Trisports.com Saddle Comparison

Saddle discomfort is the cyclist’s most common complaint. For triathletes who are new to riding sitting in a forward-rotated pelvic posture may be even more of a concern than a traditional road cycling posture. Finding the solution to saddle discomfort is the most important challenge on the triathlete’s bike agenda. Until you can sit on the saddle tolerably you won’t be able to train consistently and you won’t race optimally.

“A bike saddle, even the best of them, will never be an easy chair. It will never be truly ‘comfortable’. Tolerable and functional is the goal.”

In any discussion of saddle comfort you must begin with a calibration of terms: just what should the saddle feel like? A bike saddle, even the best of them, will never be an easy chair. It will never be truly “comfortable”. A better goal for saddle interaction is “tolerable”. Tolerable will include bouts of discomfort that include numbness and pain. That is normal. Extended periods of discomfort and numbness after riding, including problems with urination or sexual function are not normal. Very high levels of pain in the saddle area and any lesions or broken skin in the saddle area are also valid saddle maladies and should be taken seriously.

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