Choose Your Saddle
When you look at them, it’s hard to believe that the stiff, leather, narrow saddles could ever be more comfortable than the soft, plump, gel-padded saddles. But it’s true.
Some cyclists swear by those skinny leather saddles, because, like a good pair of Italian leather shoes, they gradually conform to your body shape and fit like nothing else. Having said that, they’re not for everybody.
When you’re shopping, you’ll also see lots of saddles with cut-outs in the middle, ostensibly to give you a little more room where you need it. It certainly makes sense in the lab, but a lot of cyclists don’t see much difference.
Ultimately, you’ll pick the saddle that works best for you. It won’t always be the one that looked right for you in the store. That’s why you can end up trying out several before you find the one you swear by. (Some stores will exchange a saddle within 30 days. You can always give it a try.)
The shape of your body and how you sit when you ride are a lot more distinctive than you know. A saddle will make it obvious right away. Your best friend’s choice might be completely unworkable for you.
Until you’ve had some experience riding different types, you can pretty much figure your mind doesn’t have a clue. It’s your body that will make the choice. Here are a few hints to help you interpret your body’s clues:
> Numbness in your crotch or butt? The saddle’s too soft for you.
> Saddle sores? The saddle’s too hard.
> Chafing on your thighs? The saddle’s too wide.
Each of these things can be caused by a saddle that’s the wrong height. So be sure to check that out first, before you leap to any conclusions.