Every bicycle, new or second-hand, comes with saddle. However, while the bike may be perfect, that saddle may not be the right one for you. New bikes come with a saddle that’s made for an average sized rider on that particular frame size. Male or female, here’s how to find the right saddle for you.
A Medium frame-size bike will likely come with a saddle that’s small-to-medium in width. A Large frame size bike will have a saddle that’s medium-to-large in width. Fine for the average rider perhaps. But we aren’t all average. One tall rider may be skinny and have narrow sit-bones, while another tall rider may be a former rugby player, with wide sit-bones. They may ride the same size frame, but their saddle widths will differ.
Women generally have wider sitbones than men of a similar stature. Not all women though, but most, which is why women-specific saddles have gradually been phased down, with saddle brands placing more emphasis on width, shape, material and density. Some bicycle saddles have a cut-out centre section to reduce pressure even further.
Of course, until your bike set-up is correct, you won’t really know just how suitable your saddle is for you. A professional bike fitter will spend a good deal of time on your position and contact points (feet, hands and backside). The fitter will measure your sitbone width to ensure your current saddle is appropriate. If it isn’t he/she will recommend the most appropriate saddle for you.
Highly conditioned, super-fit riders mostly perch on their saddles, often in a crouched racing position. Most recreational riders on the other hand, sit more firmly on their saddles in a more upright position. There are ideal saddles for both riders, designed to offer support in the right areas and to ensure optimal comfort.
Lightweight saddles are made from expensive materials, such as carbon rails and 3D printed liquid polymer and obviously cost more than a regular saddle, which costs less and where comfort and durability are more of a priority than weight.
Specialized has invested significantly in saddle research and development through its Body Geometry division and has wide a range of saddles that are highly rated globally. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from your saddle, speak to a sales consultant at Lynnwood Cyclery for advice; or book a fitting with our inhouse fitment professional, Marcel here: https://www.lynnwoodcyclery.co.za/pages/retul-studio . Even if your saddle is right for you, you may just need to be properly set up.
Check out the range of road saddles, mountain bike saddles, gravel bike saddles and eBike saddles we stock at Lynnwood Cyclery here: https://www.lynnwoodcyclery.co.za/collections/saddles?page=1
Author, Lynnwood Cyclery