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Bike saddles come in a wide variety of widths, hardnesses and shapes. But how do bikers find the right one? We asked bike fitting expert Franziska Schmidt how to find the right MTB saddle.
Pressure measurement facilitates the saddle search
Bike fitter Franziska Schmidt from Gebiomised explains: "To find the right saddle, we recommend taking a pressure measurement on the bike. Then you can see the position of the pelvis and the loaded area and can quickly conclude which saddle shape suits you best. We know from our experience: Many women cope slightly better with V-shapes. Most male riders find a T-shape with a cut-out comfortable. But of course this is totally individual and depends on your position on the bike. Incidentally, women don't necessarily need a special women's saddle. However, we have found that most women need a wider saddle centre. However, if you have seating problems, a special women's model with a V-shape and slightly softer padding is often the best solution."
In our E-MTB special "All the facts for beginners" you will find even more useful information:
Saddles are available in a wide variety of shapes, hardnesses, lengths and widths. There are saddles with holes or hollows, curved saddles and saddles from the 3D printer. We explain the details and differences.
++ A large selection of MTB saddles is available at Rosebikes or Mountain friends ++
The saddle width
It is one of the most important sizes when choosing a saddle, especially if you tend to sit upright on the bike, and is always measured at the widest point. The saddle must be at least wide enough so that both ischial tuberosities rest completely on it and you are not sitting on the edge of the padding. With a more sporty riding position and a good pelvic tilt, the saddle width is not quite as important. In this case, the pubic bone runners, which run forwards to the pubic bone, are more likely to make contact with the saddle. This is also more often the case for women. In this case, the saddle should be slightly wider in the centre section in order to provide sufficient contact surface for the pubic bones. The width and shape of the saddle should therefore always depend on the riding position and not just the distance between the sit bones.
Padding firmness for MTB saddles
The hardness of the foam depends very much on subjective perception. In general, however, it can be said that the bone structures on a soft pad sink into the saddle over time, which can lead to chafing and pressure points. In addition, the blood flow in the perineal area can be restricted if the padding is too soft.
A saddle that is too hard can also cause pressure pain. However, the body can get used to this with regular use. If the saddle is optimally adjusted and the pressure distribution is right, it is usually only a matter of time before the initial pain caused by the harder surface has disappeared. However, experience has shown that women cope better with a slightly softer saddle.
The sitting position also plays a role in the pad hardness. If it is more upright and the ischial tuberosities bear the main load, the saddle can also be harder. If the pelvis tilts more and the more sensitive parts towards the pubic bone also have contact with the saddle, a softer model is usually a good choice. Gel saddles or gel covers are not really recommended for mountain bikes. The body sinks in too much and becomes unstable.
T- or V-shape of the saddle
A basic distinction is made between T-shaped and V-shaped saddles. Which shape suits the rider better depends on the position of the pelvis on the saddle. The T-shape is characterised by a slightly narrower, long nose and a relatively wider seat. It is the classic saddle shape that is often fitted to bikes ex works and often works particularly well in an upright riding position where the ischial tuberosities are in contact with the saddle. It also offers a little more legroom, especially for more muscular thighs. If the pelvis is tilted (as is the case for many women) and the ischial tuberosities are in contact with the saddle, a V-shape is recommended. The slightly wider saddle nose offers the pubic bone runners significantly more contact surface from the centre section onwards.
Contour of the saddle
Saddles with a flat seat offer the rider good stability. However, a laterally sloping shape can be quite relieving because it can reduce the pressure. Again, it depends on the subjective feeling, but also on the position of the pelvis. If you hit the edge of the saddle with your thigh when pedalling, a laterally sloping saddle can be the solution. A sloping rear is particularly suitable for riders who feel a lot of pressure in the pubic bone area. If the ischial tuberosities rest on the raised part of the saddle, the front part is relieved. A saddle with a curved design is particularly recommended for an upright position in which the pubic bone runners are not in contact with the saddle, as the front part rises slightly.
Saddle with hole
A saddle with a so-called cutout is mainly used to relieve soft tissue and thus prevent numbness. This is particularly important for male riders. One disadvantage of the cutout can be that the pressure is no longer distributed over the entire surface, but rather lies on the relatively narrow edges next to the cutout. There are also saddles with a channel, i.e. a slight depression. In principle, it has the same function as a cutout, but offers a little more contact surface and is generally the more sensible solution. However, completely closed saddles can work just as well with an upright pelvic position.
The saddle nose
The advantage of a wide saddle nose is that you can put a lot of weight on the saddle in different places. When riding uphill, many riders like to slide forwards. If there is a little more surface area to put weight on, the saddle is more stable and comfortable. A narrow nose usually offers a little more legroom, as do the so-called short-fit saddles. As the foremost part of the saddle nose is usually not loaded, a long saddle nose is not absolutely necessary, but can be an advantage, especially in technical terrain. Riders with strong thighs in particular find a short saddle very comfortable. Many short-fit saddles have a pronounced V-shape, which does not suit every pelvic position on a mountain bike, but can be particularly useful for a sporty riding position.
The saddle frame
Steel, titanium or carbon? In percentage terms, a lot of weight can be saved here: While the frames of inexpensive saddles are usually made of CrMo steel tubing and can weigh around 100 grams, you can save up to 60 per cent weight with a carbon frame. Thinner-walled steel tubes, as permitted by higher-quality alloys, are exactly in between in terms of weight and roughly at the level that can be achieved with solid titanium struts.
However, a carbon frame also raises the saddle into a completely different price category - and it does not fit into every seat post. In order to be break-proof, carbon rails are usually highly oval. They have cross-sections of 7 x 9 or 7 x 10 millimetres. On most high-quality seat posts, there is a hidden indication of the type of frame they are suitable for.
Stefan Frey
Editor
