The Right Saddle For Your Raleigh Bike

Choosing the saddle for your bike correctly is an important step in the search for the perfect bike. Remember that the seat bears the burden of the bike - namely, the rider and over 50% of its weight. Not only does it have to be comfortable, but also need to wear well. The Material used needs to be as good so that if the bike falls down, the impact wont leave marks and that it will not deteriorate with friction of sitting on it for a long journey. It's a good idea to test the bicycle saddles before committing to one and here are some things to consider when looking to buy:

PADDING

There are a couple of fill types most commonly used in bicycle seats - polymer gels and urethane foam. Both tend to be molded into the seat however, each model of seat has different thickness and density based on the seat model. Sometimes both types of fillers are used in a seat trying to add different textures to different pressure points, however the fill more does not necessarily mean it will be more comfortable. The purpose of padding is to disperse the load off of the chair and some times thicker padding gets lumpy and can move around, and can actually be more uncomfortable. If you prefer, there are still flyweight chairs that are made without fillers.

DESIGN

The shell of a bicycle saddle can be of a little different material, depending on the flexibility of the frame. Most of the chairs are plastic, which is injection molded, and generally made of nylon. These seats are generally the least flexible and heavier compared to those made of carbon fiber. Carbon fibers are added to create a lighter and more malleable. There are even some types of chairs that are made entirely of carbon and are very light and flexible. To make the chair more comfortable and adjustable, manufacturers have added slots or holes in the nose of the seat that can disperse the pressure off soft tissues. According to Andy Pruitt, Ed.D. Sports Medicine Center of Boulder in Colorado, seats with a hole in the nose are more comfortable for about 80% of passengers, although solid chairs are still preferred by some. If you want an option other than carbon or plastic housing, there are few manufacturers who still use leather that is stuck in the rails.

RAILS

Titanium is the material of choice for chair rails today and is typically found in high-end bicycles. Previously, the tracks were made using inexpensive carbon steel that had been plated, but this made the bike seat and unduly burdensome. Another common material is lighter, yet strong, such as chrome-molybdenum steel, which is usually fashioned in a hollow tubular shape, keep the light on a bicycle. Some seats more expensive than carbon fiber rails, but because they can be more easily damaged than steel, often wrapped in aluminum. There are still a few companies that have a specific seat with a beam or monorail system.

FORM

The shape of a seat is perhaps the most important when choosing the perfect frame. If the seat is too narrow, it will feel like there is not enough support. If it is too broad, however, often end up rubbing and friction. For women, a wider seat is usually more convenient from the sit bones - ischial tuberosity of a technical nature - are wider than those of men. Because each runner is different specialized shops have seats that come with special pads that measure the width of the seat bones to make it easier to choose the seat. Some seats are also curved and rounded, while others have square sides and a flat top. There are also chairs made for the purpose of different cycling. A saddle made for off-road, for example, is thicker around the seat, while a seat made for a triathlon and more padding in the front of the nose to help the rider to sit on.

ON

Coverage can vary greatly from bicycle saddles. Can be made from materials such as plastic, cloth, leather or Kevlar, even in the most expensive seats and can come in many different colors and custom, but usually fades black and less used. In order to keep the rider from slipping, some seat coverings have small holes to add friction. Saddles made for off-road are usually made of durable materials and reinforced corners, and which are widely used.