As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.
"What's a good saddle?"
If ever there was a loaded question, that would be it. What's a good saddle? Whatever saddle provides you the support and cushioning you need for the type of riding you do.
But people tend to not like that kind of answer. OK, well here's a simpler answer: whatever fits best.
As more and more companies move toward scientific explorations of fit and farther away from Old World dark magic (as in most common fit guidelines), each component of the bicycle is under the microscope.
Case in point: the saddle. You have a pair of bones, commonly referred to as "sit bones," that you really don't sit on much. Most of your weight is on that soft tissue area farther forward. A few years ago, companies started designing their saddles with that weight-bearing area in mind.
The key is relieving pressure without sacrificing support. And you can see that in the form of cutouts, grooves or padding of different densities (firmer toward the back, softer near the front).
What's lost in all of that — because it's all about keeping proper blood flow and stuff — is the actual shape of the saddle. Most people, regardless of weight or body type, fit into a fairly narrow range of hip widths. By matching that hip width with the proper saddle with, you get the base of support you need — not too wide, not too narrow.
Both Specialized and Trek (via the Bontrager line) offer their flagship road saddles in multiple widths — and different side-to-side curvature — to better take advantage of that narrow range of hip spacing. (I'm sure there are others, but those are the big two.)
In my five-plus months on a Bontrager InForm saddle (yeah, I work at a Trek store), which was ordered to the proper width, I couldn't be happier with how it fits. I'm sure those who have ridden the Specialized saddle feel the same way, as riding a saddle that's the right width and the right curvature makes all the difference.
But how did I know it was going to work? For one, there was no break-in period. You know, it's that week or so where the saddle just feels all wrong. You're sore in new spots, things rub in different places. But then you find that sweet spot, and it all just clicks.
It was like that on my old favorite, the WTB Silverado. Light, flat and narrow, and perfect for sliding forward on the nose for climbing or spending some time on the rivet. I initially planned on ordering a new one this spring, despite having a perfectly good saddle that got shipped with my bike.
"I should at least try it," I thought. I was sold pretty early.
A few weeks later, I was glad I hadn't ordered the WTB when I had money burning a hole in my pocket (I think I bought socks instead). And a few months later, I still haven't thought about it. Even on long, grinding rides, the InForm saddle is impressive. No saddle sores, no deep, aching pressure inside the ... uh ... tender bits.
Both Bontrager and Specialized have measuring systems to help you choose the correct width. And both have comfort guarantees, so you won't be stuck with a bad saddle.
Regardless of which brand you're on, it's becoming clear that fit — as in width and curvature — is the most important part of choosing a saddle. Sure, looks play a role. But are you riding it or just looking at it? If you're riding it, your saddle is going to look like hell soon anyway.
You may as well finish with a happy "soft tissue area."
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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Bicycle Store of
Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a
lot of
coffee.
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