Bicycle Seat Reviews » Buying Guides

Are Gel Bicycle Seats More Comfortable?

Hammer — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:12:25 +0000

Question: "What is the most Comfortable bicycle seat I can buy?"

We get asked this question a lot, not only from family, friends and folks at the bike shop but via email through this site. Many new cyclists take up the sport every year only to be driven away by the intense discomfort that new riders experience when they aren't used to riding OR they have the wrong equipment for their frame.

Our first answer is to always ask how long you've been riding...if it's just a few days then it is too early to tell if your seat is right for you or not. It will take at least a few weeks of moderate riding to "condition" your butt for this type of activity. If you are still experiencing discomfort then we need to dig in deeper to the type of saddle you are riding.

The purpose of this article is to educate you a little bit on bicycle saddle construction and maybe clear up a few questions for you in your search for the most comfortable bicycle seat you can buy. For some riders that ends up being a Gel Bicycle Seat, others a leather bicycle seat and even others a carbon fiber bicycle seat. It just depends on what you are looking to get out of your bicycle saddle.

Bicycle Saddle Construction

One of the most commonly debated topics when it comes to saddles is the padding. In every other aspect of our life, the softer something is then the more comfortable it must be right? In the case of a bicycle saddle, that is definitely not true.

The purpose of the foam padding in your bicycle saddle is to provide a cushion barrier between your sit-bones and the hard plastic or carbon base of your saddle. That's a big job and is undeniably an important element to producing a comfortable bicycle saddle but it isn't the only thing that goes into it and you might be surprised and skeptical at what you read below. Saddle padding is one of the most frequently misunderstood components of finding a comfortable bicycle seat.

Traditional Bicycle Saddle Tests

If you are like most consumers who are looking for a bicycle saddle, then you will go to a bike store and apply a very "scientific" tests to see which saddle is the most comfortable:

1. The "thumb" test. This involves squeezing the seat between your thumb and forefinger to measure the "squish" factor. This might work on a couch, a pillow, a mattress or something like that but it almost always results in disappointment when buying a bicycle saddle.

Bicycle Saddle Foam

Bicycle saddles are padded with what is called "closed cell" foam which is a form of rubber with air bubbles trapped within its confines. The "density" or hardness of the foam is determined by exactly how much air is trapped inside the rubber, more air bubbles with less rubber makes the foam feel softer initially, but as the foam compresses, the support decreases rapidly due to the rubber losing it's support. How quickly the foam collapse will depend on the following variables:

1. Density of the foam
2. Length of the ride
3. Weight of the rider
4. Age of the bicycle saddle

The Right Bicycle Saddle For You

This is a rough outline of what kind of saddle you should be looking for to match the type of riding that you do. If you are looking for a comfortable bicycle seat then pay attention to this part carefully.

Softly Padded Saddle: Cycling less than 3 hours per week

Medium Padded Saddle: Cycling 3-6 hours per week

Firmly Padded saddle: Cycling greater then 6 hours per week

Of course this is nothing more than a basic guide to bicycle saddles and there is always room for adjustment if you are on the border of either category but a basic rule to consider is that the lighter you are then you may consider a softer saddle, the heavier you are then you will gravitate towards a firm saddle because your body weight will quickly compress the foam in the softer saddles.

What are Sit Bones

I have referred to sit bones a few times already in this article and you may not even know what they are. Most new cyclists quickly find out but to clarify, your sit bones are the bony part of your pelvis that you feel when you sit on a hard chair. Those two "pointy" bones that protrude when you rock on the hard surface are called the Ischial Tuberosity but we call them “sit bones” because it's easier to spell and pronounce.

These bones are the point of contact with your bicycle seat and they need to be supported by that seat. A seat that is too narrow will put outward pressure on the bones, almost like trying to pry them apart. On the contrary, a seat that is too wide for your geometry may create unnecessary and painful chafing and be just as uncomfortable. Sit bone widths vary both by individual and by gender. Males tend towards a more narrow sit bone width, while females on average, tend to have wider sit bones.

Some bicycle shops have a device that can measure your sit bones for you or you can probably come pretty close yourself, right at home. If you lay a piece of foam on a hard surface and sit on it with the same type of posture that you would while riding, then your sit bones should leave indentions in the foam. Measure the indentions from center to center and you have your approximate sit bone width.

There are many variations to this process but you get the idea and should be able to figure out a way to measure you approximate width. Remember to allow for the "width" of your sit bones, what I mean is you want to try to measure from center of the left bone to the center of the right bone.

Gel Bicycle Saddles

It seems like all the rage in the last few years when it comes to a comfortable bicycle seat has been the use of gel padding in the seat. Gel first found it's way into bicycle saddles approximately 10 years ago but has become very popular in the last few years.

What attracts most new riders to Gel is that a Gel bicycle saddle will have a soft touch and usually passes the "thumb" test quite easily. Gel bicycle seats do a good job of spreading the pressure over the seat but we should be very clear on this, simply because it is a gel bicycle seat does not mean it is going to be any more or less comfortable than your current seat.

A well designed Gel bicycle saddle that is right for you will be very comfortable but don't be lulled by the term gel into thinking that it is going to be magic. It still needs to be the right design and size for your sit-bones AND your riding style. The VERY first thing that you need to consider is getting the right size first. Your new bicycle seat could be made out of the best stuff on the planet, but if it is the wrong size then the discomfort that you might feel, could be legendary. Not a good thing.

Gel saddles could be the perfect choice for you as long as you select a quality saddle from a quality company that is the right geometry for you. My own wife rides a gel saddle and she decided on a Selle Italia Lady gel saddle for her needs. She tried out a number of other saddles before settling on this one for her. If you are convinced that Gel saddles might be right for you then we have a number of them that we can point you towards that may solve your needs.

Check out Terry Gel Saddles and Selle Italia Gel Saddles, both of these companies make an outstanding product and both are very highly recommended in the cycling world.

Specialized Body Geometry Saddles

Hammer — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:35:15 +0000

Joe asked: What's the deal with Specialized Body Geometry saddles. Are they really any good and do they work like they claim? I don't get numb in the groin like some complain about but I do get really sore and irritated even after months of riding and a few different saddles. So far none of them have worked. Will these help in your opinion?

Specialized Body Geometry Saddles

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie8FtQlsUuI

Our anwer: Joe...great question but one that is difficult to answer or say for sure. I personally ride a Specialized Alias on my road bike and it cured EVERY problem I had with my saddle issues. I tried a number of others with mixed results until finally settling on the Specialized product. For me....I will probably always ride a Specialized Body Geometry saddle from now on.....I don't like to change when I find something that works...especially where the "boys" are concerned.

Check out our Specialized Saddle video series that explains a lot about the way the saddles work and you can decide for yourself if they sound like they know what they are talking about. As I said before, for me personally, a Specialized Body Geometry saddle is as good as it gets.

Your mileage may vary but I doubt it. I've known enough people that have fallen in love with these saddles once they've tried them to be pretty confident that you will like it.

If you want to read more about Specialized Saddles then check us out.

Bicycle Saddle Selection Tips

Hammer — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:37:30 +0000

Selecting a Bicycle Saddle

Selecting the right saddle can sometimes mean the difference between enjoying the sport enough to make it a life changing event OR it can mean abandoning the sport after a few horrible and painful days in the saddle. There is no question that the wrong saddle can almost be like a torture device.

Pay attention to this video and make sure you listen to what they are saying. A very common NOOB mistake is to think that the softer a saddle is then the more comfortable it will be; and that is simply not true. In fact, the softer a saddle then the more discomfort it can cause once the length of your rides increase to more than just a short trip around the block.

If you have any questions on selecting the right bicycle saddle then feel free to hit us up on the comment page or contact us directly to ask. We're here to help.

How to Choose a Bicycle Seat

Hammer — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:53:31 +0000

When it comes to advice...everybody loves to give it and very few actually take it but when it comes to selecting the right bicycle seat for your new bicycle, it is critical that you get it right because it will mean the difference between enjoying and embracing the hobby or quitting after a week.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDvHSc09N7g

Proper width, fit and materials are only a small part of the equation and even if you were able to get the right seat, if it's not installed properly on your bicycle then it won't matter. I've seen dozens and dozens of new riders who wanted to embrace the hobby but quickly gave it up after an excruciating experience on the bicycle.

Check out this video and maybe you can get some advice from some of the experts on selecting the right bicycle seat. If you have any questions, feel free to hit us up on our Contact Page.

Why You Should Use Chamois Creme

Hammer — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:32:52 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=33u-hz5UIus

A lot of cyclists will struggle with "issues" when it comes to the nether regions and they suffer in silence. It's not typically a topic you talk about with your coworkers or even your family but in many cases it is very avoidable.

When cycling in bike shorts and spending hours on the saddle, a lot of friction, moisture, heat, pain etc can develop from the intense time on the saddle....but there is a secret weapon out there that many, if not most people ignore. Chamois creme.

Chamois Creme? What's that? It's butt creme, that's what it is. You can buy it at bicycle shops all over the country and they know it is the best thing since sliced bread and most avid riders wouldn't be caught dead without it.

I know when I started riding, I ignored ALL of the advice of my bike shop. I didn't let them measure me for my seat, I didn't buy any bike shorts because I thought they looked fruity and I sure as heck wasn't going to buy any butt creme to make my riding more enjoyable. Wasn't going to happen....at least.....not until I smartened up. Those first few weeks of riding were absolute torture, until finally I sought out the advice of those who knew.

An hour later, I had been measured for the right width saddle, I had a nice pair of Pearl Izumi shorts and I was armed with "butt creme" for my chamois. Needless to say....I was a happy camper after the first ride. Check out this video for more information on chamois creme or chamois butter as it is often called. This creme, combined with a quality pair of cycling shorts and you will simply be amazed at the difference in your comfort level on the bike.

It might appear to be expensive, but it goes a looong way and the difference in your riding comfort will be incredible. Trust me.

AS MASTER BICYCLE BIKE SHORTS CHAMOIS CREME SKIN LUBE
US $10.95

3 NEW tubes DzNuts Chamois cream creme DZ nuts
US $65.00

20 Beljum Budder Skin Lubricant Chamois Creme Cream
US $9.99

3 NEW tubes Sportsbalm Chamois Balm creme cream
US $65.00

Selecting the Right Bicycle Seat

Hammer — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:46:21 +0000

Many new cyclists are turned off from the sport before they ever really give it a chance. The first few rides provide an excruciating ordeal that leaves them hobbled, sore and very disenchanted with the sport of cycling.

This isn't an affliction that only affects new riders but even more experienced cyclists tolerate saddle discomfort because they are under the mistaken impression that it simply goes along with the sport. That is simply wrong! Once you find the right saddle, you can ride for hours with minimal discomfort and instead of focusing on the pain in your butt, you can enjoy the ride.

While the right saddle can make a TREMENDOUS difference in comfort, it is important that new riders need to understand that they WILL experience a certain level of discomfort for the first few rides no matter what seat they have on their bike. Too often new riders will ride the bike once, experience intense pain, try a big, fluffy, padded seat and think it's going to cure it. They are still sore on the next ride and that is where they abandon their cycling endeavors thinking it simply isn't for them.

New riders take note, the soreness will diminish greatly after the first few weeks and you should stick to it long enough to get through the butt "break in" period. If you find that after a few weeks of riding, your comfort level has not increased dramatically then there is a very good chance you are simply sitting on a saddle that is not appropriate for your style of riding or your anatomy.

The very first and basic step is to make sure that you're on the proper "type" of seat for your style of riding. They are all built with a specific purpose in mind and if yours doesn't match your riding style then you need to address that first and foremost.

There are three basic riding positions, with three corresponding seat types:

Upright Riding Position

Ideal Saddle Type: Upright Cruiser Type saddle

Features: Very wide, fully padded, may include springs or gel

Ideal Bike Types: Cruiser bikes; some comfort and hybrid bikes

Ideal Riding Style: Leisure riding, casual, slow pedaling cadence

Notes: Notice how the rider has almost all of his weight resting over the seat. This makes the wide saddle shown perfect because it offers an ample platform for support and includes plush padding to cushion most of his body weight. Plus, this cyclist pedals at a leisurely to slow pace with his feet slightly ahead of his body, so a little extra seat width doesn't interfere with leg movement. This style of saddle would come standard on a cruiser or upright style of bicycle but may have been changed at some time in the past if you purchased a used bicycle.

Regular Riding Position

Ideal Saddle Type: Sport Men's and Women's models

Features: Anatomic/ergonomic design, may have cutout in top, medium padding (possibly gel), narrower nose, width of rear should match your sit-bone width. This is crucial!

Ideal Bike Types: Flatbar road bike; mountain/hybrid bike

Ideal Riding Style: Commuting, Mild Fitness, touring, road and trail use, medium to fast pedaling cadence.

Notes: For recreational riding where you sit upright and lean slightly forward transferring some of your weight to the pedals and handlebars, a medium to narrow saddle with an ergonomic design and a moderate amount of padding is usually best. Riding this type of bicycle you maintain a fast pedal rate and appreciate less width in the nose so it won't interfere with your thighs.

Performance Riding Position

Ideal Saddle Type: Racing Men's or Women's models

Features: The narrowest and lightest seats, lightly padded, sometimes feature cutouts in the tops, rear width matches your sit bones, may be anatomic/ergonomic

Ideal Bike Types: Road bikes; road racing bikes; triathalon style bikes; racing mountain bikes

Ideal Riding Style: Fast, fitness, fun, century, race, fast pedaling cadence

Notes: Cyclists who ride fast and hard or for competition require seats suited to their forward position and rapid pedal cadence. Notice how the rider has much of her weight over the handlebars and pedals. She's so far forward you can see that she's resting near the middle of the saddle, too. This means less weight is on the seat, which is why these riders can get by with such minimal designs. Also, it's the perfect position for fast pedaling, for which a narrow saddle like this is ideal.

Seat Padding Tips

It is important to note that many new riders simply think that a thicker and more padded seat will cure their problems but that is definitely not the case. A seat that is too thick for your style of riding then it can create as many problems as it might solve. Here is a simple test that you can try to see how your seat stacks up on a padding basis. The "thumb" test is an easy quick check.....simply press your thumb into the seat and if it feels "squishy" then this probably isn't what you want for a longer ride or performance oriented type bike. It's for a recreational, cruiser style of bike. A Sunday driver if you will.

The longer the ride goes then traditionally you pedal at a higher pedal rate and of course you will log much more seat time than on a shorter ride. For this style of riding, it's far more important that a saddle simply support your weight than it is for the seat to absorb it.

In summary, a small amount of padding built into the saddle in the appropriate areas will relieve pressure appropriately on your sensitive areas. We can't say enough that squishy, bulky padding that feels like it should be comfortable, WILL cause problems if you ride for exercise or for longer distances. Match your seat to the type of riding you do....use the pictures above as a reference.

Ignore this advice, at your own peril....trust us.

Seat Width Tips

Another very important factor to consider is the width of the seat. Everyone's skeletal system is not constructed the same way and so it is important that you match your seat to your own skeletal construction. What you want to do is to match your seat width in the rear to the width of your "sit bones." Your sit bones are the bones that you can feel if you sit on a hard surface such as the edge of a chair or a board. Try it, sit flat on a very hard surface and "feel" with your butt. You can feel a bone protruding somewhere on each buttock. If you can enlist someone to help you then find the center point of each sit bone and measure the width center to center. If you can find a seat that supports that width then you will be amazed at what a difference it could make in your comfort.

If your sit bones are too wide or narrow for a certain seat, then you won't benefit from any of its features because it doesn't fit you correctly. In fact, not only will you not benefit but it will actually create another set of problems for you. Too narrow of a seat and it will be putting pressure on spreading your bones, never a good thing and too wide and it can create pressure points.

If you are not a new cyclist but are someone who has tolerated discomfort for some time, then you might be able to see the indentations of your sit bones on your current saddle and measure them that way. I have found it better though to measure using a chair or some other hard surface.

Your sit bones should be centered over the rear of the saddle. Often there are anatomic bumps in the area for this purpose so use those as reference points to compare the width that you measure your site bones.

Anatomical Cutouts

Some alarming studies concerning loss of blood flow in cyclists has led to another innovation in engineering and that is the anatomical cutout. Not all riders will benefit from this design but if you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your groin area and nothing else has solved your problem then you might consider one of these style of saddles.

An anatomical cutout is a saddle that has a groove cut out of the center of the saddle that is designed to relieve pressure from your perineum area, which contains a lot of blood vessels. Different seat makers have different thoughts on the best shape of this cutout and there are a number of designs on the market. I have tried many of these different styles and honestly did not notice too much difference from anatomical saddle to anatomical saddle.

I think if you are a rider that prefers a groove then this is something to consider. Telltale signs again, are tingling and/or numbness and you have ensured that the seat is properly leveled and you do not simply have a fit issue.

Sore Saddle Tips

Check Seat Height & Angle - A common cause of saddle sores is a seat that is simply adjusted wrong. You want to make sure that you saddle is level with the ground and at the right height so that the balls of your feet have a slight bend when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If the seat's angled down, set too high or low, it will cause discomfort and pain. If you are experiencing tingling or numbness in your hands then you may consider a slight upturn on the nose of the saddle but do not adjust more than 3 degrees. This can take some of the pressure off your hands and wrists but again...no more than 3 degrees. If you have to go further than that then you likely have another issue.
Ride More - As we stated above, you have to condition your body to being on a bicycle seat. Don't give up on a saddle before you have given it enough of a chance. I would say a few weeks worth of riding should give you an idea to know whether the saddle is right for you or not.
Move Around - This might seem tough to do on a bicycle seat but you can shift slightly forward, rearward and even stand up and pedal from time to time to simply change it up some and get blood flowing to certain parts again. Frequent adjustment and sliding around slightly can make a SIGNIFICANT difference in your comfort level. It's a hard habit to develop but once you learn to ride like that then you will ride like that forever.
Dress For Cycling - If you are riding an upright style of bike, then you can wear about anything you want as it's like sitting on a chair but if you are riding a bent over style of riding bike then you will be amazed what a difference a good pair of bike shorts can make. When I started riding, I resisted this advice because I didn't believe they would help and I didn't want to wear lycra but now I wouldn't leave home without it. It's an AMAZING difference what a good quality pair of bike shorts can do for you. They have specific designs and construction that will match your riding style and when you start riding more than a few miles, they really become critical. You will also be happy to know that there are several different styles and many of them are loose and baggy and look like normal shorts. Whew.