Evolution of the Bike Seat
The very first bike seat appeared on what was hardly even a bike. The draisine had no pedals, meaning you had to use your feet on the ground to move it. Its saddle was a very basic wooden plank, which wasn't doing much for the rider in terms of comfort. Next came the penny-farthing, which featured seats that were more advanced than a plank, but were still without padding and crafted from steel. After the invention of the safety bicycle in 1887, bikes started to resemble the modern bikes we use today. Seats became focussed on providing riders with a greater freedom of motion by leaving more room for their legs when pedaling. Although comfort has improved, for most cyclists comfort isn't a priority. As a result, many elite cyclists forgo extra padding on their seats in favor of enhanced speed.
Types of Saddles
Saddles are created with different riding styles in mind. Racing saddles are ideal for a full range of motion to decrease a rider’s chances of chafing. To avoid this same problem, mountain bike saddles come in a similar form to racing saddles. These styles of saddle are recommended for men, because they have a downward angle to improve blood flow and reduce nerve irritation for the rider. Comfort saddles feature much more padding and are the best bike saddles for women due to their short nose and softer centers. For extra comfort on rougher terrain, many opt for a suspension saddle to reduce shock from impacts. Cruiser saddles aim to achieve even weight distribution for extra comfort when you’re not pedaling quickly.
Best Bike Saddles
The Selle SMP Pro is a top choice for longer journeys where you're going to be alternating between sitting and standing. Its innovative design reduces irritation for greater levels of comfort. Similarly, the Fizik Aliante Gamma Kium saddle is good for those long hauls, and often has a lower price tag compared to the Selle. It’s also a great choice if you're going on slower, medium-length rides. Its padding is artfully arranged, meaning although it's not the most comfortable, it's padded enough to take the edge off during mid-distance rides. For a super light and comfortable option, go for the fabric Scoop Radius Elite. It's durable and a brilliant all-around choice for day-to-day use. The ultimate in taking the pressure off, the Terry Fly TI gives you a smooth ride without adding a ton of pressure in your seated area.