How to buy a new bicycle saddle
Choosing the right saddle tends to be an iterative process — most experienced riders have tried a few before settling on a favourite.
To avoid buying a succession of bike saddles, think about what it is with your current one that isn't working for you.
If it’s just that it’s comfortable, but knackered or just a bit heavy, then choosing a new one is fairly easy. The same saddle shape is usually available in a range of prices, materials and weights, so upgrading within the same family is generally a safe bet.
A bigger challenge is replacing a saddle because it's uncomfortable. This needs a bit of thought — try to pin down what it is that doesn't work for you.
If you feel you have to constantly correct your seating position, why not try a seat with a more pronounced dip to keep you in one place? Maybe it's too wide and rubs your legs or you like to sit on the nose but it's hard and narrow? Use your observations of previous perches to narrow down your choice.
Once you've got a checklist, see if you can audition some likely candidates.
This might involve having a ride on a friend's bike or getting test rides at shop or manufacturer demo days. Some shops have saddle demo schemes so you can get a few miles in before buying and some manufacturers have 30-day 'comfort guarantee' schemes for risk-free purchasing.
While it may be tempting to try and pick up a bargain online, a visit to a well stocked and knowledgeable bike shop that knows its saddles — and what type of rider they fit best — can save you a whole load of frustration.
To avoid buying a succession of bike saddles, think about what it is with your current one that isn't working for you.
If it’s just that it’s comfortable, but knackered or just a bit heavy, then choosing a new one is fairly easy. The same saddle shape is usually available in a range of prices, materials and weights, so upgrading within the same family is generally a safe bet.
A bigger challenge is replacing a saddle because it's uncomfortable. This needs a bit of thought — try to pin down what it is that doesn't work for you.
If you feel you have to constantly correct your seating position, why not try a seat with a more pronounced dip to keep you in one place? Maybe it's too wide and rubs your legs or you like to sit on the nose but it's hard and narrow? Use your observations of previous perches to narrow down your choice.
Once you've got a checklist, see if you can audition some likely candidates.
This might involve having a ride on a friend's bike or getting test rides at shop or manufacturer demo days. Some shops have saddle demo schemes so you can get a few miles in before buying and some manufacturers have 30-day 'comfort guarantee' schemes for risk-free purchasing.
While it may be tempting to try and pick up a bargain online, a visit to a well stocked and knowledgeable bike shop that knows its saddles — and what type of rider they fit best — can save you a whole load of frustration.
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