What type of riding?
- Recreational cycling: Wider saddles with plush padding or springs; ideal if you sit more upright while pedaling
- Mountain biking: These saddles have padding for your sit bones, a durable cover and a streamlined shape that will aid your movement
- Bike touring: Saddles for bike touring provide cushioning for your sit bones and a fairly long, narrow nose.
- Bike commuting: Saddles that are good for commuting have some padding, but generally not too much.
- Road cycling: Saddles tend to be long and narrow with minimal padding for the best power transfer
Saddle type
- Cushioning: Shorter and wider with plush padding or springs to absorb bumps in the road
- Performance: Long and narrow with minimal padding to create maximum power transfer and reduce chafing
Cushioning material
- Gel: Molds to your body and provides the plushest comfort but compacts more quickly than foam
- Foam: Offers a pliable feel that springs back to shape; provides more support than gel while still delivering comfort
- No cushioning: Saddles with leather or cotton covers will break in with frequent riding and mold to your shape
Read full article: How to Choose a Bike Saddle
