Bicycle: How to Choose a Comfortable Road Bike Saddle

Bicycle saddles

if you're not comfortable on your bike, you won't ride. The bicycle component that makes the biggest impact on comfort is the saddle. This makes choosing the right saddle critical.
Step into your local bike shop these days and you can be overwhelmed with saddle choices. Here are a few tips that will help you find the right saddle.
Padding is not always your friend. New riders often make the mistake of choosing a soft saddle for more comfort. Although it may sound counter-intuitive, a firmer saddle will probably offer more comfort in the long-run. A proper riding position will have your weight focused directly your
sit-bones. A firm saddle with offer better sit-bone support. You may experience some discomfort at first, but once the tissue underneath the sit bones is conditioned, the discomfort will dissipate. A plush saddle will offer comfort on short rides, but on longer rides you can experience fatigue and numbness in the groin region. It's always best to minimize pressure on sensitive groin tissues and organs.

One size does not fit all. Just because a saddle is sold as the most comfortable, ergonomic and supportive saddle on the market, doesn't mean it will work for everyone. Everyone is built a little differently and the width of peoples sit-bones varies widely. The angle at which the pelvis tilts also varies. Try a few different brands and models to see which fits you best. Some saddles, like the Specialized Body Geometry products, are offered in multiple widths.

Sport bicycle saddle

comfortable saddle

Give yourself some time to adapt to a new saddle and don't be afraid to experiment with adjustments. A new saddle can take a while to "break-in". Don't be alarmed if you feel a little discomfort on the first ride. Sometimes it takes a few hundred miles for a saddle to feel like an extension of your body. If you've properly broken the saddle in and it still doesn't fit right, try adjusting saddle height, fore/aft positioning and tilt. Often times small adjustments are all you need to really dial-in a fit.