How to choose your road bike saddle? 6 criteria to consider
Let's start by busting a myth. No, a sore ass is not normal! Choosing the right saddle is a crucial part of any cyclist's equipment, but it's far from simple. A saddle is chosen according to your morphology (pelvis width), your riding style, your budget and, above all, the way you feel... Follow the guide, and I'll help you to get a clearer idea of the criteria to consider.
The importance of saddle fitting
The right saddle is hardly noticeable. On the other hand, the wrong choice of saddle can quickly turn a long ride into a nightmare. When it’s not adapted, a saddle is often a source of pain and discomfort: rubbing, irritation, sores, support pains…
Pain, discomfort and discomfort on a bicycle saddle are only considered tolerable in 2 situations: when you start riding again (when you haven’t ridden for a long time) and/or during a “long outing”.
1. Saddle width
First and foremost, it’ s essential to know what saddle width to choose. To do this, you need to use a buttock measurement device. This tool determines your ischial width = the distance between the ischials. Be careful! A “developed” or wide-looking buttock does not mean you have a wide pelvis!
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This determines the saddle width you need. We often recommend a saddle width about 20 to 30 mm wider than the ischial distance.
Home-made tip
You can make this measurement at home using fairly thick cardboard. Place the piece of cardboard on a hard surface (wooden stool, step, etc.) and sit on it. Knees should be slightly bent up (feel free to put your feet up on a step stool) and torso bent forward.
When you stand up, you’ll see 2 small indentations , which are the tracks of your ischials. All you have to do is measure the distance between them.
A saddle that’s too narrow is often the cause of instability in the saddle, while one that’s too wide can lead to excessive pressure and/or reduced mobility in the hips and pelvis. In both cases, the risk of rubbing and irritation increases considerably.
2. Saddle length
The length of the saddle depends above all on the length of the saddle lip – the front part. There’s no absolute truth about which is better, a long or a short seat lip, but… In the course of the postural studies I’ve been able to carry out, it turns out that cyclists experience less support pain with short seat beaks.
In simple terms, a saddle with a long mouthpiece is more likely to crush soft tissue. This is often compensated for by a greater forward inclination. This can increase pressure on the hands, and have repercussions on tension in the shoulders or the whole back (cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions). This type of saddle is best suited to “savvy” cyclists who are used to it, or to people with developed thighs who need to reduce friction.
A short mouthpiece will give you more room for manoeuvre in terms of positioning: a non-optimal saddle position will be more tolerable and less deleterious!
3. Saddle shape
There are a multitude of different saddles, but we often differentiate between “T” shapes VS “V” shapes , and flat VS curved.
T or V
Different morphologies are often decisive here. T” shapes leave more room for movement for people with well-developed thighs (in fact, they often have a slightly longer saddle lip to reduce friction).
Flat or curved
I tend to prefer (perhaps my physio side) flat saddles, which allow greater mobility for the rider in the saddle. On the other hand, curved saddles can provide better support for people with lumbar problems (inversion of lumbar curvature, frequent lumbago…).
Be careful: working on mobility and reinforcement can sometimes bring more benefits than just reinforcing the problem by offering an “easy” solution.
A discussion with your medical and paramedical team (if any) and your experienced salesperson will help you decide!
4. Solid or hollow?
The holes in the center of the stool are designed to reduce pressure on the perineum and improve blood circulation in sensitive areas, but here too there is no absolute truth.
My favorite in terms of value for money
Spé offers a great compromise between the 2 : the power mimic (available in several versions). It has an open frame but a closed cover! It therefore offers the advantages of a perforated saddle, but with a cover that prevents pinching.
A hollowed-out saddle will effectively relieve the pressure on the genital area. On the other hand, having a hole will increase the pressure on the remaining surface, and the edges may be a little protruding and injure the soft parts. The photo below shows the Specialized Power Comp saddle , with its hollowed-out central channel to free up the genital area, and medium-density foam padding to avoid hyper-pressure on the remaining surface.
Solid saddles allow pressure to be distributed over a wider surface, and may appear more comfortable to some. In the photo below, this is the Specialized Bridge Sport saddle, a good compromise for those wavering between road and trail, and also ideal for those on a budget. The wide, flat profile provides good stability, and the central channel allows soft tissues to be freed up a little.
5. Padded or not?
So… to each her own. A softer saddle is not necessarily more comfortable. The type of padding (foam, gel, nylon…) is no guarantee of comfort, and soft saddles can sag over time.
Be careful to differentiate between pain caused by an unsuitable saddle VS pain caused by unsuitable cycling shorts (too big, too small, worn or poor-quality chamois, etc.). I invite you to read my article“How to choose your women’s cycling shorts” on this subject.
3D printing saddles
The latest are the 3D-printed saddles (a combination of rigidity and comfort). Personally, this is what I’m testing at the moment. Seat comfort is very pleasant. The perforated side provides good ventilation and wicks away perspiration.
The anti-slip coating on the saddle can have both advantages and disadvantages: it limits the sensation of sliding forward and allows you to tolerate greater saddle angles; on the other hand, it can create some heat if the shorts are ill-fitting.
6. Aluminum or carbon rails?
The rails are the metal part under the saddle that allow you to attach your saddle to your bike (on the seatpost). This is also the area that allows you to move your saddle forward or backward to adjust your position. Please note that carbon rails are oval, while aluminum rails are round: check the compatibility of your saddle carriage!
If you’re looking to save a few grams, your choice will be carbon rails. These models are often much “stiffer” and preferred by the pros. However, you’ll need a few kilometers on the clock to notice the difference. And don’t forget the price: these models are much more expensive (prices almost double!).
You can have an alternative with titanium rails, round in shape, a little lighter than aluminum and less rigid than carbon. Here’s an example with the Power Mimic, available with titanium rails.
A glamorous moment
Now that we’ve covered all the technicalities, let’s talk about skin care. The saddle/shorts combo can cause irritation, sores, ingrown hairs and other problems.
A few before-during-after routines can limit the damage! Don’t hesitate:
- Moisturize your skin regularly (like your daily face cream routine).
- Use a greasy substance during your outings (Vaseline, butt cream, SOS rubs, etc.).
- Wash thoroughly with a pH-neutral soap when you return from your outings, and re-moisturize the area (if necessary with a repair cream).
- To remove ingrown hairs before they become abscesses (yes, yes. With tweezers. It’s unpleasant but effective).
Talking of hair, don’t hesitate to find the “timing” that suits you in terms of shaving or waxing, depending on your rate of regrowth and your tendency to get ingrown hairs or not. The latest advice suggests that permanent hair removal is a practical (but costly) alternative to avoid these inconveniences.
Conclusion
Choosing a road bike saddle is no easy task, as it has a direct impact on your comfort and performance. Take into account your morphology, your riding style and your personal preferences to choose the saddle that suits you best. Don’t hesitate to test several models and adjust your position on the bike (including a postural study if necessary) to find the perfect balance: a good, ill-fitting saddle can feel uncomfortable!
Once you’ve found the right model, you’ll be able to ride longer and more comfortably , whatever your riding style. Some saddles originally designed for the road end up on gravels or travel bikes if all the parameters are right!
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