A bicycle is not only a convenient and environmentally friendly means of transportation, but riding one is also a great pleasure. It's a form of recreation chosen by people of all ages. When buying a bicycle, we expect it to be tailored to our needs – lightweight, practical, and above all, comfortable. Several factors determine this. If you already own a bicycle, you don't need to replace the entire vehicle; a few minor changes (like the saddle!) can make riding even more enjoyable.

Saddle – take care of your buttocks

Paradoxically, soft and wide saddles aren't the best solution for those who experience discomfort after just a few kilometers. Bicycle saddles that aren't properly adjusted to the user's predispositions often cause pain and chafing, which can discourage frequent riding. Each person has a different anatomy, meaning they react differently to saddle width and firmness. Therefore, bicycle saddles can't be universal. For infrequent city riding, it's worth choosing wider saddles with spring suspension. However, saddles shouldn't be too wide, as they can cause chafing. It's important to individually adjust the saddle to your preferences, physiognomy, riding frequency, and intended use.

Suspension seatposts are often used on city and trekking bikes, which further enhance ride comfort, especially on uneven surfaces. Carbon seatposts are a popular choice for sport bikes because they improve ride comfort thanks to their ability to dampen vibrations. They are lighter than standard aluminum seatposts, contributing to a reduced overall bike weight.

Some riders use gel or foam seat covers, but we strongly discourage this practice. These covers can restrict ventilation and air circulation around the seat area, potentially leading to excessive sweating and discomfort while riding.
Although the pads can move with you on the saddle, they can change the shape of the saddle, which can also lead to improper pressure distribution on the buttocks. This can increase the risk of chafing, discomfort, and pain during long rides.

We do, however, recommend cycling cosmetics. Creams and balms designed for cyclists are primarily applied to the buttocks to prevent chafing and soothe irritation caused by intense cycling. They contain moisturizing, lubricating, and often antibacterial ingredients that minimize friction between the skin and the saddle, ensuring comfort and skin protection. Regular use before long workouts helps maintain skin condition and reduces the risk of chafing.

We eliminate neck, knee and muscle pain

Improper saddle and handlebar height adjustments often cause neck and knee pain. They can also cause unnecessary strain on muscles that need to work harder. Saddles shouldn't be too high or handlebars too low. A good solution is to replace the stem with one with a higher rise angle. This will allow you to set the saddle to the correct height without having to adjust it to the handlebars. It's better to raise the handlebars higher than the saddle.

Knee pain is often caused by a saddle that's too low. Parents often make this mistake with their children, which ultimately discourages them from cycling. To prevent muscle pain, it's a good idea to downshift when riding uphill and use a harder gear when riding on flat surfaces.

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Appropriate clothing for cycling

When cycling to work or school, we usually don't wear sportswear or pack jeans or a suit. However, if we're going on a weekend bike trip or riding regularly to improve our fitness, it's worth considering appropriate, comfortable clothing. One of the most important purchases is a pair of cycling shorts with a pad – every professional cyclist has them. The improvement in comfort can be felt even with a firmer saddle. When riding on uneven surfaces, gripping the handlebars is often uncomfortable, so wearing gloves with a gel pad is recommended. And don't forget a bike helmet ! :)

Types of bicycle saddles

Choosing the right saddle depends on your bike type and riding style. Here are some saddle types to consider:

1. Road bike saddles: Narrow and firm, often made of carbon, these saddles are designed for maximum pedaling efficiency. Ideal for road cyclists who cover long distances.
2. Mountain bike saddles: These provide greater comfort and cushioning, suitable for riding on uneven terrain. These saddles often come with dropper post seatposts.
3. City bike saddles: Wide and soft, often equipped with shock-absorbing springs, ideal for a leisurely ride around the city.
4. Trekking saddles: Universal, providing comfort during long trips, both on asphalt and off-road.
5. Gravel bike saddles: Combine the features of road and mountain bike saddles, offering comfort and performance on a variety of surfaces.
6. Singlespeed / Fixed Gear Bike Saddles: Simple and minimalist, often used on city and fitness bikes.

What's new in the world of cycling: 3D printed saddles

In recent years, 3D printing technology has revolutionized the world of cycling. 3D-printed saddles are one of the latest developments, gaining popularity. This technology allows for the creation of a saddle perfectly tailored to the anatomical needs of the cyclist. 3D printing allows for precise control of the saddle's shape and hardness, resulting in increased ride comfort. Furthermore, these saddles are lighter and often have a honeycomb-like top layer. Unfortunately, this innovation comes at a steep price.

Custom-made saddles for individual needs

Another new development is custom-made bicycle saddles, which take into account the individual anatomy of the user, including the distance between the sit bones. The process begins with a specialized scan or imprint of our four letters on a special mold that precisely measures the dimensions and shape of the lower pelvis. Based on this data, a saddle is manufactured that perfectly fits the user. Some manufacturers also offer a choice of colors. These solutions are particularly popular among professional cyclists and those with health issues who require special support while riding.

Tips for choosing a saddle

1. Testing: Before purchasing, it is worth testing several saddle models to find the most suitable one.
2. Fit: The saddle should be adjusted to the width of your sit bones. Some shops offer special measurements to help you choose the right saddle.
3. Adjustment: It is important to adjust the saddle correctly, both in height and angle.
4. Upper Material: Saddles made from different materials (leather, synthetics, gel) offer different levels of comfort and durability.
5. Saddle shell: Can be made of plastic or carbon. Carbon shells are the lightest but also the most expensive.
6. Seat rails: They can also be made of various materials—steel, titanium, carbon—which influence the weight and cushioning of the saddle.
7. Saddle weight: This is especially important for road and cross-country cyclists, where every gram counts.

A properly fitted saddle is key to a comfortable and enjoyable cycling experience. Whether you're a dedicated road cyclist, a mountain biker, or simply enjoy city rides, choosing the right saddle will significantly impact your riding experience.

Talk to us about saddles :)