding represents a compromise between comfort, shock absorption and friction reduction, which is adjusted slightly differently for each cycling discipline. It is therefore very important to ride a saddle specifically developed for your gender and your intended use, which offers optimum pressure distribution and the best possible relief from pressure peaks.
Tips for avoiding pain when cycling
Of course, the right saddle is not the end of the story. It is one factor of many that is responsible for a noticeably better riding experience. Here are some tips for avoiding pain that go beyond simply choosing a saddle:
Grips:
Just like the saddle, your bike grips should be right for your riding style.
Bar tape:
If you are riding drop bars, the handlebar tape should be tailored to your intended use.
Pedals and shoes:
Of course, your pedals and your shoes also contribute to riding comfort and good performance. Ergon offers special bike insoles for your footwear .
The right interaction:
You can only get the most out of your bike if all the components on your bike are correctly matched to each other and have the correct distance between them. The Ergon Bike Fitting Box helps you to set up your bike perfectly.
Take regular breaks:
On long rides, you should take regular breaks to reduce the physical strain.
You can also watch these and many other tips in our videos on the topics of bike saddle adjustment , saddle selection and the ideal bike saddle .
Conclusion: How do I find the perfect bike saddle?
As you can see, choosing the right bike saddle and your riding comfort depends on many individual factors. As a leading manufacturer of ergonomic bike accessories, we at Ergon can help you make the right decision: You can find advice in the many helpful videos on our YouTube channels , and our Ergonomics Guide .
