How to Choose a Bike Saddle: A complete guide to choosing a bike seat. Bicycle saddle: what it can be and how to choose it Bicycle seat for women

09.08.2023

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Choosing a comfortable saddle that suits your particular riding style is often much more difficult than. Since every person's body is unique, a saddle that is perfect for one rider may not be the right fit for another and may even cause pain while riding. Comfort saddles are predominantly found on beach bikes, commuting bikes, hybrid bikes and all other upright bikes.

When cycling for a long time, any saddle will sooner or later cause discomfort. Moreover, increasing the amount of stuffing material does not always give a positive result. If the saddle is not designed correctly, then the padding material, which would seem to increase comfort, may, on the contrary, only worsen the situation - you will still feel pressure on the soft tissues, numbness and pain.

Our ranking of the best comfortable bike saddles were selected based on their ergonomic design, ability to circulate blood in soft tissues, and comfort. These are fairly cheap saddles - they will be affordable for every cyclist. In any case, be sure to test it at your local bike shop before using it.

The Expedition Gel saddle provides the highest level of comfort from the first ride. Thanks to the patented V-shaped Body Geometry design, squeezing of those areas of the body in which it is very important to maintain normal blood circulation is prevented. Additional comfort is provided by a gel filler. This model is ideal for upright bikes such as beach bikes and commuting hybrid bikes. This comfortable saddle is available to most cyclists at just $40, making it very inexpensive to upgrade your bike. A large amount of padding does not always improve comfort, but in the Specialized Expedition Gel model, its amount is optimal.

Rating: 5 / 5.

Like some of the other models on our list, Serfas RX Cruiser has a cutout that effectively protects soft tissues from unwanted pressure. The dual density base is half foam and half gel. Thanks to the balanced design of the saddle, you will not feel any discomfort even after many hours spent on the bike. Like most comfort saddles, this model is designed to be fitted to upright riding bikes. The Serfas RX Cruiser is the most expensive of all the models in our ranking, but by and large, all comfortable saddles are affordable and worth the money - after all, you pay for a comfortable ride on your cruiser or hybrid bike.

Rating: 4.75 / 5.

Electra bikes are known for their great retro design. No less famous are their magnificent saddles, which are distinguished by the highest level of comfort. If you want to buy a comfortable saddle in a classic style, then be sure to look at the Ergo model. Electra saddles are simply beautiful to look at - they are comfortable and pretty saddles. Like most comfort saddles, the Electra Ergo is ideal for hybrid bikes and upright cruisers. As the name suggests, the saddle has an ergonomic design. Damping is provided not by springs, but by means of elastomers. The Electra Ergo is priced at around $50, which is a little higher than the other comfortable saddles on our list, but still reasonably affordable for the average rider's budget.

Not all manufacturers pay attention to the anatomical features of soft saddles, which is so important to ensure maximum comfort. Planet Bike has taken care of that with the classic version of the men's and women's saddles. The Anatomic Relief model has a recess along the entire length, which protects soft tissues from squeezing, in which it is very important to maintain normal blood circulation. And what can not but rejoice, you will not have to overpay for this technology and comfort. At A.R.S. Classic is incredibly low cost, which will be acceptable for any budget. This saddle will fit most touring bikes.

Rating: 4.25 / 5.

Comfort Gel is another worthy model from Planet Bike. She does not have a cutout, but there is only a recess in the center, which nevertheless protects soft tissues well from squeezing. Unlike A.R.S. The Classic Comfort Gel model is equipped not only with SuperSoft padding, but also with an additional gel layer, which makes the saddle even softer. Measuring 6" wide by 10" long, this bike is perfect for just about any rider. This saddle will fit most cruisers and hybrid bikes. Planet Bike Comfort Gel is quite affordable - it costs only $30.

No matter how expensive and cool your bike is, the basic convenience when moving is always a decisive factor.

If you experience discomfort or pain in your buttocks and perineum while riding a bike, it may not be the seat at all. Yes, it is generally accepted that in most of these cases, buying another seat solves the problem at once. However, people who are faced with it, other ways to deal with acute pain are simply unfamiliar.

Therefore, before you go to the store for a new "Captain's Chair" (by the way, his choice is not so obvious and requires quite a tangible investment), I suggest you read the following publication. In it, we'll give you some tips to make your current saddle more comfortable, as well as tell you how to measure your body and choose a new "seat" so that nothing hurts later.

So, if your fifth point gives you anxiety after a short bike ride, then the problem most likely lies in:

incorrect position of the saddle or seatpost;
uncomfortable steering position;
unsuccessful or incorrect design of the saddle itself;
made of poor quality material or heavily worn saddle;
incorrect landing of the rider - a banal reason, which cannot be ruled out;
extra layer between the seat and your body.

How to adjust the saddle position

If pain occurs directly during the trip itself, then in most cases this misfortune can be dealt with by adjusting the position of the saddle, seatpost or steering wheel. And if you are planning to deal with the sore once and for all, then examining these nodes of your “steel horse” is the first thing to start with.

It may also be that the trip causes you real pain, and not some kind of vague “pain”. In this case, you really should consider buying another saddle, but for now, try the following manipulations:

adjust the seat angle,
check if the side angle is set comfortably,
adjust the height of the seatpost,
adjust the steering wheel height
adjust the position of the handlebars so that the seat is comfortable, without unnatural leaning forward or backward.

MichalLudwiczak/Depositphotos.com

In our business today every the millimeter is very important, and even a slight deviation from the ideal angle in terms of landing can lead to the fact that Saturday's trip will turn into torture, the consequences of which will remind you of yourself over the next two to three days. Play with the settings of the saddle, seatpost and all the same handlebars. Be patient: try different options and drive a little to compare their ride comfort.

Remember the fundamental rule: the position of the saddle should be relatively horizontal. If the seat nods or rolls back more than a few degrees, something is probably still wrong: in the first case, you will put undue stress on the arms, wrists and elbows, and in the second case, on the crotch area. Pleasant little, agree.

There is another important point to consider: while riding, not all of your body weight is completely on the seat, and if it was, it would definitely hurt the cyclist. In a good way, the saddle should take on only part of the load when moving, then your weight will be evenly distributed between the areas of the groin and seat, arms and steering wheel.

When you are lucky enough to determine the cherished position of the seat, in which the ride finally begins to bring joy, stop there and no more tilt angles don't change in no case.

For fidelity, you can even mark the desired position with a permanent marker, tape or needle file to perpetuate it in the history of victory over pain. If for some reason the seat has to be removed or moved, you will no longer suffer with it for a long time.

It's all about the clothes

If you're used to wearing loose clothing, or if your ass is the size of the one Kim Kardashian or Nicki Minaj is famous for, then riding can be a painful experience for you. The fact is that the folds of fabric or skin, in contact with the seat, begin to rub when moving, which will inevitably lead to abrasions, and those - to pain in intimate places.

That's why Lycra cycling shorts are so comfortable: with a snug fit, they reduce friction between your body and the bike, just like the designers intended. The material that is used in production tightly presses all the bodily "surpluses", turning them into a smooth and fairly even area of contact with the bicycle saddle. So, if you're the kind of person who rides in loose-fitting clothing, try riding in special Lycra shorts and you'll notice the difference.

eatcute/Depositphotos.com

In general, we want a fairly firm yet slightly springy bike seat. It should not resemble a block of granite, which, obviously, will not bring comfort to your bike ride. On the other hand, it should not be comfortable, like a grandfather's chair, given to him in honor of the next anniversary, because we remember: soft tends to rub.

The purchase of a bicycle seat can be safely compared with the choice of a good orthopedic mattress: it must be firm inside and moderately soft outside.

However, if a saddle with similar parameters has already been found, and the pain is still not replaced by joy from the landscapes flashing by, then it's time to take on fine tuning of the seatpost and the height of the handlebars. Either the problem lurked in the design, or as a performance of the torturer seat.

scukrov/Depositphotos.com

Most bike seats are pear shaped. At the same time, the smoothness of the transition line from the front, narrowest, part of the saddle to its “stern” will affect the comfort during the trip, while the volume of the buttocks as a whole does not play a decisive role in choosing the size you need. Simply put, if your hips are wide, then it is not at all necessary that the saddle in the back of it should be wider.

What really matters is the distance between the edges of the curved branch of the ischium (the body rests on them when we sit). Those points at which our skeleton comes into contact with the bike saddle determine the comfort of landing: if the seat is too wide or narrow for your bones, then in the end it will turn into scuffs and pain.

sciencepics/Depositphotos.com

So how wide should a bike seat be?

Let's start with the fact that each saddle has "cheeks" - protruding semicircles on its back, wide part. Very often the seat is designed in such a way that these ledges are slightly raised up: when you sit down, your sit bones should fall exactly on the extreme points of the hills, under which the lining layer is hidden - it gives a feeling of comfort. By the way, many bike saddles may not have hills on the “cheeks” in the wide part: it all depends on the design.

To find out for sure whether a particular seat suits the parameters of your “exterior”, arm yourself with a tape measure or ruler and measure the distance between the center lines of the anatomical elevations of the seat. Ideally, this distance should be the same as the distance between your sitting bones. As you can see, everything is quite simple.

If everything is more or less clear with the measurements of the seat, then what about the sitting bones? Answer: This is not a problem either. Take a large (about five liters) Zip bag and fill it with flour in such a way that the mass is distributed inside the lying bag in an even layer about 4-5 centimeters thick. Place the bag on the surface of a table or chair and sit down on top (if you're naked, the results will be more accurate, so take it seriously).

Now gently lift off our experimental package. The holes that you now see are the impressions made by your sitting bones. We needed to measure the distance between them. Take the ruler again and measure the distance between the centers of the holes, as well as between their outer edges.

Now let's find out what the data obtained in this way means.

The distance between the centers of the holes (ischial bones) should be approximately equal to the distance between the elevations of the "cheeks" on the bike seat.

The distance between the outer edges of the holes is a parameter that matters when choosing a certain type of seat, for example Brooks: their design provides for the presence of steel frame crossbars. Therefore, if you do not want to crawl bones on the glands, remember the rule: such a seat should be about two centimeters wider than the distance between the outer edges of your prints on the bag. We emphasize: our goal is to seat our sit bones on the “cheeks” of the seat, and so that A little free room for maneuvers - random shifts and natural movements in the saddle while riding.

It is worth mentioning the distance between the inner edges of the holes - the imprints of the ischial bones. If you decide to get a seat with a notch-cut in the middle, then the protrusions of the bone should not fall into this recess when you are on horseback, otherwise you are guaranteed pain. To avoid this trouble, the distance between the inner edges of the ischial bones should be approximately 20 millimeters larger. Thus, if the length of the cutout on the saddle is 60 millimeters, then the internal distance should be equal to 80 millimeters.

florin1961/Depositphotos.com

For those who found the idea with flour too time-consuming, we offer an easier option. Squat down with your palms under your buttocks so that feel sitting bones (feels like elbows). With your index fingers, mark the places on the chair where the bones seem to be pressing the most. Then, without lifting your fingertips from the chair, stand up and have someone fix the marked points with a pencil or pieces of duct tape.

Great, we have the necessary parameters. In the same way, you can measure the distance between the outer edges of the ischial bones. In this case, the fingertips should be located just outside the points where the bones exert the greatest pressure on the surface of the stool. You may be surprised by this data by experience that the seat you ride is too wide or, on the contrary, too narrow. If so, then it's time to change the seat.

How to choose the right bike saddle

After such detailed instructions, it is difficult to advise any one, universal version of the seat, which will be clearly better than others. Why? The answer is simple: all people are different, even for one person the length of arms and legs may differ, which means that if it’s convenient for me, then it’s not at all a fact that it will be for you. Nevertheless, some seats are designed and made very well. In addition, they are renowned for their quality. If you are no longer able to endure suffering, and our advice has not helped, then you can try one of them, when choosing, not forgetting to build on the parameters of your body.

If you firmly believe in the need to replace the seat on your two-wheeled friend, then the same common sense will help simplify the search process. There are a lot of models on sale, there are differences in their types. Therefore, the most faithful in this case, the way is to find out exactly how you ride most often.

Recreational bike seats

Boarding when riding a cruiser or city bike is usually straight forward, and the ride itself doesn't take too long either. Therefore, a seat equipped with a shock absorber will be just right. Wide and short, with a soft lining and springs, it is able to give the rider the comfort and pleasure of walking around the city.

Eshma/Depositphotos.com

Road bike seats

Do you race crossroads or cover solid distances on the highway? You want a "working" saddle, long, narrow, and with minimal (or no) padding. During the trip, only part of your weight is on the sitting bones, and a tense posture and special shorts completely eliminate the presence of folds in the leg and crotch area (as we have already found out, improperly fitting clothes can lead to painful abrasions). Have you joined the country club recently? In this case, we advise you to use a saddle with a little extra cushion so that the body gradually gets used to the specifics of many hours of riding.

Mountain bike seats

On mountain paths, where most of the time you have to ride standing on the pedals, lean back and hang over the bike frame in the most unusual positions, you will not be able to appreciate the comfort of the saddle: extreme things rule the ball. That's why you need a compact, streamlined saddle, and the smaller the better. This will allow you not to beat on him on every steep descent and sharp turn. Of course, such a seat should be as durable as possible and made of reliable material.

Seats for touring bikes

Long-distance cycling means that the seat will be durable (genuine leather is best) and will not restrict your movements - a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike saddle. For these purposes, a model with a narrow front, soft inserts in the area of contact with the ischial bones and sufficient length to allow you to lean back a little is suitable for you.

Women's bike seats

There is a whole different story here: beautiful ladies have wider hips, while the bodies themselves are smaller. Therefore, the design of the seat must first of all adapt bike ride to these anatomical features. That, in fact, is all.

What are the materials

Now let's briefly dwell on the materials that are used to make the lining in bicycle seats. The main purpose of the lining is to provide comfortable seating on the ischial bones. The peculiarity of the types of material from which the lining is usually made is that under the pressure of weight they behave differently.

Gel Insole linings follow the shape of your body and give you the maximum possible comfort. For this reason, most of those who are used to riding for pleasure prefer saddles with gel inserts. The disadvantage is that, unlike foam inserts, they compress much faster, and this inevitably leads to a drop in comfort level.

Foam pads. They are supple, willingly miss and just as quickly return to their original form. As we already know, riders value them for better comfort compared to gel counterparts: they crumple under the influence of weight and are less pressed. Accordingly, for cyclists whose weight exceeds 90 kilograms, a saddle with foam padding will be ideal, since it will wrinkle much longer. The same feature should be taken into account by those who like to travel long distances.

You can also use a special pad for bike saddle, which is put on like a cover. The problem may not show up immediately: despite the softness and comfort, the lining material is not distributed over the entire plane as evenly as in the factory lining of the original seat, so it can “walk” around the area with relative freedom, whether you like it or not. For lovers of leisurely walks, this will not cause problems, but for those who like to kick it, it's easy. Therefore, we would advise the latter to take a closer look at special cycling shorts or cycling diapers which could be a much better investment.

The design of most bicycle seats provides protection for the rider's perineum, because in this area a person has a large number of nerve endings and blood vessels. As a result, manufacturers produce saddles with less midfoot padding, allowing relieve pressure on the groin area, and also provides additional ventilation and comfort during a long trip.

As we have already said, everyone’s body structure is different: some find salvation in buying a seat with a longitudinal cutout, others choose models with a minimum number of recesses. Of course, in general, saddles with a design that reduces pressure on the perineum while riding are suitable for almost all riders, both men and women, but this is still a matter of personal choice.

Many bicycle seats are made entirely of synthetic materials, from the seat itself to the foam or gel lining. Why? Relatively light weight and unpretentiousness in operation made polymers the absolute leaders in the sports industry.

Yes, the seats can be sheathed with genuine leather - this is durable and stylish, but, alas, it hits the pocket. Many fans of riding, no matter what type of bike they ride, except for a mountain bike, agree: proven by more than one generation of cyclists and durable classic leather seats are an excellent choice (mountain bike adherents lean towards modern options, sometimes with a powerful lining that can partially smooth out road irregularities).

What is the secret of the wild popularity of the classic leather seat? The answer is: in its design. The material for the saddle cover is made from a piece of polished leather, previously stretched on a special metal frame. It's like your favorite sneakers bought a couple of years ago: they are still good, remember all the twists of fate and will never go out of fashion - super comfortable and homely.

At the same time, the leather seat retains All technological advantages of their modern counterparts: the same shape, but covered with timeless leather - a sign of success and practicality. Here you have a longitudinal cutout that provides stable ventilation, and a pleasant feeling from the naturalness of the material. One minus: requires appropriate care, like expensive shoes.

To recap: Do you need a new bike seat?

In this matter, we decided to trust the opinion of the bike blog Bike Snob:

If you were to work in a bike shop, you would be aware of customer complaints regarding mobility. In most cases, these complaints relate to the seat, which "does not like", which, of course, does not exclude other precedents.
On the one hand, the complaints are justified. On the other hand, there is an equally strong counterargument: we are talking about riding a bike, and not about how comfortable your new sofa is for watching movies. After all, it's not even a chair, nor is it a chair. In general, they should not be comfortable vehicles. In this matter, compromise is a very relative concept. And the main purpose of the vehicle is one - to be safe.
Some discomfort (not hellish pain), of course, must be present during the trip. The more time you spend riding a bike, the more parts of your body you can get sick. On the other hand, you will soon get used to many sensations - this is an absolutely natural phenomenon. For those who ride for joy, seat adjustment will be an important and necessary procedure. For those who are not ready to face difficulties, it is an insurmountable obstacle.

We can draw conclusions: some discomfort during landing is always the place to be. This is fine. One way or another, simple manipulations and careful tuning help in most cases known to the world. And the bike brothers willingly share their experience on many forums dedicated to this topic. Level up!
So let's recap:

Try adjusting your seat position, seat post height, and head tube height.
Make sure the seat fits your body.
Check if your seat is suitable for use: are there any tears and scuffs, has it retained its shape? After all, we already firmly know that we cannot afford to save on ourselves.

If I didn’t mention something important, let’s discuss it in the comments. Take care of yourself, do not save on health and read Lifehacker!

The comfort of cycling largely depends on the design of the bicycle seat (saddle), which affects the loading of the pelvic bones of the cyclist. The fatigue of the rider, the presence of residual pain, and the feeling of discomfort when riding depend on its ergonomics and material of manufacture. The comfort of long trips on a bicycle is influenced not only by the right choice of a saddle for a bicycle, but by setting its height and choosing the right angle of inclination.

Features of choice

All novice cyclists should be warned in advance. The choice of a bicycle saddle does not end with its purchase.
In order to determine whether a bike seat is suitable for an individual, one should try out its comfort for at least two weeks, making daily trips to work or to the store, evening bike rides, and long weekend trips. If after the first trips the driver of a two-wheeled vehicle feels discomfort or residual pain, do not immediately choose another model. It is necessary to identify what is the main factor in the occurrence of unpleasant consequences and try to level their effect on the skeleton and muscles of the cyclist.

Often, discomfort is not caused by the shape or type of seat, but by improperly selected clothing. Only when it is established that the abrasions of the skin and pain are caused precisely by the design of the saddle, and not by its location, should a replacement be sought.

To the satisfaction of most cycling fans today, there is no problem with choosing a bike saddle design. Well-known manufacturers of bicycle products "Selle Italia", "Fizik" and "San Marco" (Italy), "Ritchey" and "Specialized" (USA), and many others, offer original models of bicycle seats that differ in shape, materials of manufacture and numerous design nuances .

Width selection

The right choice of a bicycle saddle requires knowledge of the basics of human anatomy, in particular the structure of its skeleton. The width of the bike seat is determined by the distance between the sitting bones of the pelvis, which are the fulcrum of the cyclist. In order to determine the approximate value of this distance, it is enough to sit down and press your seat into a soft bedding, then measuring the distance between the formed depressions.

If the width of the bike saddle is narrowed, then the cyclist will not rely on the sit bones, but on the soft tissues of the perineum, which will lead to abrasions and impaired blood supply to the groin.

A saddle that is too wide will cause abrasions on the skin of the thigh joints when the pedal levers are rotated intensively. You can feel it especially well by taking a long bike ride in the summer heat.

A seat with thick padding will be pressed through by the ischial bones, and the mass will be transferred to its base through the soft inguinal tissues. Here the situation and its consequences are analogous to choosing a saddle that is too narrow. Many cyclists prefer to use rigid (non-stuffed seats) that have improved ventilating properties, and compensate for some of the discomfort of riding a hard, anatomical bike saddle using seatpost (frame) dampers (shock absorbers).

Material selection

The modern bicycle industry uses a fairly wide range of materials in the production of bicycle saddles, among which you can find traditional natural leather or ultra-modern synthetic (membrane) textiles.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather was originally used for the manufacture of bicycle seats when the first two-wheeled vehicles appeared. The advantage of this material is its breathability, hygroscopicity, as well as the ability to take the shape of the rider's seat (anatomical adaptation).

Many cyclists, having purchased a new product, experience residual pain, skin abrasions and discomfort at first. However, over time, thanks to the anatomical adaptation of the bike saddle, it adapts to the shape of the rider's seat and the discomfort disappears. The situation is similar to breaking in shoes made of genuine leather.

When purchasing a new saddle, it should be understood that all the rantings of the sellers about a bicycle saddle made of genuine leather are nothing more than a marketing ploy or a publicity stunt. All modern "leather" pieces have only a thin leather film pasted on a plastic or carbon composite base.

The only model of bicycles on which saddles made of pressed cowhide are installed are the English Brooks bikes. Their design does not provide for the use of any foam or gel shock-absorbing pads. The most popular model is the Brooks B-17, designed for cycling. "Brooks B-17" has male and female modifications, having the same width (170.0 millimeters) and different lengths - 280.0 millimeters for men and 245.0 millimeters for women. Sample "Brooks Flyer" has an additional hard-spring base and has the same landing dimensions as the "Brooks B-17".

plastic material

The basis for the manufacture of plastic saddles is thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride. A polyvinyl chloride base is glued with a gasket made of highly elastic foam rubber, covered on top with a cover of their artificial materials (plastic film, membrane fabric or synthetic textiles).

Almost all bikes of the budget segment are equipped with such saddles. Of all the plastic models, the product "Tioga Spyder" has the best consumer qualities, capable of anatomical adaptation due to its complex structure, which has a large number of multifunctional holes. Unfortunately, not every cyclist can afford to purchase a bicycle accessory of this quality, the cost of which was in the range of 90.0 ... 100.0 North American dollars.

To improve the usability of plastic seats ("Spider", "Plastic saddle" or "Pendleton Slim") that fit anatomically, many cyclists upgrade them by purchasing an additional cover. This addition will not only soften the relatively hard surface of the saddle, but also provide better breathability and sweat absorption.

Leatherette

Saddles with leatherette cover are in the middle price segment. Today, the following types of leather substitutes are used in the manufacture of bicycle seats:

leatherette - cheap material, the main disadvantage of which is considered to be abrasion;
polyvinyl chloride film is resistant to abrasion, but has absolute moisture-air impermeability;
stretch leather has increased strength characteristics, but has low frictional properties (high slip).

Features of female modifications

If the structure of the skeleton of male and female adolescents is close enough, then the anatomical features of a girl in reproductive age, and especially after childbirth, differ significantly from the anatomy of a male cyclist. Taking into account gender differences, manufacturers of bicycle accessories produce special models of bicycle seats and saddles for women, which are distinguished by a wider seat and a shorter nose (beak) of the saddle.

Given the love of cyclists for various decors, designers decorate female models of saddles with drawings, prints, choosing brighter colors for them. Typical examples of women's saddles, unusual in their attractiveness and decoration, are products:

Which one to choose for tourist trips

Beginning cyclists have the misconception that soft saddles with gel or foam padding should be preferred for long rides. Already after an hour of travel, the clothes will get wet with sweat and the comfort of the trip will drop sharply. For long trips on road and mountain bikes, you should purchase spring or shock-absorbing seats with air vents. An ideal option for cycling touring is a combination of ammunition and a ventilated bike saddle design - moisture-absorbing bike shorts and a hard bike seat mounted on a carbon post.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ 5593-04
Material:
Weight: 385 g
Production: China
Development: China

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ 5593-04
Material: artificial leather/plastic/steel
Dimensions (manufactured): 235x140 mm
Weight: 385 g
Production: China
Development: China
Colors (manufactured): black/yellow
Article: 134686
The AZ 5593-04 saddle is a comfortable model for slow touring riding, which can be installed on both an inexpensive mountain bike and a road bike. The upholstery is made of synthetic leather, the base is plastic. Two steel frames will allow you to install the saddle in the position you need. Weight - 385 grams. Dimensions - 235x140 mm.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ 5559-03
Material:
Weight: 415 g
Colors (manufactured): white/pink/purple

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ 5559-03
Material:
Dimensions (manufactured): 215x150 mm
Weight: 415 g
Colors (manufactured): white/pink/purple
Article: 135276
The saddle AZ 5559-03 is attached to children's bicycles for girls. It has a comfortable shape with dimensions of 215x150 mm and stylish colors. The upholstery is made of artificial leather, inside - polyurethane, at the bottom - a plastic lining and steel frames. At the back there is a support handle for parents. Weight - 415 grams. Color: white/pink/purple.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-3020
Material:
Weight: 280 g

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-3020
Material: artificial leather/plastic/polyurethane/steel
Dimensions (manufactured): 250x140 mm
Weight: 280 g
Article: 134840
The AZ-3020 saddle is a good choice for touring bikes. It is an intermediate option between comfort and sport saddles. The inner shape is made of polyurethane, the upholstery is made of artificial leather. The base is made of plastic. The steel frame of the saddle allows you to adjust the position. Weight - 280 grams. Dimensions: 250x140 mm.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-08
Weight: 235g
Colors (manufactured): black/grey

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-08
Dimensions (manufactured): 275x170 mm
Weight: 235g
Colors (manufactured): black/grey
Article: 135279
To make the saddle softer, it is enough to purchase a special cover AZ-08. Elastic gel inserts will make riding more comfortable and reduce the fatigue of the gluteal muscles. It is selected according to the dimensions of your saddle (275x170 mm). Weighs 235 grams. Color - black/gray.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-02
Weight: 220 g
Colors (manufactured): black

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-02
Dimensions (manufactured): 260x170 mm
Weight: 220 g
Colors (manufactured): black
Article: 135280
The AZ-02 saddle cover is a simple and practical solution for beginner riders who suffer from back pain. The soft gel lining will reduce the discomfort of riding and allow you to enjoy the surrounding views with a smile on your face. Case dimensions - 260x170 mm. Weight - 220 grams. Made in black color.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-5554
Material: artificial leather/plastic/steel
Peculiarities: comfortable with springs
Weight: 680 g
Colors (manufactured): black

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-5554
Material: artificial leather/plastic/steel
Peculiarities: comfortable with springs
Dimensions (manufactured): 250x210 mm
Weight: 680 g
Colors (manufactured): black
Article: 134851
The AZ-5554 Comfort Saddle is best suited for touring bikes and cruisers. It has a wide profile of 250x210 mm and is designed for leisurely rides on city streets and flat ground. Shock-absorbing springs are located under the seat. Steel frames allow you to adjust the saddle to your fit. Saddle weight - 680 grams. Black color.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: 7669
Material: Artificial
Peculiarities: Comfortable with springs
Colors (manufactured): black

Brand: Stels
Model: 7669
Material: PU leather / PU / plastic / steel
Peculiarities: Comfortable with springs
Dimensions (manufactured): 240x210 mm
Colors (manufactured): black
Article: 135140
Stels 7669 is a large comfort saddle designed for touring bikes. The saddle has a wide shape with dimensions of 240x210 mm. The upholstery is made of artificial leather. For extra cushioning, two coil springs are installed under the saddle. A special steel lock allows you to fix it on the seatpost of the bike. Black color.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: 7660
Material:
Peculiarities: comfortable with springs
Colors (manufactured): black

Brand: Stels
Model: 7660
Material:
Peculiarities: comfortable with springs
Dimensions (manufactured): 260x210 mm
Colors (manufactured): black
Article: 135141
The comfortable Stels 7660 saddle is designed for low cost road bikes. Large dimensions (260x210 mm) allow you to ride short distances without experiencing pain in the fifth point. In addition to the shock-absorbing foam lining, two coil springs also provide softness. The saddle is fixed on the seat post with a special lock. Black color.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-018A
Material: PU leather / PU / plastic / steel
Weight: 420 g
Colors (manufactured): black

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-018A
Material: PU leather / PU / plastic / steel
Dimensions (manufactured): 250x215 mm
Weight: 420 g
Colors (manufactured): black
Article: 135143
The comfortable saddle AZ-018A will provide you with comfortable conditions for riding a touring bike. Its construction consists of a soft foam padding fixed on a plastic base and covered with premium quality artificial leather. With the help of special steel frames, you can adjust its position. Dimensions: 250x215 mm. Weight - 420 grams. Black color.

In stock

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-5552 G-01
Material: PU leather/polyurethane/plastic/steel
Features: Comfortable
Dimensions (manufactured): 250x210 mm
Weight: 660 g
Colors (manufactured): Black

Brand: Stels
Model: AZ-5552 G-01
Material: PU leather/polyurethane/plastic/steel
Features: Comfortable
Dimensions (manufactured): 250x210 mm
Weight: 660 g
Colors (manufactured): Black
Article: 135250
The AZ-5552 G-01 saddle is a comfortable and ergonomically shaped saddle designed for urban touring bikes. Designed for measured riding, without active pedaling. The seat padding is soft foamed polyurethane, trimmed with faux leather on top. Below is a plastic base and steel frames for easy mounting on the seatpost. Dimensions: 250x210 mm. Weight - 660 grams. Black color.

In stock

Brand: STG
Model: X74018-5
Material: PU leather / PU / plastic / steel
Dimensions (manufactured):
Weight: 720 g
Colors (manufactured): Black/Grey

Brand: STG
Model: X74018-5
Material: PU leather / PU / plastic / steel
Dimensions (manufactured): 24 x 20 x 12 cm (with packaging)
Weight: 720 g
Colors (manufactured): Black/Grey
Article: 135306
The STG X74018-5 is a saddle that delivers fantastic comfort for relaxed city riding. A wide shape with soft gel inserts and two springs at the bottom will minimize vibrations from road irregularities. Together with a light cardboard package, the saddle weighs about 720 grams. Color: black/grey.

In stock

Brand: Mizumi
Model: Sporti 6852
Material:
Production: Japan
Development: Japan

Brand: Mizumi
Model: Sporti 6852
Material: Synthetic upholstery, polyurethane foam filling
Production: Japan
Development: Japan
Colors (manufactured): White-violet
Article: 131000
Saddle for women. Designed for MTB, and also perfect for long rides on asphalt. The saddle has 3 types of adjustments, namely: the possibility of longitudinal displacement closer or further from the steering wheel, tilting the saddle at an angle and turning to the left or right. The Mizumi Comfo 6852 saddle is perfectly adapted to the anatomical features of the woman's pelvis, has a comfortable ergonomic shape. The saddle upholstery is very pleasant to the touch, synthetic, and the medium-density foam filler contributes to a feeling of unique comfort during long journeys.

In stock

Brand: STG
Model: X21240-5
Material: Faux leather / PU / Plastic / Steel
Colors (manufactured): Black

Brand: STG
Model: X21240-5
Material: Faux leather / PU / Plastic / Steel
Colors (manufactured): Black
Article: 135309
The STG X21240-5 saddle is a comfortable touring option for leisurely riding on city streets. This model is an intermediate option between wide cruiser and narrow sports saddles. The upholstery is made of artificial leather, inside - polyurethane, at the bottom - a plastic base and steel saddle frames. The color of the model is black.

In stock

Brand: Velo
Model: VL-4123
Material:
Features: feminine design
Colors (manufactured): white/black/yellow

Brand: Velo
Model: VL-4123
Material: steel, artificial leather, plastic
Features: feminine design
Colors (manufactured): white/black/yellow
Color available: white-yellow
Article: 132242
The VL-4123 Cross 130 Lady is a strong, reliable and inexpensive women's saddle. Designed for active riding. Seat upholstery material - wear-resistant artificial leather. The design is equipped with a lock for the seatpost with steel frames. Plastic base. Steel mounting frames.

In stock

Brand: Velo
Model: VL-8114S
Material: Leather / PU / Plastic / Steel
Peculiarities:
Weight: 800g (without bag)

Brand: Velo
Model: VL-8114S
Material: Leather / PU / Plastic / Steel
Peculiarities: steel springs, leather bag
Dimensions (manufactured): 268 x 221 mm
Weight: 800g (without bag)
Colors (manufactured): brown
Article: 135159
Saddle Velo VL-8114S resembles the design of the model from the English company Brooks, very popular among experienced cyclists. The differences are in the wider saddle shape (268 x 221 mm) and the leather glove compartment at the back. For better shock absorption, two steel springs are provided. Steel frames allow you to place the saddle in a comfortable position for you. Weight - 800 g (without bag). Brown color.

During a bike ride, the pelvic bones experience a lot of stress. You may experience discomfort or even pain due to the wrong fit of a bicycle saddle. Also, the cause of pain and rapid fatigue is often the incorrect installation of the seat in height and inclination.

Having bought a new bicycle seat, you have to break it in, so to speak. You need to get used to the new saddle after driving more than one hundred kilometers in it. It is only after two weeks of frequent bike rides that you can definitely talk about how correctly you made a purchase. Do not rush to change a recently purchased accessory if you feel discomfort while riding a bicycle. First, analyze what pain is bothering you. If the pain only appears when pressing on the pelvic bones, then you have not rolled up yet. If you have reddening of the skin from rubbing, then first of all try to put on other clothes. The bike seat still rubs, then you need to choose a new bike saddle.

Fortunately, there is a huge selection of different types of bike seats, from many reputable manufacturers: Allay, BBB, Brooks, Fizik, Mizumi, Romin, Ritchey, Spectra, Tioga. Thanks to a large selection, each cyclist can choose a saddle individually. Each person has a special anatomy and riding style, so they make narrow and wide, as well as hard and soft models.

Selection by width

In order to most correctly choose a bicycle saddle, you need to know the distance between the bones of the pelvis on which you sit. These sitting bones should support the body as a support when planted. The distance between two bones is easy to determine individually: first by sitting on a soft plastic surface, and then by measuring the distance between the centers of the remaining dents.

If you sit on a seat that is too narrow, your sitting bones will not rest on its surface, and your weight will be supported by the soft tissues between your legs. Under the weight of the body, the blood vessels in the groin are overcaught, disrupting the blood supply to the perineum.

If you pedal on a seat that is too wide, you will rub your inner thighs against the sides of the saddle. In this case, rubbing of the skin cannot be avoided, especially in the summer heat.
Buy a saddle that you will sit on with your pelvic bones and also won't rub your feet against it.

Seat-chairs with thick, too soft stuffing material are squeezed through by the bones, and a significant mass of the body is transferred to the soft tissues in the groin. But most of the weight should be distributed between the two sitting bones.
Bicycle seats that are too soft are just as unhealthy as those that are too narrow.

In the figure, the arrows show those places that usually have the greatest load on the bicycle saddle and pelvic bones (about 75% of the weight)

Choice according to material

leather saddle

The first bicycle saddles were made of leather. The main advantage of leather as a material is that it can take on a new shape, and it also allows air to pass through and absorbs moisture.

The new leather seat will be uncomfortable at first, perhaps even painful for you. The cause of the pain will be an unformed surface at the pressure points of the ischial bones. During a bicycle ride, the pressed skin is pressed through over time at the points where the bones touch. After breaking in, the leather saddle takes on a shape that perfectly matches the body of the cyclist. A real leather seat can be compared to a leather chair in terms of convenience. The choice of a saddle should be stopped on products made of genuine leather.

It is important to know that most saddles that are sold as leather are actually not leather. In the sporty look of products, the skin is used only as a thin covering, and their base is made of plastic or carbon. The basis of such saddles does not pass air and is too rigid to be pressed through by the bones of the pelvis.

One of the few saddles that uses pressed cowhide for the base and for the cover is the product of the English brand Brooks. This best leather saddle is made without any foam or helium lining. Without any soft insulating material, a bike saddle is better at letting sweat and heat through in hot weather.

B-17 is the most popular of all models. Designed for tourism. Width 170 mm, length of the male version 280 mm, length of the female copy 245 mm

The Brooks Flyer is the same shape as the B-17 but with stiffer springs. Ideal for vertical landing. Width 170 mm, length male 280 mm, length female 245 mm

On a leather saddle it is very convenient to travel long distances. And when the old shabby seat sags, it is enough to tighten the tension bolt on the frame a little, and it is like new.

Brooks saddles and similar ones are too big and bulky for racing and trick riding, but for cycling touring they are perfect.

The creation of the famous Brooks saddles at the factory in England:

plastic seat

Most of today's bicycle seats are assembled from a PVC base, foam padding, and synthetic materials. Similar seats are installed on virtually every commercially available bicycle.

Since most plastics are an inexpensive material, a saddle made from them will be of poor quality. When riding a bike with a plastic seat, it is advisable to wear a bike uniform or thick clothing, as you will get blisters very quickly when you fidget on slippery pavement.

Not all plastic saddles are of poor workmanship. For example, there is a Tioga Spyder saddle, which has a complex structure with holes. It quickly takes the form of a human body, springs well and cools perfectly. When traveling in hot weather, it brings only pleasure, only the high price for it, which is equal to 90-100 dollars, upsets.

Very light Tioga Spyder saddle

Leather substitutes

Leatherette as a material for covering bicycle seats is used on specimens of an average price level. There are many types of leather substitute, they are different in density and strength.

Leatherette wears out quickly.
Polyvinyl chloride is resistant to wear, but very slippery and completely impervious to sweat.
Stretch leather is the most durable of all substitutes, but slippery.

seat cover

In order not to rub the skin to the point of redness, it is better not to ride a bicycle with a cheap seat, wearing only swimming trunks or thin shorts, pants made of synthetic fabric. You can protect yourself by wearing a saddle cover that will absorb friction as you move.

If you like your favorite lightweight plastic saddle, you can upgrade it with a leather saddle. In this case, a new accessory will soften the slippery rough surface.

Wide or narrow?

Narrow saddle

Professional cyclists always use a narrow saddle made from quality plastics or composite materials. Most often, in such products, a softening lining is not used. Indeed, in fact, the cyclist does not sit: he most often stands on the pedals, rotating them, and the athlete hangs most of his weight on the horns, lying on the steering wheel.

As a rule, narrow rigid saddles are installed on road bikes. They are also very comfortable when riding a mountain bike in the style of cross-country, that is, when actively riding through forests, fields, parks.

wide

City bikes and cruisers, which people ride upright, have wide and soft seats. On such bikes, comfort is important for a short and leisurely trip around the city.
Wide seats will interfere with fast pedaling on mountain, touring, road bikes.

By the way, the opinion that obese people should definitely put a wide saddle on a bicycle is a delusion. In fact, the width of the pelvic bones in an overweight person is often the same as that of a lean fellow cyclist.

Women's saddle

When choosing a bicycle saddle, it is important for girls to know that the pelvic bones of many of the fair sex are wider than those of men. On average, the distance between the ischial bones in women is 132 mm, and in men - 90 mm. Not all ladies will fit a man's saddle.

A girl should not ride a bicycle with a narrow seat for a long time, it can cause discomfort, up to a feeling of pain.

Manufacturers of bicycle saddles, taking into account the peculiarities of the female constitution, are expanding their range with special ladies' items. The classic women's bike seat is wider than the men's and has a shorter nose to make it comfortable for ladies to ride in a skirt.

Designers decorate women's cycling accessories with patterns and bright colors.

Dutch manufacturer BBB delights cyclists with vine and butterfly ornaments

Mizumi highlights its product with a purple pattern on a white background

From manufacturer Spectra you can find a glamorous pink model with white stripes.

soft or hard

soft seat

A big mistake a person makes when buying a soft saddle for a road or touring bike. For a mountain bike, the "pillow" is also not suitable. In general, any bike that you pedal long or fast should not be fitted with a gel, finger-squeezable seat. Such seats are usually bought by inexperienced cyclists, because they are convenient for short trips.

On a soft saddle, at first you feel comfortable, but after an hour of travel, clothes begin to get wet from sweat and the skin of the perineum becomes numb.

Rigid

On a hard saddle, the back of the body hangs above its surface, touching only in the right places where the bones are. According to the experience of athletes, it is best to develop maximum speeds on a bicycle on such a seat. Solid saddle plus carbon fiber and moisture-wicking bike shorts, the perfect combination for the long haul.

Gel pad

There are a lot of gel bike seat covers on the market right now. But such innovations must be treated critically. Reasoning logically: the same people who put “pillows” instead of a seat, that is, unhurried cyclists, need a soft pad for a bicycle saddle.

Adding too much padding to the saddle while attaching a gel boot to the saddle will increase side-to-side sway. Rolling not only interferes with pedaling, but also leads to chafing of the skin of the thighs.

The thick gel pad comes in handy when you need to transform a narrow men's saddle into a wide women's saddle.

Form Requirements

The seats for the support of the ischial bones must be of sufficient length to allow for forward and backward displacement when riding.
The nose of the saddle should be narrow and long.
The sides of the nose should not protrude so as not to rub the inner sides of the thighs.

Circles circled areas for support of the ischial bones

Saddle without spout

An innovative proposal - MoonSaddle - allows you to completely avoid pressure on the perineum when cycling. It does not have a spout at all, and a large ergonomic support - a crescent moon - serves to support the body. The half-moon seat is universal in size and suitable for children and adults.

The MoonSaddle is made from abrasion resistant elastomer and the binding is bent from durable stainless steel tubes.

Hole in seat

Several manufacturers create bike seats with a concave or cut-out center section along the nose. This design is quite well thought out, since its purpose is to reduce pressure on the soft tissues of the perineum.

Romin EvoPro Ergonomic Saddle

Skeptics of the need for such a design suggest that if you sit on a too narrow “leaky” saddle, then the soft tissues will fall into the hole in the seat. So, instead of the intended benefit, a seat with a hole will only bring harm. But these are all assumptions, because in reality no one sits calmly on a bicycle saddle, but mostly is in motion: he gets on the pedals, shifts back and forth.

In addition, like any other saddle of a different design, it is not a problem to choose a similar product with a hole in width, taking into account the characteristics of your pelvic bones.

Springs

On fast bikes like mountain bikes, road bikes, touring bikes, there is no need for saddle springs. On such bicycles, people ride, leaning towards the steering wheel, in this case, the rear part accounts for no more than 60% of body weight. When pedaling fast, springs, especially soft springs, sway to the sides, while pedaling efficiency is reduced. In addition, an excessively wobbly seat rubs the inner thighs.

Stiffer springs, such as those found on some Brooks saddles, are stiff enough not to wobble when pedaling, but they absorb shock from the rear wheel well.
Spring seats are useful on city bikes and cruiser bikes where the rider sits upright with almost all of their weight on the seat.

We can say that on bicycles that have a high handlebar, it is better to put a seat with springs, and if the handlebar is located at or below the landing site, then you can do with a saddle without springs.

Seat adjustment

Height

Fearing to fall off the bike, people lower the seat low so that while sitting in it they can reach the ground with their feet if they get scared. Sitting very low in the saddle and pedaling, inexperienced cyclists bend their knees excessively, to the point that it is comparable to numerous squats. Of course, such an unfortunate cyclist's legs get tired quickly, and what is more dangerous, with such a constant ride, the knee joints are destroyed.
Most cyclists make the mistake of setting the saddle too low.

To properly adjust the bike seat height you need:

Turn the pedals so that one of them is at its lowest point.
Adjust the saddle height so that you can straighten your leg in the lower position of the pedal, but still touch it with your heel.
Check if the seat is set too high, you should be able to touch the toe of the foot on the lower surface of the lowered pedal.

Please note that the seatpost cannot be pulled further if it goes into the tube less than 10-15 cm, otherwise it will break the frame. Each seatpost has a limit mark.

Incline

If the nose of the saddle is pulled up, then it will put pressure on the organs of the perineum. Well, if the seat is lowered with its nose down, then you will constantly move forward, resting your tense hands on the steering wheel. The ideal saddle inclination is the zero position, when it is parallel to a level road.

A straight-set saddle is always comfortable to ride, as this is the only way to find the perfect position for a long ride. If you feel that the leveled saddle is pushing you, then you need to lower it only a few millimeters.

Longitudinal position

Correct installation of the seat in the longitudinal position

The mounting of many modern bicycle saddles allows you to move them closer and further away from the handlebars over a wide range.

To properly adjust the bike seat in the longitudinal position, you need:

Rotate one of the pedals to the 3 o'clock position.
Move the saddle forward or backward so that the kneecap of the leg is above the pedal axis, in this position.

Not in all cases it will be possible to install the saddle in an ideal longitudinal position, due to the peculiarities of personal anatomy or the design of the bicycle frame. In such cases, you need to install a curved seatpost, offset back.

Ritchey carbon curved seatpost

From all of the above, there are several main recommendations when choosing a bicycle saddle:

The high price of a bike seat says nothing about its convenience. The saddle must be chosen individually, taking into account the anatomical structure of the pelvic bones.
The base of the seat should be pressed under the pressure of the ischial bones.
The seat cover must not be slippery.
For long-distance, tourist trips, a leather saddle will be the most comfortable.
Active cycling requires a rigid seat with no springs.
Soft, wide seats with springs will be useful for imposing cyclists who usually ride slowly and not far.