Articles Discovery on the cycling road Mr Old Man THE STORY OF BICYCLE SADDLES By Mr Old Man Posted on 21 hours ago 5 min read 0 0 7 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr For a cyclist, finding the perfect saddle is like finding a lifelong companion—it harmonizes everything, causing no pain or discomfort even on long journeys. Some are lucky or knowledgeable enough to find the right one quickly, while others have to go through several saddles before discovering the perfect fit. Get comfortable with the right MTB saddle Choosing the Right Saddle No two people are alike, and a saddle that works well for one person may not suit another. That’s why saddles come in so many different shapes and styles. Men’s MTB saddles Men’s saddles differ from women’s. Men should opt for saddles with a cutout or a depression to improve airflow and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Women, on the other hand, should choose saddles with a wider and rounder nose for better comfort. Women’s saddles While the cycling world offers many unisex accessories, saddles designed specifically for women do exist. Women typically have wider pelvic bones, so their saddles are broader and do not necessarily need a central cutout like men’s saddles. Different types of riding also require different saddles—downhill saddles are different from those for MTB, gravel, touring, or road cycling. Brooks Touring saddle. Remember to bring a saddle cover in case of rain Road saddle Touring Saddles: Don’t Forget a Rain Cover! Saddle shape should also match the rider’s flexibility. Less flexible riders who tend to shift around should choose a round saddle. More flexible riders can use a flat saddle, while highly flexible cyclists should opt for a slightly curved one. A Soft Saddle Isn’t Always the Most Comfortable Contrary to popular belief, a soft saddle is not always the most comfortable choice. In fact, a firmer saddle is better for cyclists who spend long hours on their bikes. Oh, my butt hurts! Proper Installation and Adjustment Are Crucial Even after choosing the right saddle, it won’t be comfortable unless it is installed and adjusted correctly. Experienced cyclists or bike shop professionals can help measure your sit bone width and leg height to ensure precise saddle fitting and positioning. Test Rides Are Essential There’s a saying: hearing a hundred times isn’t as good as seeing once, seeing a hundred times isn’t as good as touching once, but touching a hundred times isn’t as good as trying it out. A common mistake is visiting a bike shop, squeezing and pressing different saddles to decide which one to buy. This method doesn’t guarantee a perfect saddle choice. Buying online can be even riskier, as you may only realize the saddle doesn’t suit you once you’ve received it. If possible, install the saddle and ride for a few dozen kilometers to see if it truly feels comfortable. Adjust the saddle to the right position The Ultimate Comfort Formula No matter the saddle or the distance, a good pair of cycling bib shorts will always make your ride more comfortable. Perfect Saddle + Proper Adjustment + Quality Bib Shorts = Maximum Comfort ——— Mr. Old Man