A proper saddle for your bicycle can mean the difference between a comfortable ride and a ride that leaves you stiff and sore. Know their differences.

Bicycle seats are essential for a rider’s comfort. They often affect a cyclist’s endurance and level of soreness when the ride is over. Use an improper seat or saddle and you can even be left with groin pain! Except for the recumbent bike saddle, most seats are not meant to support your entire body weight. Therefore, there are two main things to consider when buying a bicycle saddle.

The first is whether you want a hard or soft saddle. Don’t automatically assume that the softest saddle is the best. Excessive padding can become uncomfortable during longer rides and might even cause chaffing and sore spots. Just imagine sitting on a couch that is too soft. It easily becomes uncomfortable because it just doesn’t provide the support you require. The same can be said of seats that are too padded.

How narrow or wide seats are also impact comfort. Wider seats are traditionally more comfortable for women because they support wider hips. Many seats geared specifically toward females however, create seats that are simply too wide. For that reason, it is best to stick with genderless products. On the other hand, saddles that are too narrow will also cause great discomfort because they won’t provide your body with enough support.

The best way to find your perfect saddle is to try a wide variety of products. Visit various bicycle shops and don’t be afraid to jump up and down on the saddle when testing it. Remember that many problems associated with seats are not because of the seats themselves, but due to adjustment issues.