Cycling is a very competitive and rewarding sport to get involved in. Unfortunately, it is also an expensive sport because it requires special equipment. Depending on the type of cycling you plan to do, there are special bikes and components for each type. The most common bike is a road bike, which would be a great way to try out the sport of cycling without getting in too deep. One of the most important components is a road bike saddle. Since there are so many options, it’s good to know the basics before you spend money. There’s nothing worse than spending money on the wrong saddle because it can be a painful mistake in the long run.
A road bike saddle can come in many different shapes and sizes but each type of riding will require a different type of saddle. Depending on the type of riding, your weight on the saddle will be distributed differently. For road biking, you would most likely want a more narrow saddle because the weight will primarily be distributed on your hands and feet. Also, when on a road bike, you will most likely be pedaling faster, so a more narrow saddle will cut down on the chaffing and rubbing in that area. For the competitive road biker, the saddles are more lightweight and have minimal padding. They are generally made out of titanium or hollow seat rails.
Another popular type of Road Bike Saddle is the cutaway shape. This type of saddle is especially good for those athletes that experience a lot of pain, numbness, and irritation from other saddles. This generally works better because the material is removed from the saddle and is designed to put most of the pressure on the sit bones. Some of the more high tech looking models will even have an actual cut out hole in the saddle and can be more comfortable.
Whichever way you decide to go, make sure you are being properly fitted for your road bike saddle. One important thing to keep in mind when shopping is that one saddle that worked for someone else might not work for you. When you finally find the perfect saddle for your body and your bike, it might not be a bad idea for you to purchase an extra one or whenever they go on sale.
