TAKE THE OUCH! OUT OF YOUR BIKE SADDLE
By Sheila Ascroft
BICYCLE SADDLES can be uncomfortable, whether
you’re big or small, fit or flabby.
This awkward fact comes about because cycling
balances most of your weight on two tiny “sit bones”
(ischial tuberosities to the medically curious). The longer
you ride, the more pressure on your butt. The right
saddle for your body and weight can significantly up the
comfort of your ride.
Choosing the right one starts with saddle width – wide
enough to accommodate the spacing between those
sit bones. Saddles for women are generally wider than
men’s because theirs are wider-spaced. Heavy riders may
need a slightly wider saddle than average-weight cyclists
to support a larger butt.
But if the saddle is too wide, it leads to rubbing or
chaffing. It’s tempting to go to extremes to cushion your
tush with the widest, most-cushioned saddle, but more
isn’t always better. Too much cushioning can actually
put unnecessary pressure on your sensitive parts. This
happens when the foam or gel padding gets squished
and balloons up in areas where you don’t want it.
So, go for a saddle that has the least amount of
cushioning you’re comfortable riding on.
Something what feels great for an hour’s ride may
be too soft for three hours. So think about the kind of
cycling you normally do. A harder saddle can take some
getting used to, but over time you’ll have more support
and a comfy derrière.
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Durability matters.
Foam saddles break down
over time, so you will
need to replace it more
often. Leather saddles
can be a great for heavy
riders because they are
extremely durable and,
after the initial break-in,
become moulded to the
rider’s individual anatomy.
And get a saddle with rails made of durable metal,
such as chromoly or titanium. Carbon fibre rails are best
for lightweight cyclists.
Finally, it’s an imperfect two-wheeled world and most
cyclists have saddle soreness at some point, even with
the right saddle. If you feel too much pressure in your
crotch, you could get padded cycling shorts, which help
absorb road vibration and protect against chaffing. Or
use a chamois cream on sensitive skin.
And maybe it’s not the saddle but its position on your
bike. Is it level or tilted? It’s best to start with it level.
Perhaps the saddle to too far forward or back, maybe the
seat post is too high or too low. All these things can hurt.
The best solution could be a proper bike fitting.
Shops will do a fit when you buy a new bike. Some
are more thorough than others – eyeball versus
actual measurement. Otherwise it costs anywhere
from $75 to $300. Φ
OTTAWAOUTDOORS | 17