Bicycle Seats

Have You Checked Your Seat Lately?

Your bicycle seat, that is!  When most people think of bikes, they think of wheels and gears.  Bike seats are sometimes just an afterthought.  Serious bikers know that unless you have a quality, well-fitted seat, those miles are going to be awfully long!

...........When you bought your bicycle, it had a seat.  Now, after many rides, are you finding that seat to be uncomfortable? 

If so, here are some things to consider when you "upgrade" your bicycle seat.

Your bike seat should conform to your body.  Bicycle seats aren't a "one size fits all" issue. 

Men and women have different body shapes, and you'll also need to consider your size; do you need a slim seat or a wider seat? 

Since a correctly fitted seat prevents discomfort on your riding expeditions, think about how you ride. 

If you ride hard and fast, you focus most of your body weight on your hands and feet.  But if you ride for fun and leisure at a slower pace, your body weight is almost entirely focused on your seat.  This calls for a wider seat than a slim "racing" seat.

What's the best way to decide what bicycle seat is for you?  It's easy: try them before you buy them!  If you've sat through sporting events, classes and movies on those hard wooden seats, no doubt you got up gratefully since these seats put all your weight on the two pelvic bones that we sometimes call the "tailbone." 

When you go shopping for a new bike seat, sit on a few to see how they feel and how they support your body structure.  Put various seats to the test by sitting in them for a few moments and then look to see if there are slight dents in the center of the seat pad. 

No dents, no seat!  This one won't work for you; it's going to be way too hard for comfort.  Keep trying seats until you find one that's right for you.

(Continued Below)

Be sure to examine the thin, protruding area of the seat called the "nose."  This is an area that can cause a lot of discomfort on long rides, so be sure you choose a seat with a comfortable nose, including a soft pad to relieve pressure while you're riding.

A soft seat may be initially most comfortable, but these seats can turn brittle if you ride a lot in cold weather. 

Remember, bicycle seats are always changeable.  You can use a foam soft seat in warm weather, and switch to a sturdier seat in the winter.

Tandem Bicycles That Fold >>

Ride for Life...
Chip Clark
Famous Bike Guy

Bicycle Seats