Bicycle Saddles - Cover Material
Bicycle Saddle Cover Material
There are applications where the bicycle saddle cover material is an important factor. For most applications a leather bicycle saddle cover will be the most comfortable, however for high moisture situations such as triathlons, or for harsh mountain biking situations, other bicycle seat cover materials will result in more comfort and durability.
Common Bicycle Saddle Materials
The most common cover materials for bicycle saddles are leather, Lycra, Kevlar & a variety of imitation leathers. Higher quality bicycle saddles will primarily use leather, Lycra, and Kevlar with imitation leather being used for inexpensive, low quality bicycle seats.
Leather Bicycle Saddles
Most cyclists feel that leather bicycle saddles have the best combination of durability and beauty. Leather bicycle saddles are tear and wear resistant, have a good touch and feel, and do a good job of managing a moderate amount of moisture. Leather also has just a slight amount of tackiness to keep the saddle from feeling too slippery. So the rider doesn’t feel like he is sliding off the saddle.
Most quality bicycle saddles have a highly durable heavy leather cover. During the first few rides, the saddle will feel noticeably firm like a new leather shoe. Over time, the leather will soften and conform to your body's shape.
Kevlar Bicycle Saddles
Kevlar is used for its tear resistance. Kevlar has a rough texture that is not ideal for an overall bicycle saddle cover material. It is common to use Kevlar along with another material on the corners of the bicycle saddle to increase the overall durability.
Lycra Bicycle Saddles
Lycra is commonly used for high moisture applications such as triathlon saddles. Lycra also gives the cover a softer feel that is similar to gel. Denser foam will feel softer when covered with Lycra. However, since: Lycra is susceptible to tears, it is common to use Kevlar on the corners for increased durability.
Imitation Leather Bicycle Saddles
Imitation leathers have a big range of quality. There are a few that work quite well & there are other’s that are rather cheesy. The two main advantages of imitation leather is lower cost & generally better resistance to high moisture. Disadvantages are, they wear poorly, and can have a very slippery almost waxy feel to them making them slippery.
Bicycle Seats with Embroidery and Seams
Several years ago saddles were made with a myriad of embroidered logos. These had the advantage of the rider not slipping off the saddle. In the last 8 years or so the industry has gone away from embroidery on the seating area of the saddle. On a rare occasion cyclist will comment about feeling a seam on a saddle.
Side Note: Cycling Shorts
In the last 8-10 years the manufactures of cycling shorts of used thinner Lycra. This gradual thinning of cycling shorts makes them generally less durable, generally more breathable & overall more expensive. Bicycle saddles that are rough or abrasive tend to wear through these shorts more quickly.
Oklahoma Bicycle Society:
Saddle Cover Material
created by John Wente
last modified:
August 10, 2007
URL: http://www.OklahomaBicycleSociety.com