by Al Badia
Finding the right saddle can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Find the saddle with the right shape. No two people are the same, and there are saddles available in many different shapes. You’ll need to test different shapes to find one that fits your body best.
Take account of your flexibility and your position on the bike. Test your flexibility by bending over and placing your hands on the floor with one leg extended behind you and one leg straight out in front of you (like a lunge). If you can touch the ground with both hands, then you’re flexible enough for most standard saddles. If not, consider looking for a wider or more curved saddle.
Measure the width of your sit bones. Saddles come in different widths. The width of a saddle should match the distance between your sit bones—the point where they touch when you sit on them (the widest part). If this measurement is off, then it could cause pain or numbness after long rides.
Set the saddle to the right height. The saddle should be level with or slightly lower than where it touches when you straddle it with both feet flat on the ground and knees bent at 90 degrees (like riding).
