Biker Joe
Über Member
- Location
- Nr Harlow, Essex.
I would just like to share some thoughts I've had as regard to choosing a saddle.
I am under the impression that not enough cyclists, particularly those in the 'Newbie' category, are not educated enough in the subject of sit bone anatomy.
It is my opinion that the very first thing a cyclist should do, before buying a saddle, is to familiarize themselves with the 'sit bone' anatomy.
The job of a saddle is to support you on the bike via your sit bones.
If the saddle supports you properly, the only pressure experienced should be on the sit bones and not on the 'perenium', the area between the sit bones where nerves and blood vessels are in danger of being restricted.
Most saddles are designed for average sized riders. However, many riders do not conform to the average, (How inconsiderate).
The distance between the sit bones varies between riders so it is good practice to measure the distance between sit bones, centre to centre, and to make a note of this before setting out to purchase a saddle.
Once you have this measurement you can then go to your local LBS, with a tape measure, and measure the saddles of your choice to see if they will accommodate your anatomy.
Choosing a saddle online is like buying a pair of shoes without knowing what size the shoes are.
Some quality manufacturers do state the sizes of their saddles which makes things easier. But ,generally speaking, I would consider it better to go in person to choose a saddle. There is also the possibility that you can try the saddle out beforehand.
As an aside, an exception could be made as regards to the infamous 'Brooks ' saddle.
These saddles are customised to your anatomy through the process of 'Breaking In'.
The disadvantage is that the breaking in period can last up to 150 miles of riding, with varying degrees of discomfort, before the saddle 'fits'.
However, if the process is carried out correctly, you have a saddle that is very comfortable and durable. Customised to your unique anatomy.
To summarize:- Knowing your anatomy and sit bone measurements gives you a much better opportunity to end up with a saddle that you will be comfortable with and will take you many miles with a minimum of discomfort.
Thanks for listening, (reading)
May your bums always be comfortable.
I am under the impression that not enough cyclists, particularly those in the 'Newbie' category, are not educated enough in the subject of sit bone anatomy.
It is my opinion that the very first thing a cyclist should do, before buying a saddle, is to familiarize themselves with the 'sit bone' anatomy.
The job of a saddle is to support you on the bike via your sit bones.
If the saddle supports you properly, the only pressure experienced should be on the sit bones and not on the 'perenium', the area between the sit bones where nerves and blood vessels are in danger of being restricted.
Most saddles are designed for average sized riders. However, many riders do not conform to the average, (How inconsiderate).
The distance between the sit bones varies between riders so it is good practice to measure the distance between sit bones, centre to centre, and to make a note of this before setting out to purchase a saddle.
Once you have this measurement you can then go to your local LBS, with a tape measure, and measure the saddles of your choice to see if they will accommodate your anatomy.
Choosing a saddle online is like buying a pair of shoes without knowing what size the shoes are.
Some quality manufacturers do state the sizes of their saddles which makes things easier. But ,generally speaking, I would consider it better to go in person to choose a saddle. There is also the possibility that you can try the saddle out beforehand.
As an aside, an exception could be made as regards to the infamous 'Brooks ' saddle.
These saddles are customised to your anatomy through the process of 'Breaking In'.
The disadvantage is that the breaking in period can last up to 150 miles of riding, with varying degrees of discomfort, before the saddle 'fits'.
However, if the process is carried out correctly, you have a saddle that is very comfortable and durable. Customised to your unique anatomy.
To summarize:- Knowing your anatomy and sit bone measurements gives you a much better opportunity to end up with a saddle that you will be comfortable with and will take you many miles with a minimum of discomfort.
Thanks for listening, (reading)
May your bums always be comfortable.
. It's a Specialized Roubaix Expert SL4, and a free 2.5 hour fitting session was included with the purchase. They had a few bike-fitting related tools, one of these being a block of wood with a soft padding on top which holds impressions of your rear end for a short while after you sit on it.
