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Saddle selection and saddle posture are two of the important riding needs. The correct saddle and posture can help reduce pressure on your crotch. It can also lessen the chances of saddle sores. However, there really is no one saddle posture that fits all riders. Even the selection of your saddle is dependent on your riding technique.
The best tip is that the saddle should be wide enough to allow the ‘sit bones’ to support your weight on the saddle. For men, a very narrow seat places their body weight on the soft tissue between the sit bones, which has a harmful effect. For women, saddles should be a little wider in the main sitting area due to the wider sit bones.
The saddle seat should be slightly curvaceous or flat. A sharp curvature places the sit bones below the saddle’s center that adds to riding position problems and crotch pressure. The ideal saddle curvature is 6 degrees or less.
Riders should avoid thick padded saddles because they eventually can cause harm. A rider can choose from gel padded or wedge shaped saddles. However, there is really no way of determining their level of comfort, until you get to ride on a selected design. Some bike shops allow their customers to test the saddle through a test ride program. The customer can return the saddle back to the shop if they are not satisfied.
It is very important for additional comfort that you learn the style of positioning and riding. For most riders, a slightly off-center saddle is more comfortable compared to the top tube. Other riders need to modify their sitting angle, such as slight tilting of the saddle to the left or right if the nose of the saddle causes discomfort.
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You can also continue moving off or on the saddle to avoid constant pressure and discomfort. You can also stand up and pedal for a short period of time while going over a plateau or uphill. This allows proper blood circulation throughout your body.
Unless you learn to cultivate a few good habits, you might find it hard riding on a road bike. Always try to seat yourself on the broader area of the saddle. Try using shock absorbing seats for better comfort.
Do not overburden yourself with unnecessary backpacks, which will only increase the weight eventually making posture adjustment difficult. Obese people do experience similar problems.
Indoor riding necessitates a deliberate effort from the rider for posture adjustments. Make it a habit to get up every few minutes to change your seating angle for better comfort.
Tagged with: biking tips • safety gear
Filed under: Pain and Comfort