Bike saddle fitting: how to find the best bike saddle
Finding the right saddle is one of the cyclist’s biggest dilemmas. A comfortable saddle not only improves comfort during pedaling, therefore also performance, but can prevent pain and discomfort which, in the long term, can become health problems, especially in those who are used to frequent and long bike rides. Here are some tips to find the saddle that suits your needs.
Cycling saddle sores: how to measure sit bones
The first step to find the ideal saddle is to measure the distance between the ischial bones, the ones on which most of the body’s weight rests. They are the two bony protuberances on which pressure is concentrated when you are sitting on a hard surface. Measuring them will help you determine the ideal saddle width. To respond to the needs of all cyclists, Repente has designed saddles of three different widths: 142 mm, 142 mm, 152 mm. The measurement can be carried out by a bikefitter or at a specialized bicycle shop. Repente has created a specific kit for measuring the ischial distance, available to its resellers.
Consider your discipline and style
The type of cycling you practice will influence your choice of saddle. Cycling saddles differ in shape, size and materials, so it is important to take your riding style into consideration. A mountain bike saddle will be different from a road saddle because the positions of the cyclist and, consequently, the anatomical support points are different.
How flexible are you?
A parameter to take into consideration is our back flexibility: a cyclist with greater flexibility tends to assume a more aerodynamic position and will have no difficulty holding the handlebars in the lower part, on the contrary a less flexible cyclist will prefer a more raised position. For a cyclist with little flexibility, a saddle with a round cross section is recommended (e.g. Prime 3.0), while a flat saddle (e.g. Quasar) is suitable for those who can maintain a lowered position for a long time.
If you choose a wide saddle, pay attention to the “delta”
In recent years, saddles with a wide seat, chosen based on the ischial distance, have become increasingly popular. By analyzing the results of some biomechanical studies, Repente found that there is a high incidence of problems related to this type of saddle. In fact, if the wide seat produces effective rear support, in most models the width hinders the free movement of the leg, sometimes creating inflammation in the muscles of the inner part of the thigh. To find the necessary comfort, the cyclist unconsciously tends to move forward on the saddle, nullifying the advantage of the width and assuming a wrong position.
In the Prime 3.0, Artax GLM and Spyd 3.0 models with a width of 142 mm, Repente has intervened on the delta, i.e. the lateral profile of the saddles, freeing the movement of the thigh without compromising the validity of the support. This particular type of design was called Ergo Shape.
Choose a saddle with anatomical slot or channel
They are called “anti-prostate” saddles, even if the prostate is relatively involved. In any case, saddles with a central anatomical cavity give an undoubted benefit, relieving pressure on the soft tissues especially when pedaling in a lowered position. There is a “con”: when the edges of the cavity are too rigid or sharp, the support area of the ischium is reduced to a few millimetres, causing pain, numbness and sometimes cysts. Once a problem is solved, a worse one can be created.
Choose high-quality materials
The supporting structures of cycling saddles are made of plastic materials or carbon fiber. One of the most common drawbacks of plastic saddles is the sagging of the shell, which over time becomes a constant deformation. This results in a change in the height of support (with related joint and muscular discomfort) and pain in the perineal area. Repente has overcome this problem by strengthening the shells with long carbon fibers rather than the more commonly used carbon fragments. The quality of the material used for the padding is also important.
Adjust the saddle correctly
Even the right saddle can cause discomfort if it is not adjusted correctly. Be sure to set the saddle height and angle to suit your personal needs. Saddles are normally fixed in a perfectly horizontal position, but in some cases it may be necessary to lower the tip by 2-3 millimetres. A bikefitter will be able to advise you on the ideal setback, i.e. the distance of the perpendicular of the anatomical point of the saddle compared to the axis of the bottom bracket.
Don’t underestimate your feelings
Don’t settle for a saddle that causes you discomfort or forces you to change your position often. After checking that your position on the bike is right, spend some time evaluating the comfort and support that the saddle gives you. If you feel any signs of pain or numbness, check the exact positioning of the saddle and, if the problem persists, consider trying a different model.
