Picking out the right saddle

Wondering how to choose the right seat for you? Here are some important things to consider when researching.

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A good one will support you where its needed and relieve pressure where its not wanted. There are grooves and cut outs in the saddle to do this.

This is one of the most important pieces of equipment you could invest in on your bike.

Nothing is more forgettable than comfortable bicycle seats. The less attention it brings to its self the better. Take your seat in your car for instance, you get in you, drive and for get about it. A bike saddle (seat) is as personal as it gets. After all this this seat is in your business.

The longer the ride the better the bike seat must fit you. If it can't contour to your shape and accommodate your needs it dose not belong on your bike. A seat is mainly supporting your sit bones. Saddle's do come in different widths to accommodate your sit bones.

A good bike shop should have this measuring device. A comfortable bike seat, especially a bike you spend a long period of time seated on such as a road bike is essential. A good example of this is people riding centuries or heck! Even five miles.

I kid you not when I say this, Specialized Bicycle Company has one they call the Assometer. This is a soft piece of foam that you sit on which measures the impressions from your sit bones. This will then tell you the correct width for you. They generally have 3-4 sizes of widths.

Options for your body type and style of riding

Once you dial in the correct bike seat width. You still have options to fine tune to your particular riding type and style.

Wondering how to choose the right seat (comfortable) for you? Here are some important things to consider when researching.

• Do you ride a road bike?
• Or mountain bike?
• Ride Centuries?
• Commute?
• Ride BMX or criuser?
• Do you race?
• Male or female?
• Suffer from any existing problems?

There are cut outs and groves running the length of the saddle to relieve pressure for both men and women. If you have a specific riding discipline such as triathlons you may find that the nose of the saddle is bent downward to allow for better aerodynamics. On the other extreme, downhill riders can choose a saddle that offers more rear tire clearance on suspension bikes.

Bottom Line (pun intended)

Be a conscious rider and pay attention to your body. Sharp pains or numbness could be a sign that you need a seat more suited to you. You don't have to settle for less, you have options. After answering some of the above questions you should have enough information to give to your local bike shop, so that they may further assist you.