RELIEVING SADDLE PAIN: 3 TIPS FOR COMFORTABLE CYCLING
Saddle pain can seriously spoil the fun of cycling, but luckily there are ways to fix it. Are you experiencing saddle pain? Here are three things to consider that are usually the cause of your pain.
1. Adjusting the saddle
The first thing to check is the adjustment of your saddle. We often see that people quickly develop saddle sores when their saddle is set too high. Many people slide forward on their saddle when it's set too high. If you're unsure whether your saddle is too high or too low, you can enter your measurements on our website for a bike, and it will give you an indication of the correct saddle height.
The angle and position of the bicycle saddle can also cause saddle pain. Sitting too far forward or back on your saddle can also be a cause of saddle pain. If you find yourself leaning too far forward or back while cycling, you can adjust your saddle position accordingly, either forward or backward. Incorrect saddle adjustment is the number one cause of saddle pain. If you sit incorrectly on a saddle, almost any saddle will be uncomfortable.
2. Type of bicycle saddle
It's also possible that the saddle on your bike doesn't fit you. Everyone is different, so the original saddle isn't always right for you. It might be too narrow or too wide, or the shape might not suit you. The right type of saddle depends on your bike. The further forward you sit on a bike, the narrower the saddle you need. That's why a city bike has a much wider saddle than a racing bike.
The firmness of a bicycle saddle also significantly affects its comfort, especially when riding for extended periods. If your saddle is too soft, you'll notice saddle soreness after a few hours. A saddle that's too soft causes you to sink into the saddle, putting pressure on the tissue around your sit bones, which is uncomfortable. A firmer saddle keeps you sitting on your sit bones. By gradually increasing your saddle's firmness, your sit bones get used to the pressure, and you can often cycle for hours on a firm saddle without any problems.
View our full range of saddles or visit one of our stores for a saddle measurement and personalized advice.
3. Wear good cycling shorts
Finally, it's crucial to wear good cycling shorts . Our mountain bike and road bike saddles are designed for use with cycling shorts and a chamois. You'll also see differences in quality between cycling shorts. A higher-quality chamois retains its shape longer. So, during shorter rides, you won't immediately notice the difference, but after a few hours, you'll notice that a better chamois retains its shape longer.
We have a wide range of cycling shorts in all different shapes and sizes. View our selection for women and men here or visit our store.
Maximize driving pleasure, minimize pain
In the pursuit of a comfortable cycling experience, adjusting your saddle, choosing the right type of saddle, and wearing good cycling shorts are essential factors in preventing saddle sores. By paying attention to these three points, you, as a cyclist, can maximize your riding enjoyment and minimize aches and pains. Whether you're a recreational cyclist or an avid road cyclist, adjusting these elements can make a world of difference to your comfort on the bike.