Saddles

Great variety - different types of saddles

To meet the needs of cyclists, each bicycle saddle brings a different shape, material, weight and suspension. In this regard, the weight of the bicycle saddles depends largely on the material used to make them. The material, in turn, depends on what the bicycle saddle is used for. For example, bicycle racers need very light saddles so as not to lose power and time due to excess weight.

Most saddles have a more or less wide seat and a narrow, long or shorter saddle nose. The shape of the saddle usually depends on its purpose. Recently, there are also bicycle saddles that do without the saddle nose. This is to ensure one hundred percent relief of the perineum. However, these take some getting used to, since saddle noses provide balance while cycling.
Bicycle saddles with a hole are called perforated saddles. Here, however, care must be taken when buying that this bicycle saddle is adapted to the anatomical conditions of the individual cyclist, otherwise it can come to the opposite effect of the saddle. Another form of saddle is the so-called step saddle. In this bicycle saddle, the saddle nose is slightly lower than the seat. The effect of this step is that the pubic bones do not lie directly on the seat surface - regardless of the particular sitting position. Thus, the perineal area is relieved and the supply lines are not squeezed.

What is important when buying a saddle? What should you look for when buying a saddle?

A saddle that optimally fits your needs is a decisive factor for high comfort and best performance. When buying, you should make sure that the saddle meets your requirements and riding style (see bike type). It must also be adapted to the anatomical characteristics of the cyclist. A ischial tuberosity analysis is best suited for this purpose. The ischial tuberosity distance is measured to determine the correct saddle width.

If you often ride short distances or only in the city, you will need a wide and soft saddle, as the predominantly upright position when riding puts a lot of strain on the spine. High-quality leather and a strong suspension make bike tours in the city a single sitting pleasure.

In mountain biking, on the other hand, the bicycle saddle must be very durable in order to absorb shocks and impacts when biking over rough terrain. The same requirements apply to the bicycle saddle for dirt biking. It, too, must be extremely durable and resilient.

Fans of bike touring, triathlon, or sport or road biking should go for a stepped saddle. Gel padding and a practical Light Foam filling absorb shocks from the ground and thus offer absolute seating comfort. The elongated groove at the transition from the saddle nose to the seat surface promotes blood circulation in the pubic area and thus ensures a one hundred percent supply of blood to the abdomen even on long bike rides. This bike saddle was developed with the help of racers, after whose different sitting positions the saddle was designed.

Which saddle is the right one? How do I adjust the saddle correctly?

Depending on the type of cycling the saddle will be used for, you should make sure that it meets the requirements of that type of cycling. In addition, it must be adapted to the anatomical characteristics of the cyclist. Finally, the saddle must also fit.
In general, the bicycle saddle should be aligned horizontally. If you want to be absolutely sure, you can use a spirit level to help you. The saddle height is adjusted according to the height of the rider. The optimum seat height is when the cyclist's leg is still slightly bent at the lowest pedal position.

Sitting posture

Your seating posture determines which part of your pelvis comes into contact with the saddle. The comfortable riding position is the most upright, while the aerodynamic riding position is the most forward bent.

This means that the more upright the rider's sitting position on the bike, the wider the saddle should be. A firmer saddle is more suitable for longer tours than a soft one.

Therefore, it is important to determine and analyze the sitting posture. After that, a saddle category can be chosen. To find the optimal size (width, fit) is a seat bone distance analysis necessary.

Why is there a slit in the saddle?

This hole is called a "relief hole." The idea: the sensitive pubic area is relieved, and the pressure slowly increases from there towards the ischial bone. But the opening has another important function, through it the saddle becomes flexible.

Saddle parts and terms

The following terms should be explained to help you find your way around and know your way around when choosing the best saddle.

1. Arch
   The camber of a saddle is the shape of its cross-section. However, it is much more than just the width of a saddle. In fact, the camber determines the angle at which your bone structure meets the saddle.

2. Profile
   The profile of a saddle shows up in the side view. It determines how much you can move forward or backward on the saddle. The profile can affect how much your pelvis is tilted forward on the saddle.

3. Contour
   The contour of a saddle shows up in the top view. It affects how far forward or back you sit on the saddle surface.

4. Saddle stays
   The stays connect the saddle to the seat post of your bike. They can be made of aluminum or lightweight carbon and allow you to move the saddle forward or backward to find your optimal setting.
   
5. Recesses
   A saddle with a cutout has material missing from the center of the saddle. Recesses are designed to reduce pressure on soft tissue. Contour Relief Zones (CRZ) - or dimples in the foam padding - can serve the purpose of a cutout in many cases and still provide support.