Sitting comfortably is the key to enjoying any sort of cycling, including commuting. You need a saddle that suits you and the way you ride.
Saddles are meant to support the bones of the pelvis, not the soft tissue of your perineum or (even worse) genitals. A saddle that makes your undercarriage bear weight won’t be comfortable. This happens when the saddle is too narrow, when you lean too far forward on it, or when the saddle’s profile puts pressure in the wrong places.
The width of saddle you need depends on the width of your pelvis, which is influenced by gender – women tend to have a wider pelvis. It also depends on how far, or whether, you lean forward while cycling. The pelvic bones narrow from back to front. A wide saddle can work brilliantly on an upright Dutch roadster, but the same cyclist will likely want something narrower for a sporty road bike where a narrower part of the pelvis is being supported. Because leaning forward can put more pressure on your soft bits, sports saddles often have channels or cutouts to prevent this.
The most reliable way to pick a saddle that works for you is to try different ones. Some manufacturers will let you return or exchange saddles, while some shops have saddles you can try. Opinions from cycling friends and the cycling media can help narrow down your choices but bear in mind that one person’s perfect saddle can be a nightmare for someone else. A professional bike fit can also provide useful pointers.
The saddle itself is only part of the comfort equation. It needs to be set at the right angle for you – start with it horizontal, slightly tilting the nose down (or, less likely, up) if that’s more comfortable. The saddle-to-handlebar relationship is critical as it determines your posture on the bike and thus the angle of your pelvis on the saddle. A different stem and/or handlebar can make all the difference.
If you find a saddle you particularly like, buy two. You can then replace yours when it wears out or put the same one on the next bike you buy. Prices below are RRP. Don’t forget your Cyclescheme savings.
Passport Navigator £26.99
Proof that a comfortable saddle doesn’t have to be expensive, the Navigator has slightly raised support for the sit bones with a groove in between. The width (150mm) is generous for a saddle of this type, and there’s high-density foam padding to spread your weight. Anti-scuff panels on the sides help prevent abrasion damage from leaning your bike against walls.
Specialized Body Geometry Comfort Gel £35
Specialized was an early adopter of pressure-relieving grooves and cutaways with its Body Geometry saddles, which launched in the late 1990s. The same ideas have been carried through to this city bike saddle, which is aimed at more upright cyclists riding shorter distances. It’s well padded and wide – either 180mm or 200mm – but retains a central groove to prevent perineal discomfort.
Madison Flux Classic £39.99
The Flux Classic is a sports saddle in the same mould (literally) as the better-known Charge Spoon. Designed for everything from mountain biking and long-distance road riding to fast commuting, it has a grooved rear section, multi-density padding and durable Kevlar side panels. It also comes in brown, and a ‘short fit’ version. Width: 142mm.
Sold by Brompton as an alternative option for its iconic small-wheeler, this saddle has moulded plastic under the nose to help in carrying the folding bike. But it’s suitable for any city bike or hybrid where you want a seat that’s wider (it’s 167mm) and more supportive without going full Dutch roadster. The upper material is leather.
Selle SMP TRK Medium Gel £84.99
Selle SMP saddles have a distinctive drooped nose and a central cutout running most of the length. Both features are to help prevent unwanted pressure on the nerves and blood vessels of the perineum. They come in designs for all sorts of cycling, including racing; this one is a medium-width (160mm) option for trekking/touring/commuting.
Fizik Tempo Aliante R5 £109.99
This lightweight road bike saddle is aimed at longer-distance riders rather than racers, and would also suit fast commuters. It has a relatively flat top, with wide ‘wings’ for the sit bones and a pressure-relieving cutout for comfort when you’re leaning forward in the classic road bike riding position. It’s available in 145mm and 155mm widths.
ISM PR 1.0 £112
ISM’s unusual split-nose saddles are popular with sports cyclists who have tried and failed to get comfortable on other saddles, although they come in designs for more casual cyclists as well. Because the cutout extends to the nose, there should be no perineal pressure even in a stretched out racing crouch – although the extra width up front due to the split nose won’t suit everyone.
Selle Italia Diva Gel Superflow £114.99
Many saddles are unisex; you just pick the width that suits you. The Diva Gel Superflow is designed specifically for women. The long, wide cutout should stop any soft tissue compression and the gel-padded upper should prevent unwanted pressure points elsewhere. Despite its width (152mm) and chunkier looks, it’s actually quite light thanks to titanium rails.
Brooks Cambium C17 £115
Brooks is best known for its traditional leather saddles but also makes vegan-friendly saddles of the same shape using rubber-infused cotton. The upper is flexible enough to conform to you body shape and to take the edge of any vibration, making it comfortable from day one. It’s also weatherproof and tough. The only real downside is a little extra weight; this 164mm-wide road/gravel bike saddle is about 470g.
Brooks B17 £135
Like leather shoes, leather saddles break in over time to provide a fit that’s bespoke to your bum (or feet). Leather does need looking after; it benefits from being treated with neatsfoot oil and shouldn’t be left exposed to the rain when you park your bike. But it lasts for absolutely ages. Brooks saddles come with a 10-year guarantee. Width: 170mm.
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