The best saddles for worry-free cycling: A complete guide to finding the perfect saddle
Introduction: Why is a good saddle crucial when travelling by bike?
When you embark on a cycling trip, whether it's for a weekend or an adventure lasting several months, comfort is paramount. Among the elements essential to a cyclist's well-being, the saddle plays a major role. An unsuitable saddle can cause pain, chafing and spoil the cycling experience. In this article, we present the best saddles for worry-free cycling.
1. The characteristics of a good saddle for cycling
1.1. Upholstery
Quality padding is essential for comfort over long distances. Foam saddles offer good cushioning, while gel saddles adapt better to the cyclist's morphology.
1.2. The shape
The shape of the saddle should correspond to the rider's anatomy and position on the bike. Narrow saddles are better suited to sporty cyclists, while wider saddles are better suited to cyclists who adopt a more upright position.
1.3. The materials
The materials used to make saddles influence their comfort and durability. Leather saddles are renowned for their comfort and durability, while plastic and fabric saddles are lighter and less expensive.
2. How to choose the ideal saddle for your cycling trip
2.1. Measuring the distance between your pins
The distance between the pins is an important factor in choosing the right saddle for you. Measure this gap using a tape measure or a special device such as a "sit-bone-meter" available from some bike shops, then choose a saddle that matches this measurement. A saddle that is too narrow or too wide can cause pain and discomfort over long distances.
To measure the distance between your pins, you can do it easily at home by following these steps:
- Use a piece of corrugated cardboard, some chalk and a tape measure, folding metre or ruler.
- Sit down on the corrugated cardboard, pressing down firmly so that the imprint is clear.
- Mark the deepest pressure points with chalk.
- Measure the distance between these points in millimetres.
Repeat the measurement to confirm the distance between your ischials.
2.2. Taking your gender into account
Men and women have different morphologies, so it's essential to choose a saddle that's adapted to your gender. Some brands offer specific saddles for men and women, with adapted shapes and padding. Don't hesitate to try out several models to find the one that best suits your anatomy.
2.3 Obviously or not?
The rider's flexibility is another factor to consider when choosing a saddle with or without a recess. Less flexible cyclists tend to benefit from a saddle with a recess to reduce pressure on the perineum, while more flexible cyclists can choose a saddle with or without a recess.
To determine your flexibility, bend over with your feet together and legs straight to see if you can touch your toes with your hands. If you can't, a saddle with a recess is recommended.
2.4. Trying out several models
Every cyclist is unique, so it's essential to try out several models of saddle to determine which best suits your anatomy and riding style. Visit a specialist shop to try out different saddles on your own bike or on a test bike. Take into account the comfort, shape, width and padding of each model.
2.5. Taking into account the duration and intensity of the journey
The ideal saddle for a short, low-intensity trip may not be suitable for a trip lasting several weeks or months. Consider the duration and intensity of your trip when choosing the most suitable saddle. For longer, more intense trips, choose saddles with generous padding and an ergonomic shape that reduces pressure on sensitive areas.
2.6. Consider the type of bike and riding position
The type of bike and riding position influence the choice of saddle. For example, if you have a road bike with a forward leaning position, you will need a different saddle to a touring bike with a more upright position. Narrower saddles are generally better suited to road bikes, while wider, padded saddles are better suited to touring bikes.
3. Choose the shape of the saddle to suit the movement of your hips
The shape of the saddle can also influence rider comfort and performance. The choice of saddle shape depends in part on the movement of your hips when pedalling.
3.1 Flat saddles
Flat saddles are designed for cyclists with little upper body movement during pedalling, offering stable support.
3.2. Semi-round stools
Semi-rounded saddles are suitable for average cyclists who have moderate upper body movement when pedalling.
3.3. Rounded stools
Rounded saddles are suitable for cyclists who move their upper body more during pedalling, offering more flexible support adapted to their riding style.
4. The best saddle brands for cycling
4.1. Brooks
Brooks is a British brand that has specialised in leather saddles for over a century. Their range of saddles is very popular with touring cyclists for their comfort and durability. Flagship model: Brooks B17.
4.2. Selle Italia
Selle Italia is an Italian company that offers a wide range of saddles for different uses, including cycle touring. Their "Gran Turismo" series is specially designed for long distances. Flagship model: Selle Italia Diva Gel Superflow.
4.3. Fizik
Fizik is a well-known brand in the world of cycling. Their saddles are renowned for their ergonomic design and innovative technology, offering excellent comfort for cycling trips. Flagship model: Fizik Aliante VS.
4.4. Terry
Terry is an American brand specialising in ergonomic saddles for men and women. Their saddles are designed to minimise pressure points and maximise comfort. Flagship model: Terry Fly.
4.5. SQLab
SQLab is a German brand renowned for its innovative ergonomic saddles. Their system for measuring the distance between the ischiums allows you to choose the saddle best suited to each cyclist. Flagship model: SQLab 611 Ergowave.
4.6. SMP saddle
Selle SMP is an Italian brand that stands out for its uniquely designed saddles, with a pronounced beak and central channel to reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Flagship model: Selle SMP TRK.
4.7. Ergon
Ergon is a German company specialising in ergonomic cycling accessories, including saddles. Their products are designed to offer maximum comfort on long rides. Flagship model: Ergon SM Pro.
4.8. Prologo
Prologo is an Italian brand offering high-quality saddles for demanding cyclists. Their models combine innovative design and cutting-edge materials to offer optimum comfort. Flagship model: Prologo Scratch 2.
5. The saddle models best suited to cycle touring
5.1. Brooks B17
The B17 is Brooks' most popular saddle. It is ideal for long distances thanks to its high-quality leather and generous padding. The B17 is designed to adapt to the cyclist's morphology over time, ensuring personalised comfort. What's more, the B17 is available in several versions, including the B17 Imperial with a central channel to relieve pressure.
5.2. Selle Italia Diva Gel Superflow
The Diva Gel Superflow from Selle Italia is a saddle specially designed for women. It offers excellent comfort thanks to its gel padding and ergonomic shape. The width of the saddle is adapted to the female pelvis, and the Superflow central channel reduces pressure on sensitive areas. The carbon fibre shell is light and strong.
5.3. Fizik Aliante VS
The Aliante VS from Fizik is a lightweight, comfortable saddle, ideal for touring cyclists looking for a high-performance saddle. Its V-shape and central channel reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Twin Flex technology provides optimum flexibility to adapt to the rider's movements. The reinforced carbon shell provides excellent support and a long service life.
5.4. Terry Fly
The Terry Fly is a versatile model designed to offer maximum comfort for both men and women. It features high-density foam padding and a central channel to relieve pressure. The shape of the saddle is designed to adapt to each cyclist's morphology and provide adequate support. The Terry Fly is also available in a "Gel" version for even greater comfort.
5.5. Ergon SM Pro
The Ergon SM Pro is an ergonomic saddle designed for touring and mountain biking. It incorporates OrthoCell technology for optimised cushioning and greater comfort over long distances. The shape of the saddle, with its sloping nose and wide central channel, reduces pressure on sensitive areas. The nylon shell and titanium rails offer lightness and strength for maximum durability.
5.6. SQLab 611 Ergowave
The SQLab 611 Ergowave is an innovative saddle specially designed for comfort-conscious cyclists. The undulating shape of the saddle follows the rider's movements and provides optimum support. The memory foam padding adapts to the rider's morphology for tailor-made comfort. The pronounced central channel reduces pressure on sensitive areas, preventing numbness and pain.
6. Maintaining your saddle to extend its life
6.1. Regular cleaning
To prevent premature wear, clean your saddle regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid aggressive detergents that could damage the materials.
6.2. Protect from sun and rain
Sun and rain can damage your saddle materials. Use a protective cover when parking your bike outside, and store it away from the elements whenever possible.
6.3. Greasing the rails
To keep your saddle running smoothly, remember to grease the rails and moving parts regularly.
7. Adapting your saddle to travel conditions
7.1. Use a waterproof saddle cover
In case of rain, a waterproof saddle cover will protect your saddle and prevent you from riding with a wet saddle.
7.2 Installing a suspended seat post
A suspended seatpost absorbs shocks and improves comfort on rough roads, which is particularly useful when travelling by bike.
Conclusion: Find the ideal saddle for worry-free cycling
Choosing the ideal saddle for cycling is a crucial step in ensuring optimum comfort and an enjoyable travel experience.
By taking into account your body type, gender, flexibility, the length and intensity of your trip, as well as the type of bike and riding position, you can select the saddle that suits you best.
Don't hesitate to try out several models and find out about the best saddle brands for cycling, such as Brooks, Selle Italia, Fizik, Terry, SQLab, Selle SMP, Ergon and Prologo.
Look after your saddle by cleaning it regularly, protecting it from sun and rain and greasing the rails to extend its life.
Finally, don't forget to adapt your saddle to travel conditions by using a waterproof saddle cover and a suspended seatpost if necessary.
By choosing the right saddle and looking after it properly, you can get the most out of your cycling adventure, whether it's a weekend or an expedition lasting several months.
