The perfect bike saddle
Finding the right saddle can sometimes be a complicated matter. We want to help with the search with our options.
A comfortable saddle is important for riders of all cycling disciplines, whether mountain bike, road bike, gravel bike, triathlon or leisurely city and e-bike, you spend a lot of time on the saddle when cycling.
The saddle is therefore the most important point between the bike and the rider and carries most of the body weight. This makes it a very personal and important piece of equipment. Choosing the right saddle can make the difference between a long, comfortable ride and a short, uncomfortable one.
Nevertheless, many riders suffer from seat discomfort because the saddle or position no longer fits right from the start or over a longer period of time. In a study of amateur endurance cyclists, more than 60% reported pain in the buttocks.
Pressure-sensitive arteries and nerves are located in the seat area. An irregular pressure load for anatomical or bicycle-specific reasons often leads to numbness, pain and a loss of tissue function. Seat discomfort should therefore not simply be ignored or accepted. Increased comfort on the saddle can lead to better performance, longer rides and of course a lot more fun when cycling and will have a positive effect on your riding behavior in the long term.
What can be done to avoid problems?
1. bike fitting
During a bike fitting, the problem areas can be identified by means of saddle pressure measurements and the bike settings adjusted accordingly.
In particular, we try to balance the weight distribution between the saddle and handlebars and to reduce or relocate identified pressure points through various adjustments. Depending on the pain or discomfort and the bicycle geometry, as well as the requirements of the discipline, an attempt is made to adjust the seating position.
2. correct saddle selection
Not every bicycle saddle is suitable for every person. If the sitting discomfort does not improve regardless of the position, it is probably due to the saddle. For example, the saddle may have been the wrong choice from the start or the saddle was supplied with the bike and could not be individually selected. Saddles that come with new bikes are usually suitable for short rides, but in the long term they are not suitable for everyone.
In addition to bike fitting, we offer the option of testing gebioMized saddles in our bike lab and comparing the saddle pressure measurements with your own saddle. If the results are better, we also offer them for sale.
GebioMized has 15 years of experience with custom saddles in cycling and has developed the Gebiomized saddle range with over 50,000 saddle pressure measurements. There are various GebioMized saddle models to choose from. The Gebiomized “Sleak” or “Area” is ideal for road bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes. For triathlon or time trial we offer the Gebiomized “Stride”. All saddles are available in different shapes, hardnesses and as a channel or cut-out to suit the requirements of all riders
When selecting a saddle, we consider the pressure pattern, the type of load and the pressure sensation. A distinction is made between ischial pressure and pubic pressure. A T-shape is suitable for ischial pressure and a V-shape for pubic pressure. We recommend a cut-out (saddle with a cut-out in the middle) for particularly pressure-sensitive riders who need complete relief in the middle of the saddle. The channel version is preferable for more contact surface on the saddle.
In the example shown in the picture, we compared the Gebiomized-Sleak and Gebiomized-Area models with the saddle supplied with the bike, with the same settings, and were able to achieve a significant improvement in the pressure image with both saddles. By comparing the pressure patterns, we can therefore assess whether the saddle shape is suitable for the type of load and the individual characteristics and requirements of the rider and can recommend the most suitable saddle with the help of the objective measurement results in combination with the subjective perceptions of the rider and adapt the seating position to the saddle as optimally as possible in the fitting.
Can’t wait to test our saddles? Make your appointment for a bike fitting now
Sportmotorik Pinzgau opens in the province of Salzburg, more precisely in beautiful Uttendorf / Pinzgau!
Which saddle should I buy? How wide should an ideal saddle be for me? What seat bone distance do I actually have?
All these questions are answered by the digital measurement of the seat bone distance.
Gait, posture and sports analyses to eliminate or prevent pain, improve performance and thus enjoy exercise even more.