Why do cyclists insist on razor-sharp rock hard saddles then walk about in padded shorts? Why not just a nice padded saddle?

Cyclists prefer harder saddles because they provide a stable platform that allows the body to support itself, while plush saddles can prevent the body weight from resting on the sit bones properly. Padded shorts are worn to provide extra cushioning and to reduce friction and chafing, regardless of the saddle's level of padding.

Have you ever looked at a cyclist and wondered how they can tolerate sitting on such a hard, uncomfortable-looking saddle for hours on end? It seems like it would be impossible to enjoy a ride if you were in pain the whole time! But as it turns out, saddle comfort is about much more than just how much padding a saddle has.

The key to saddle comfort is all about weight distribution. Even on the most padded saddle, there isn't much surface area to sit on, so it's essential to make every square inch count. Bicycle saddles are designed to take advantage of the rider's sit bones. These are the bony projections you can feel in the middle of your glute muscle that provide a stable and insensitive point of contact between your body and the saddle.

The most important part of saddle comfort is fit, which means finding a saddle that properly distributes your body weight onto your sit bones. If your saddle doesn't contact your sit bones in the right way, you'll end up placing most of your weight on sensitive soft tissue, which can lead to discomfort and even nerve damage.

While many people assume that a more cushioned saddle would be more comfortable, that's not necessarily true. Overly plush saddles can prevent your body weight from resting on your sit bones properly, which means you'll tend to float around on the saddle without finding the right position. On the other hand, harder saddles provide a stable platform that allows the body to support itself as it's designed to do.

Different saddles are designed for different riding styles. Bikes that are meant to go faster, like road bikes and hybrid bikes, tend to have harder saddles because the rider is in a more aggressive position with more weight distributed toward the front of the bike. This can cause the rider's pelvis to tilt forward, which can be uncomfortable if the saddle isn't properly fitted to distribute the weight onto the sit bones. On the other hand, comfort bikes like cruisers are designed to place the rider in a more upright position, which means saddles with more cushion may be more comfortable.

Finding the right saddle often involves a lot of trial and error, but it's worth it once you find the perfect fit. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of saddles until you find the one that works best for you. After all, the right saddle can make all the difference between loving and hating cycling.

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