How to choose your road bike saddle?

One of the elements that can spoil a magnificent outing on the most beautiful of roads: the bike saddle. Expectations and sensations differ according to cyclists' morphologies, but here are a few pointers to help you make sense of the vast choice of models.

Standard saddles

• Profile: rounded, flat, semi-rounded
• Central channel: plain, hollow or perforated
• Track width
• Rail material: titanium, steel, aluminum, carbon, etc.

Types of saddles

It's important to remember that it's not possible to say that a particular model will necessarily suit you. Only a series of rides of varying duration and with different settings can validate a model. However, here's what users and manufacturers generally say.

Road saddles can be classified into three types of shape:

Rounded

Generally appreciated for long distances and by riders looking for comfort. Weight is often better distributed, and the shape limits overheating over time.

Flat

Designed for short distances and/or intensive effort. Appreciated for races requiring regular position changes.

Semi-rounded

In order to offer versatile saddle models, we often find an intermediate shape between rounded and flat.

To limit stress on the perineum area, some saddles feature a channel in the center of the saddle. This channel can be simply hollowed out a to reduce pressure, or even perforated b to eliminate it at this point. Note that this type of saddle may not be suitable for everyone, as stress is not totally eliminated but distributed to other areas of the seat.

Central channel: Solid, hollow or openwork?

To limit numbness, many models incorporate a perineal relief.

Hollowed channel (Flow):

A central groove reduces pressure on soft tissue. This is the ideal compromise if you're looking to relieve pressure on the perineal area without losing the sensation of support. It avoids the "edge" effect that some cyclists experience with fully open saddles.

Typical profile: Cyclists with average suppleness, prone to slight numbness, but who appreciate a secure, stable seat.

Open saddle (Open):

A full slit eliminates contact with the perineal area and improves ventilation. If you suffer from severe numbness or chronic urogenital pain.

The slit allows air to circulate, limiting the build-up of heat and humidity (which can cause skin irritation). Flexibility: As the shell is "split" in two, it often offers a slight lateral flexion that can accompany the movement of the pelvis when pedaling.

Typical profile: Very flexible cyclist who tilts the pelvis forward a lot (low aerodynamic position), or cyclist sensitive to nerve compression...

How to decide?

Features	Full saddle	Hollow channel	Openwork saddle
Pressure relief	Low	Moderate	Maximum
Weight distribution	Optimal (large surface area)	Balanced	Concentrated on ischials
Seat stability	Maximum	Very good	Good (depending on shell rigidity)
Ventilation	None	Low	Excellent

Saddle width

This is often a function of two characteristics. The size of your pelvis and your position on the bike.

The width of your pelvis will directly affect the distance between the points of support of your ischium*, i.e. the 2 points of contact with your saddle. For a wide pelvis, we recommend a saddle that's a little wider than average, and vice versa. The classic width of a saddle is around 135 mm.

Your position on the bike will also influence saddle width. Your weight is distributed differently between the saddle, handlebars and pedals, depending on whether you're in a sporty or upright position. The more upright you are, the more weight will be distributed over the saddle, in which case a slightly wider saddle is recommended. Beware: a saddle that's too wide can hinder pedaling and cause friction on the inside of the thighs over time, so it's not recommended for sporty road cycling

. Saddle length

This is defined by two categories, short and long saddles

:Short saddles, less than 250 mm long, enable you to find a position more quickly, and offer greater clearance when riding on the back of the bike on steep descents. What's more, a short saddle rubs less on the thighs when you're dancing.

For the record, all brands offer short saddles, and new products from the leading brands focus mainly on this product category.

Long saddles, with a length of over 250 mm, are ideal for outings where the rider's posture is less demanding. These saddles are favored by professional riders because they are able to find their position on a long saddle, so they can move around the saddle according to the physiognomy of the race (in the saddle lip on strong acceleration / behind the saddle to stretch the thighs).

Finally, it' s not uncommon to find the same saddle model offered with different types of rails. In addition to the weight savings that each material and rail type will also bring more or less comfort:

1. Titanium: the most comfortable, with the least weight
2. Steel: relatively comfortable
3. Aluminum: relatively light
4. Carbon: the lightest, with excellent shock and vibration absorption

Please note that carbon rails are usually oval and not round, so they require a seatpost with a compatible saddle carriage:

Which saddle to choose?

Once again, it's hard to say for sure, but to sum up, here's what you need to know.

For sporty road biking, a semi-round saddle with a classic width (approx. 135 mm) in line with your pelvis should do the trick. A flat saddle will also be ideal for riders who like to change position regularly

.For leisure cycling, or even simple strolling, a rounded saddle with a classic width or even a little wider, depending on your pelvis, should be suitable.

If you suffer from perineal pain, a saddle with a hollowed-out channel should solve the problem.

If, despite all this advice, you still can't find a model that allows you to ride without pain, it's advisable to consult a specialist in postural studies.

Frequently asked questions?

Why choose a short-fit saddle? Short-fit saddles (less than 250 mm) are becoming increasingly popular in competition. They enable you to maintain an aggressive, aerodynamic riding position for longer, by reducing pressure on the saddle lip at maximum torso inclination.

Is gel padding essential for comfort? Not necessarily. Over long rides, padding that's too soft (thick gel) can sag and end up compressing sensitive areas. For regular use, firm high-density foam is often more comfortable over time than soft gel.

How long does a bicycle saddle last? Saddles don't last forever. The shell eventually loses its tension and filtration capacity. On average, depending on the material and your weight, you should check your saddle for sag every 15,000 to 20,000 km.

Should I tilt my saddle forward to reduce pain? As a general rule, a saddle should be perfectly horizontal (check with a spirit level). If the saddle is tilted too far forward, the rider will slide off, overloading arms and knees. If you need to tilt the saddle to avoid pain, it's because the saddle model or height is unsuitable.

Is an openwork saddle less solid? No. Manufacturers compensate for the central opening by using stiffer materials on the side walls (injected carbon, reinforced nylon) and strategically positioned rails to maintain the saddle's structural integrity.

Does the central opening weaken the saddle? padding? The padding of an openwork saddle is designed to be denser on the support areas (the sides) so as not to sag towards the opening. It rarely degrades faster than a full saddle, provided you choose a quality brand.

Can I use a perforated saddle on a mountain bike? Yes, you can, but beware of mud or water splashing up through the center hole. Many "Open" mountain bike models incorporate a mesh or fine protection to avoid this inconvenience while retaining the benefits of the relief.

Why do some pros still use full saddles? Some riders prefer an ultra-stable platform to maximize power transfer without deforming the shell. It's also a question of morphology: a narrow pelvis and limited pelvic tilt make the perineal area less vulnerable to compression.