The perfect bike saddle

The starting point is always the user. And the way they use their bike. A road cyclist has different requirements to an urban cyclist. The type of bike, the seating position, the type and duration of use are all crucial. These parameters need to be analysed precisely in order to develop the right saddle shape.

A very important role! As well as height and weight, the pelvis is a determining factor, particularly its width, shape and the height of the symphysis. There are significant anatomical differences between men and women in these areas. A good saddle must take these differences into account to relieve critical pressure areas. Musculature and sitting habits are also taken into account when defining the ideal shape of a saddle. It’s like a shoe. There are also many different models, depending on the shape and size of the foot and the intended use.

The different properties of a saddle are often contradictory. Sport saddles are often lighter, at the expense of padding. It is therefore important to adapt the saddle shell to the rider’s morphology. New materials such as orthopaedic foams and 3D-printed structures help to combine comfort and performance. Top-of-the-range models often use carbon materials derived from motor sport.

Yes, customisation is an important issue. There is now a saddle to suit almost every anatomy, every requirement and every budget. Made-to-measure models have long since ceased to be the preserve of professionals. Comfort is becoming increasingly important in the professional sector. Lightweight concepts such as channels or openings in the saddle are now almost the norm. New damping technologies and innovative materials make it possible to reconcile contradictory properties such as comfort and performance ever more effectively.

Some saddle manufacturers carry out extensive research in specialist laboratories to develop the perfect saddle. The reference standard is set by sophisticated analyses of the pressure exerted on the saddle, using complex sensor technology. This makes the invisible visible. Patterns can be identified and optimised solutions developed. Professional athletes also contribute valuable experience.

Many innovative solutions have been developed in recent years. 3D printing technology is still young, but promising. It is currently used mainly in professional sport. It will only be of interest to amateur cyclists when production becomes more efficient and less costly. Inexpensive, high-performance orthopaedic foams already exist. Incorporating shock-absorbing materials into a new saddle design would considerably improve comfort and performance. Artificial intelligence and electronics could also play a role in saddles in the future. But this is just a vision of the future.

As I said, there is a huge choice of saddles available today. Finding the right model in this jungle of products is not so easy. I recommend asking a specialist dealer for advice. There are also online guides that provide recommendations in just a few clicks. Sattelfinder is one example. In all cases, the buyer should consider the following factors: type of bike, area of use, seating position, size and shape of pelvis, any seating problems and type of use (e.g. short or very long journeys).

Sitting problems are the most common in cycling. According to surveys, 50-70% of cyclists claim to have pain when sitting. These range from a sensation of numbness to inflammation. Even slight pain can considerably reduce the pleasure of riding.

Not necessarily. A saddle is only as good as its adjustment. The height, inclination and distance from the handlebars all have to be right. If the bike is too big, even a good saddle won’t make much difference. If you’re not sure, ask a bike specialist for advice or use adjustment tools to measure and test yourself. It’s important to gradually increase the distance you ride after adjustment so that your body can get used to it and adapt.

Unfortunately not. The simplest thing would be for one saddle to suit all cyclists. But that’s not possible, for the reasons mentioned above. Even adjustable saddles (e.g. width-adjustable) are often just a compromise and don’t solve the problem. A good saddle has to meet too many different criteria. So my advice is: take your measurements and ask for advice. Then test the recommendations and make sure you find the setting that suits you best.