Tips for Preventing Bike Saddle Soreness
- Ask Your Friends - If you ride with your friends you can ask them what they recommend. If they will let you, try taking a ride on theirs to see how it fits and feels. Even though everyone's anatomy is a little different you might find that the bike saddle your friend likes works for you too.
- Check Height and Angle: A common cause of saddle discomfort and pain is that it is adjusted wrong. The saddle should be level with the ground and at a height so that when the balls of your feat are on the pedal and you are at the bottom of your pedal stroke that you have a light bend in your knees. Discomfort and pain will be caused by a saddle that is angled down, or set either too high or too low. Never angle the saddle more that 3 degrees up or down.
- Ride More: You have to get used to sitting on a bike saddle. With regular riding, you may find that your saddle works grear, it was you that needed warming up. Also remember that many saddle complaints are traceable to leg fatigue. If you are not ready for the 30 mile ride, don't go on it.
- Move Around: Some cyclists get into the bad habit of sitting in one place on the seat, which is a likely cause of numbness and pain. The solution is to occasionally move around on the saddle to change the pressure points. Many cyclist suggest standing about every 15 minutes to take all the pressure off the bike saddle.
- Dress for Cycling: Once you start riding faster and longer, you will need to wear the proper clothing. Make sure to invest in a good pair of biking shorts, which should have flat seams and padding in the crotch area and be made of a moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry.
Related Bike Saddle Guides
Choosing the right bike saddle
Types of bike saddle material
Common bike riding positions
