Bicycle Saddles - Padding
The Function of Foam on Bicycle Saddles
Almost all bicycle saddles on the market today have fabric covered foam on top of a plastic/carbon base. At its most basic function the foam cushions the ride between the cyclist & the hard base. This most basic of ingredient to comfort is also probably the most misunderstood ingredient. The vast majority of cyclist and bike shop employees assume that softer foam equals a more comfortable ride. This is far from realty.
Bicycle Saddle Foam Behavior When You Ride
Closed cell foam is a form of rubber with trapped air bubbles. When there is greater volume of air bubbles then there will be less rubber and the foam will be softer. The problem is that during a ride any foam will gradually collapse. The rate of collapse depends on the following variables:
- Weight of the rider
- Length of the ride
- Age of the bicycle saddle
- Density of the foam.
In other words the more you weigh, the longer the ride, the older the bicycle saddle and the softer the foam; the greater rate that the foam will collapse and the cyclist will be sitting on hard collapsed foam in top of a hard base.
Bicycle Saddle Foam Density
When considering these 4 variables, the density of the foam is the only one that can be altered in the design of the saddle. Firmer density foam will hold up longer without collapsing, providing a cushion between the rider & the hard base. Therefore the firmness of the foam should increase with time in the saddle. Coincidentally if you are riding longer, your conditioning also increases. If you are not cycling that much your rear end will not get conditioned enough for the firm foam & you really will not need the firmness.
The Right Bicycle Saddle For You
As a rule of thumb, if you cycle less than 3 hours per week then go for a soft saddle. If you cycle 3-6 hours per week then go for a med padded saddle. If you cycle greater then 6 hour per week then you are a excellent candidate for a firm padded saddle. Also, If you weigh less than 150 lbs, then you may be more comfortable on a softer saddle. If you weigh more than 200 lbs then you may be more comfortable on a firmer saddle.
The Traditional Bicycle Saddle Tests
The two most common tests that consumers use when purchasing a saddle are notoriously bad indicators of the correct saddle for them. These 2 are
- The legendary thumb test
- The ride around the parking lot test.
Gel Bicycle Saddles
Gel has been used extensity in bike seats for the last 10 years or so. Gel has a soft touch & thus does very well in the thumb test & the parking lot test. It has what has been described as a trampoline type affect, spreading the pressure out and making the bicycle seat feel softer while providing a cushion between the cyclist and the hard base. One of the complaints about gel is that it weighs more and many cyclists don’t feel the added comfort for the additional weight. Another complaint is that some gels tend to harden over time & feel like a piece of car tire in the saddle. In the last few years the quality of gel has improved so this is not as common. Many cyclists swear by gel, others prefer to swear at it.
Ultra Light Weight Bicycle Saddles
In the last few years several companies have produced ultra light weight bicycle saddles that feature a thin layer of dense foam on top of a carbon or plastic base. These bicycle saddles provide limited comfort by the shape and flexibility of the base. If your focus is extreme light weight and you have a high pain threshold then this type of saddle may work for you.
Oklahoma Bicycle Society:
Saddle Padding
created by John Wente
last modified:
August 10, 2007
URL: http://www.OklahomaBicycleSociety.com