Getting To The Bottom Of Mountain Bike Saddles

Summary

This video explores everything about bike saddles, focusing on how to choose the right one based on riding style and personal anatomy. It explains the purpose of a saddle, how to measure sit bone width, and why saddle sizes and shapes vary for different cycling genres like road biking, mountain biking, and cross-country. The video also covers the importance of materials, including steel, titanium, and carbon, and compares men's and women's saddles based on anatomical differences. Finally, it offers tips for selecting the right saddle based on personal fit and budget.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Saddles are designed to support the sit bones of the pelvis, not the size of your buttocks.
• 🔧 Saddle shape matters: the wide top supports your sit bones, and the narrow bottom prevents thigh interference.
• 📏 Saddle width should match the distance between your sit bones to avoid discomfort and improper hip movement.
• 🏠 You can measure your sit bones at home using a wet towel, kitchen roll, and paper to mark the sit bone impressions.
• 🚴 Different riding styles require different saddle widths: more upright positions need wider saddles for better support.
• 🏞️ Saddles differ by genre (road, mountain, downhill, etc.), with variations in padding, design, and materials based on riding needs.
• 💡 High-end saddles offer advanced features like orthopedic foam, titanium or carbon rails, and better performance but come at higher costs.
• 👫 Men's and women's saddles often differ in shape to accommodate typical anatomical differences, but comfort and fit are the priority.
• 💼 Saddle rails come in three common materials: steel (strong, affordable), titanium (light, flexible), and carbon (light, stiff, expensive).
• 🛠️ The key to choosing the right saddle is matching it to your sit bone measurements, riding style, and desired comfort level.

Q & A

Why do saddles have a Y shape with a wide top and a narrow bottom?

Saddles have a Y shape with a wide top to bear the sit bones, which are the bony parts of the pelvis that need to bear most of the body's weight when seated. The narrow bottom allows for clearance for the thighs, preventing discomfort from thigh interaction with the saddle.

What is the purpose of channels or holes in some saddles?

Channels or holes in saddles are design variations that can offer different levels of support, relief, and comfort depending on the riding style or personal preference. They can also help with weight distribution and pressure relief in certain riding positions.

How can you determine if a saddle is too narrow or too wide for you?

A saddle is too narrow if your sit bones slip and rock when reaching for the pedals, causing discomfort and potential back pain. A saddle is too wide if your thighs interact with the saddle, causing you to move forward onto the narrow part, which then fails to support your sit bones properly.

What is the method to measure your sit bone width at home?

To measure sit bone width at home, use a slightly spongy material like microfiber cloth or bubble wrap on a firm surface, wet it with water, and sit on it with a piece of paper on top. The dampness will create impressions that you can trace and measure the distance between to find your sit bone width.

Why do saddle sizes differ for different types of cycling?

Saddle sizes differ for different types of cycling because the position and style of riding affect the required support and comfort. For example, road and gravel cycling may need less width compared to more upright positions in mountain biking, where additional width is needed for support.

How does the genre of cycling influence saddle design?

The genre of cycling influences saddle design by requiring specific features for the type of riding. Mountain biking saddles, for instance, have more padding for vibration damping and may include a rear shelf for technical climbs, while road saddles prioritize performance and lightweight construction.

What is the significance of the range in saddle models like sport, comp, and pro?

The range in saddle models such as sport, comp, and pro indicates different levels of features and performance. Sport models are standard with steel rails, while comp models upgrade to orthopedic foam and may include durability features. Pro models offer the highest performance with advanced foam and often carbon or titanium rails, but at a higher price.

What materials are commonly used for saddle rails and what are their characteristics?

Saddle rails are commonly made of steel, titanium, or carbon. Steel is affordable and strong but can be heavy. Titanium is lighter, flexible, and stronger than steel but more expensive. Carbon can be designed for flexibility and vibration damping or stiffness for performance and is usually the most expensive.

How do men's and women's saddles differ to accommodate anatomical differences?

Men's saddles typically have a narrower design to accommodate a narrower pelvis and more upright sitting position, while women's saddles are wider to fit a wider pelvis and may offer more relief in the front due to a higher profile on the pelvis bone and a tendency to sit forward and lean more.

What factors should you consider when choosing a saddle for Enduro and more upright seating positions?

For Enduro and upright seating positions, consider a saddle with additional width for support, a relief channel for pressure relief when moving forward, and a comp or pro range for a balance of comfort and budget. A steel rail provides flexibility and durability, and orthopedic foam offers comfort.