Bicycle saddle

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A bicycle saddle is one of three contact points on a typical upright bicycle, the others being being the pedals and the handlebars. The bicycle saddle is known as such since the bicycle evolved from a device which looked like a wooden horse on wheels. A bicycle saddle is commonly attached to the seat post and the height of the saddle can usually be adjusted by the seat post telescoping in and out of the seat tube.

1 Types
- 1.1 Leather
- 1.2 Plastic
2 Crotch pressure
3 External links

[edit] Types

There are several types of saddles available.

[edit] Leather

Traditional leather saddles such as those made by Brooks have been used for many years. Such saddles are generally comfortable after a break-in period.

[edit] Plastic

Most modern bicycles are fitted with a plastic saddle. The base of the saddle is made from a moulded piece of plastic with the metal rails to allow the saddle to be attached to the seat post moulded into it. There is generally some form of padding on top of the plastic base, usually closed cell foam and then a fabric cover.

[edit] Crotch pressure

While riding an Upright bicycle improves the cardiovascular system and can therefore actually improve the erectile function among men, riding a bicycle for prolonged periods of time with a poor cycling technique can still cause problems for both men and women due to a reduced blood flow in the crotch area. Some men — recent survey data indicates around 5% [1] — may ultimately get erectile dysfunction problems if a poor cycling technique is used with prolonged pressure on the perineum. Both men and women may also get reduced sensitivity in the crotch. A sign of these problems can sometimes be a tingling sensation in the area when stepping off the bicycle after a ride, as blood flow surges back into the area again. This issue is more related to the cycling technique than the saddle type, although there are special, more anatomically correct, designs to relieve crotch pressure as well. Examples of such designs include the cutaway saddles and noseless saddles. Cutaway saddles reminds of regular saddles in their design, just with the middle part cut out to reduce pressure on the perineum among men. Noseless saddles are basically two separate saddles next to each other, with one smaller "saddle" per buttock. Such saddles achieve a similar relief of pressure by using a different design.

Some useful techniques to reduce crotch pressure while cycling include:

Ensure your saddle is horizontally aligned. The front too upwards aligned will directly increase the perineum pressure, while a downwards alignment will reduce the sit bone support of your pelvis, again resulting in an increased perineum pressure.
Make it a habit to stand up occasionally, such as on hills and when accelerating if you have stopped cycling or slowed down.
Adjust how you sit from time to time. For example, try to sit closer to the rear when cycling on hills and only sit on the nose for brief periods.
Try to sit up now and then without leaning forward as much.