How to choose a saddle?

You want a saddle that will support your weight on your sit bones or ischial tuberosities if you want the proper anatomical term. You can measure the distance between your sit bones by taking a peice of aluminum foil, placing it on a padded surface (I use a carpeted step), and sitting on it. There should be two distinct depressions in the foil. Measure the distance between the deepest areas of the depressions, add a couple of cm, and this will give you a good idea of the minimum saddle width that you can use. Anything more narrow will have you supporting your weight on soft tissue and nerves which is a very bad thing. After that, it is a matter of trial and error. Talk to your LBS and see if they have a saddle exchange program, most do. In this program, you try a saddle for a specific period of time and if it doesn't work for you, you return it and pick up a different one to try. Once you find the one that works for you, its yours. Usually there is a payment of the difference or a refund each time you try a different saddle depending upon the price differences between them. The length of the trial period and other aspects vary between shops so make sure that you understand your LBS's policies prior to starting your saddle trials.

Just wondering.
Do you have a problem with your existing saddle?
Are you uncomfortable or are you replacing an old worn saddle that has treated you well over time?

The bike came with this saddle.
It gets uncomfortable after 30-45 minutes.
I tend to "push back" to change the pressure points
Do models with an opening in the center make a big difference?

For some folks the love canal works.
Do you have a saddle from an older bike that worked for you?
If so you could use that or bring it to the LBS as a reference point of where to start. If not I would second KDELONGS advice and try a few out with your LBS.
I would suggest that when you do find the right saddle buy a second one. You may find yourself in a few years searching for a new saddle again and your favorite may no longer be available.

The only rough rule that applies is that the more you ride, the narrower and harder saddle you need. Beyond that it's very individual and there seem to be be no shortcuts - you need to go through a few saddles.
Also, a saddle that fits on one bike may not be the best fit on another bike, due to differences in position.
At best you can try to get an arrangement with your local bike shop where if a saddle doesn't fit you, you can return it at a markdown.

If you are going to buy a new saddle, so the best is according to your old saddle to choose, i think it is good way to choose the new saddle,and when you use again , it will be more suitable for you.

Spend a little time with google and you'll find loads about saddles. From my research consensus seems to be the following.

1. Everyone is different - you'll need to try different saddles to find one that works for you
2. Hornless saddles make the bike hard to control and helps explain why they have not caught on
3. Gel is bad for the serious rider - it bunches up. In general a saddle that feels great in your hands won't feel great after an hour or riding.
4. Positioning is more important than the saddle. You have several adjustments on the bike (including both saddle height and fore/aft). Move things around a bit to see what works for you.

Quoted post said:

Positioning is more important than the saddle.

+1

Saddle position is very important and a good saddle can't ovecome bad position. Frame geometry, stem height, handlebar design, and crank length also affect how your backside interacts with the saddle.

I think it's also important to note that it is normal, even desireable, to move around on the saddle a bit during a ride. I'll stand up for a bit, shift backward, or change the tilt of my pelvis (sit up or get more aero) for a bit every 15-20 minutes just to give the weightbearing areas a break. It's no different than changing hand positions once in a while to prevent fatigue. We aren't machines and constant pressure in any area will eventually cause breakdown (this is how bedridden people get bedsores). Our body protects itself by making it uncomfortable not to shift position from time to time. Even when sleeping very comfortably on an excellent mattress, you will move every 20-30 minutes to redistribute the pressure.

This link will give you a lot of additional information on bicycle saddles. The links that it contains are also helpful.

jimlangley.netbicycleseatsOpen ↗

If you are not using cycling specific shorts, they may also help you with your comfort. Most are padded with chamois to make the saddle less uncomfortable and they have no seams in the crotch to help prevent chafing.

+1 Made that mistake. Get bike shorts. Will be the best $50 to $100 you spend.

I agree, the padded shorts were the best buy of the season!
But I'll make sure to have my LBS setup a suitable position for me.
Thanks for everyone's input

Just got a brand new saddle fitted to perfection. First ride was amazing, the purpose of the ride was to test the seat - but I ended up totally forgetting that and instead having one of the most comfortable rides I've had in the past 2 months. "SQ-lab" bike seats are a breed apart. The sales team in the US has been helpful. They will send you tools for measurement free of charge as well. Big thumbs up to try them!

Good pointers. I just got a brand new "SQ-lab" saddle that has some unique features. On of the better ones would be it's 3 setting lateral tilt feature (hard, medium, soft). 1st ride was to test the seat. Not once did I have to shift about, or stand up in discomfort ( I did stand up 2 times out of habit though - realizing only a split second later that it was not necessary...) This seat is a keeper... Thumbs up if you ever want to consider changing.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by rxter [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Spend a little time with google and you'll find loads about saddles. From my research consensus seems to be the following.

1. Everyone is different - you'll need to try different saddles to find one that works for you
2. Hornless saddles make the bike hard to control and helps explain why they have not caught on
3. Gel is bad for the serious rider - it bunches up. In general a saddle that feels great in your hands won't feel great after an hour or riding.
4. Positioning is more important than the saddle. You have several adjustments on the bike (including both saddle height and fore/aft). Move things around a bit to see what works for you.

Good pointers. After many failed attempts I just fitted my self with a brand new "Sq-lab" saddle. The sales team in the US sent me tools for measurement free of charge. this is self explanatory and simple. The seat its self has some unique features, namely 3 settings of lateral tilt (hard, medium, soft) and is such a relief on the spine and perineum region. My first ride felt like I've been using the saddle for eons... Thumbs up for trying it!

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by risetoride [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Good pointers. After many failed attempts I just fitted my self with a brand new "Sq-lab" saddle. The sales team in the US sent me tools for measurement free of charge. this is self explanatory and simple. The seat its self has some unique features, namely 3 settings of lateral tilt (hard, medium, soft) and is such a relief on the spine and perineum region. My first ride felt like I've been using the saddle for eons... Thumbs up for trying it!

So after the only three posts you ever, uhm, posted here, I'm not completely sure yet for which product or company you're being the shill (or in scientific terms, "[censored]"😉. What's the name of the company, again?

The sqlabs saddles look interesting. Can you point me to the US dealer? The saddle in my icon is killing me. Better yet send me a PM so that the admins don't become concerned about your motives. Thanks for offering up an interesting alternative.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by rxter [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

The sqlabs saddles look interesting. Can you point me to the US dealer? The saddle in my icon is killing me. Better yet send me a PM so that the admins don't become concerned about your motives. Thanks for offering up an interesting alternative.

How about going to an LBS or two to test ride some saddles? Good LBS have saddles to test ride. Likewise, several saddle manufacturers (Selle San Marco, Selle Italia, Fizik,.......) have saddle test programs in place at some LBS, as well as some online dealers. Also, some online dealers have saddle test programs wherein for a reasonable fee or deposit, they'll send a number of saddles to try (Competitive Cyclist does this I believe).

FWIW I got the sq-lab 611 active. Not perfect to be sure, but I can ride for a couple of hours now with no real stress on that end. My left foot still looses circulation, but I think that's down to the shoes and clips at this point. Overall I'm happy with the seat. A little pricey and a bit heavy, but it is working for me.

Fit, fit, fit - no magic with saddles. Just keep trying them until you find one that works. Alienator's recommendation regarding the test-ride programs is wisdom. I could have likely saved my self a fair bit of pain had I done that earlier.

+1 for ISM SADDLES Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk