• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2023
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1000 for 2023
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting in 2023
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for 2023
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 7 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Average Joe Cyclist Product Reviews / Bike Saddle Reviews / How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle

How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle

September 10, 2021 by Guest Author

Pin
Share
Tweet

A comfortable bike saddle will enable you to enjoy cycling, while an uncomfortable one could cause you to give up cycling in painful despair. In this post, Sophie Elise walks you through the process of how to make sure you get the right saddle for your own specific cycling needs. Over to Sophie!

Questions to Avoid Saddle Soreness

I have been riding bikes since I was a kid and today I work in a bicycle shop, both as a mechanic and in sales. Whenever someone is interested in getting a new bike saddle, I ask how long they have been cycling. If you are new to bike riding, there is going to be some inherent soreness that comes with your body adjusting to a new physical activity; having “saddle soreness” will be part of the bike equation. There is a difference, however, between soreness and pain.

This article is to be used as a starting point. If you have further questions after reading this article or find that you need to fine tune these tips, you will know what questions to ask your local bike mechanic. He or she can help you prevent saddle pain.

Related Post: Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort


Components of a Bike Saddle: Shell, Cover, Rails, and Suspension

Saddles have a number of components, including the shell, cover, rails, and suspension. The saddle shell creates the shape. It is usually made of aluminum; however, shells can also be made from carbon fiber, plastic, nylon, or even leather.

The cover goes on top of the shell. Covers are the padding on the saddle and can be made of foam, gel, fabric, artificial leather, real leather, or a type of vinyl. The rails of the saddle are the two bars which connect the saddle to the seat post. They may be made of steel, titanium, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Lastly, the suspension of a saddle may have springs to absorb the vibrations from the road.

Related Post: Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans

How to Adjust a Bike Saddle

It is crucial to get the position of your seat post and saddle correct. The seat post is the long stem that connects your saddle and the triangular frame of your bicycle. It can be adjusted (made longer or shorter) with the seat clamp.

How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle. The saddle sits on top of the seat post. The silver ring at the bottom of this seat post is the saddle clamp, which you can use to adjust the height of the seat. This one requires the use of an Allen key. How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle
The saddle sits on top of the seat post. The silver ring at the bottom of this seat post is the saddle clamp, which you can use to adjust the height of the seat. This one requires the use of an Allen key

Some seat clamps can be tightened or loosened with an Allen key (also called a hex key). Others have a quick release lever. Generally, you want the seat post to be at a height where you can sit on the bike and only have your toes reach the floor. When your feet are on the pedals, there should just be the slightest of bends in your knees when the pedals are at the lowest point.

Related Post: How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues

How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos
Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Garmin Edge Explore vs Garmin Edge 530 vs Garmin Edge 830 vs Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

The saddle can also be adjusted. You can choose to have it forward and towards the handlebars or back towards the rear wheel. This adjustment will help you to optimize your reach of the handlebars.

Achieving Optimal Handlebar Reach

You should be able to reach your handlebar grips comfortably, without any straining, as this may cause back pain. To start, adjust your saddle so its rails are connected at the center.

Note that if you cannot achieve optimal reach by adjusting the saddle (as this adjustment typically can only make a couple of inches difference), you may have to get a bike shop to fit a different stem for your handlebars. This can bring the grips substantially closer.

Keep Your Saddle Parallel, or Close to Parallel

The saddle should be parallel to the ground, usually. If it is angled upwards towards the front, it may cause groin discomfort. On the other hand, if you find you are not comfortable, try angling it downwards in front just a tiny bit at a time, about 1 degree. This helps some people to experience less saddle soreness.

Related Post: Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?

Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?

Types of Bike Saddles

Next, decide what type of cycling you want to do. Most bike frames and all bike saddles are created for specific types of riding. This can range from racing in the Tour de France to leisurely rides along the coast. Depending on what you would like to do, there is a saddle that is designed for that purpose. A quick look at how much material each saddle has can tell you whether that saddle is right for you.

Riding Position and Bike Saddle Type

Generally, the more you will be riding in an upright position, the more material you need on your saddle. These types of comfort saddles are meant for “cruiser” bikes. They have a wide backside and deep cushioning throughout. This allows a rider a comfortable seat for upright leisure riding.

How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle. This is a typical example of a bike that will usually be ridden in an upright position for leisure rides. It has plenty of padding on the saddle, plus springs underneath the saddle, to ensure a comfortable ride in an upright position. This is the Cube Elly Ride electric bike. If you like the look of this bike and want to know more about it, it is reviewed here. How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle
This is a typical example of a bike that will usually be ridden in an upright position for leisure rides. It has plenty of padding on the saddle, plus springs underneath the saddle, to ensure a comfortable ride in an upright position. This is the Cube Elly Ride electric bike. If you like the look of this bike and want to know more about it, it is reviewed here

Bike Saddles for Racing Bikes

On the other hand, racing saddles have very little padding and are narrow towards the front. The reason for this is so that the cyclist can move his/her legs very rapidly without hitting the saddle with their legs.

Related Post: 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles

9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2022

Also, it makes it easier for the cyclist to stand upright on the pedals, and generally to adopt the many different positions that are possible on a racing bike. The design of the seat is such that the pelvic bones are supported by the saddle, while not necessarily engulfed. With this kind of saddle, you will need to invest in some padded shorts.


Related Post: Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling

Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling

How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle. This is a typical racing saddle found on a road bike. The narrow nose makes it possible for the cyclist to pedal very aggressively, and also stand up on the pedals
This is a typical racing saddle found on a road bike. The narrow nose makes it possible for the cyclist to pedal very aggressively, and also stand up on the pedals

Saddles for Mountain Bikes

Saddles for mountain bikes are somewhere between both worlds. There is enough of a cushion on the back of the saddle to absorb the bumps felt on trails, while there is a fairly narrow “nose” so that the cyclist can transfer energy efficiently from their legs to the pedals efficiently.

How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle. This saddle is a bit of a hybrid between a racing saddle and a touring saddle. It has a narrow nose, as in racing saddles. It also has a depression in the center to relieve pressure on the perineum. Some saddles have an actual hole in this position. How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle
This saddle is a bit of a hybrid between a racing saddle and a touring saddle. It has a narrow nose, as in racing saddles. It also has a depression in the center to relieve pressure on the perineum. Some saddles have an actual hole in this position

If you are planning to go on long bike rides, or to bike commute, I recommend looking at a touring saddle. Most touring saddles have a space in the center. This relieves pressure on the perineum. Each person’s anatomy is different, so try out different saddles. Bontrager and many other manufacturers offer a 30 day comfort guarantee, so if you do not like the saddle you choose, most bike shops will allow you to return the product.

WSD Saddles

WSD stands for Women’s Specific Design. As women, we have wider hips and may be more comfortable cycling on a WSD saddle that is especially designed to accommodate this anatomical factor. There are many best women’s bike saddle reviews online. Bear in mind however that some women cyclists find that wider saddles cause chafing on their inner thighs.

How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle. Women may do better with WSD bike saddles.
Women may do better with WSD bike saddles

Leather Bike Saddles

Another important player in the game is the leather saddle. Many cyclists (regardless of riding style) have come to love a leather saddle. Unlike other options, the leather saddle will mold itself to match your body’s dimensions and weight. That said, leather saddles are comparable in price to well-designed road saddles. That is, they are not cheap.

Particularly well loved among these premium leather saddles are the Brooks saddles, which are hand made in England, and aim to provide a lifetime of cycling comfort by molding to your body.

How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle. Particularly well loved among premium leather saddles are the Brooks saddles, which are hand made in England, and aim to provide a lifetime of cycling comfort by molding to your body. How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle
Particularly well loved among premium leather saddles are the Brooks saddles, which are hand made in England, and aim to provide a lifetime of cycling comfort by molding to your body


Selle Anatomica Saddles

For a made-in-the-USA option, the famous Selle Anatomica saddles combine quality leather materials with anatomical science, to bring you a saddle with a slot that is designed to eliminate perineal pressure, sit bone pain, and saddle sores. The slot design also gives the saddle great flexibility, with the result that the “break-in” period, during which the saddle adapts to your body, is much faster than with traditional leather saddles. These saddles also have extra long rails, increasing the extent to which you can adjust the saddle forward or backwards.

For a made-in-the-USA option, the famous Selle Anatomica saddles combine quality leather materials with anatomical science to bring you a super comfortable saddle. Here is one of these saddles on Joe's commuter bike
For a made-in-the-USA option, the famous Selle Anatomica saddles combine quality leather materials with anatomical science to bring you a super comfortable saddle. Here is one of these saddles on Joe’s commuter bike


Leather saddles are not waterproof, so use a leather protector if you decide to go this route. Many of these saddles can be purchased with a leather protector that is specifically designed for them.

Another Option for Women Cyclists

The author of Bike Fit, Phil Burt, recommends that women cyclists try forked saddles made by Adamo. He notes that many Olympic women cyclists swear by their ISM Adamo saddles. He believes that this saddle helps “not solely because of the cutaway but because the two arms of the saddle front flex and rotate with the rider as they pedal.”

This saddle was originally aimed at men, but has been more warmly embraced by women. It was designed for time trialists and triathletes, has a curved nose for a comfortable forward leaning position, and combines foam and gel padding.

This Adamo saddle is very highly rated by many female cyclists and triathletes
This Adamo saddle is very highly rated by many female cyclists and triathletes


More Bike Saddle Comfort Tips

When looking for a saddle, be sure to first have a bike that you enjoy. Saddles can be replaced more easily than a bike. Also, if saddle comfort is important to you, here are a few more tips:

  • Do not be timid with money. Most great saddles will be in the $70+ range, but if you ride frequently, this will be a wise investment.
  • Only BMX riders should use a saddle without padding. This is because BMX riders rarely sit down and do not need the padding.
  • Gel-covered saddles are a great alternative to leather and offer great value for the price.
  • Any good bike shop will have a sit-bone sizing tool. Using this will help you hone in on which exact saddle is right for you.

I hope these tips have equipped you to find a comfortable bike saddle. Go get yourself a comfortable saddle, and get out there and have fun on your bike!

How to Choose a Comfortable Bike Saddle. So get yourself a comfortable saddle, and get out there and have fun on your bike! How to pick a comfortable bike saddle
Get yourself a comfortable saddle, and get out there and have fun on your bike!

Thanks to Our Guest Blogger, Sophie Elise

Sophie Elise is a cyclist, author and blogger. She is passionate about writing on different types of women’s bikes, accessories, health, fitness and more and regularly writes on Best Bikes for Women.

Other Related Posts that Could be Helpful for You

Related Post: Top 10 Tips to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling

Related Post: Our Miraculous, Cheap Cure for Cycling Knee Pain

Related Post: 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain

Related Post: The 10 Best Stretches for Cyclists

Related Post: How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis – PLUS our Easy Cure

Related Post: 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles

Related Post: Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort

Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • 7 of the Best Health and Fitness Trackers
  • Best Budget gifts for cyclists
    Best Budget Gifts for Cyclists - Under $15 and Under $30
  • Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists - 90 Top Picks from Budget to Luxury
  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers
    What's NEW about the Garmin Edge 1040? Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED! 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
  • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers
  • 7 best dog bike baskets
    7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 vs 1040
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Bike Saddle Reviews Tagged With: Brooks Saddles, ISM Adamo saddles, Selle Anatomica Saddles

Comments

  1. Daniel Rosen says

    March 11, 2022 at 10:32 pm

    thanks for the review. interesting article

Copyright © 2023 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...