Your comfort level on an e-bike will largely depend on the saddle you choose. An ill-fitting saddle can turn your ride into a nightmare, while a good saddle can improve your posture and reduce fatigue.

So, how do you choose the right bike saddle ? Next, you'll learn more about choosing a bike saddle in this article.

Understanding the importance of a bicycle saddle for your practice

The saddle is a key element in the comfort and performance of an e-bike. Seat position and selection are two important requirements for cycling. By choosing the right saddle and maintaining the correct posture, you can minimize your risk of developing saddle sores and reduce pressure on the crotch. The choice of saddle depends on your riding skills, but there is still no one-size-fits-all saddle position.

It is recommended that the saddle be able to allow the "sit bones" to support the body weight on the saddle, which means it must be wide enough.

For men, a very narrow seat is detrimental because the body weight is placed on the soft tissues. Since women have wider bones in the buttocks, the saddle should be wider in the main seating area.

The seat can be flat or slightly curved. Positional issues can arise, such as a pronounced curve, as this places the sit bones below the center of the saddle, increasing pressure on the crotch. A curve of 6 degrees or less is ideal.

Therefore, an ill-fitting bicycle saddle can easily lead to pain, numbness or poor posture, which can reduce the enjoyment and efficiency of riding.

Choosing your saddle according to your practice

Choosing a bike saddle shouldn't be taken lightly. An ill-fitting saddle can cause pain, limit your performance, and affect your riding enjoyment. Here's how to choose the right saddle for your riding style and body type.

The different saddle shapes

E- MTB Saddles: Cycling enthusiasts need a saddle that combines comfort and freedom. Choose a compact model with moderate padding and a shock-resistant cover. A saddle with a central cutout reduces pressure on technical descents.

City E-Bike Saddles: In the city, comfort is paramount, and a more upright posture requires a wide, well-padded saddle. Models with springs or gel can better absorb vibrations from paved roads. If you're going for short daily rides, it's recommended to choose a wide saddle with a waterproof cover.

Road Bike Saddles: Road bikers should strive for performance and lightweight performance, and the key thing to look for is a lightweight, ergonomic saddle. A low-profile saddle with minimal padding and good pelvic support helps optimize power transfer. Models with a central opening can improve blood circulation over long distances.

Saddles for Gravel and Cycling: Gravel and touring enthusiasts spend a lot of time on their saddles and need to consider their versatility and durability.

The hybrid offers a good balance of padding and stiffness and is more ideal at this time. Consider using a saddle with a flexible shell and breathable materials to prevent heat buildup.

So, test out several models before buying. Choosing a saddle that's right for your riding style can improve your comfort, performance, and enjoyment of cycling.

Wide saddle or narrow saddle

The choice between wide and narrow saddles depends mainly on your riding position and your type of riding.

Wide saddle: suitable for an upright posture, recommended for city bikes, hybrid bikes and electric bikes for daily commuting.

Thanks to its wider support surface, it helps distribute pressure better and limit pain over short and medium distances.

Narrow saddles: Ideal for a forward leaning position, commonly used on mountain bikes, road bikes and performance bikes.

This shape reduces friction and allows for better weight distribution between the saddle and the handlebars of the bike , which results in more efficient pedaling.

Gel or foam saddle

The comfort of a saddle depends not only on its shape but also on the padding used.

Gel saddle: Providing instant comfort, it conforms to the body's shape and effectively absorbs vibrations. This type of saddle is suitable for shorter rides and for riders looking for soft cushioning.

Foam saddle: Stronger, more durable, and provides good support over long distances. It is ideal for cyclists looking for lasting comfort on long rides.

How to improve saddle comfort?

If, despite choosing the right saddle, you still experience pain, several solutions can improve your comfort:

• Add a shock-absorbing seatpost to absorb bumps and road irregularities.
• Adjust the height and tilt of the saddle to avoid putting too much pressure on certain areas.
• Use a gel saddle for extra cushioning on long rides.

By choosing the right saddle and adjusting it correctly, you can optimize your comfort and get the most out of your ride.

Before choosing your saddle: factors to consider

To avoid the inconvenience of a poorly fitted saddle, here are some criteria to take into account before making your choice.

1. Measure the width of the pelvis

The width of your hamstrings (the pelvic bones that support your body weight when you sit) is a key factor in choosing a comfortable saddle. A saddle that's too narrow can cause pain and pressure points, while one that's too wide can make pedaling difficult.

2. Back flexibility

The flexibility of your back affects your cycling posture, which in turn affects the type of bike saddle that is appropriate.

Stiff back: If you have limited flexibility, you may want to adopt a more upright posture. A saddle with good padding and wider support is recommended.

Flexible back: If you are very flexible, you can adopt a more forward-leaning posture. Narrower saddles with a central channel to reduce pressure are ideal.

Bonus tip: Perform a flexibility test by trying to touch your toes while seated. The more flexible your back is, the more streamlined your posture will be.

3. A reinforcement for off-road

If you ride on rough terrain, your saddle must be suitable to withstand shocks and vibrations.

• Gel or foam padding: absorbs shock better and reduces pressure on the perineum.
• Titanium or carbon alloy rails: more strength and lighter weight.
• Saddle with central cutout: reduces pressure points and improves blood circulation.

Take measurements to choose your bicycle saddle

Since there are many different models of e-bike saddles to choose from, it will be easier to choose a bike saddle if you can provide more detailed information about your sit bone distance. Therefore, you should learn how to measure the distance between your hamstrings to determine the most appropriate saddle width. Here's how to measure to choose an e-bike saddle.

How to measure?

• Use a soft surface: Sit on corrugated cardboard or memory foam.
• Press hard: Hold the neutral position for a few seconds.
• Measure the marks: Find the two marks left by your sitting bones and measure the distance between them.
• Add 20 - 30 mm: This extra thickness guarantees good support without hindering pedaling.

Saddle width for ischial clearance

• Saddle distance <110 mm ➝ Narrow saddle (130 - 140 mm)
• Saddle distance between 110-130 mm ➝ Medium saddle (140-150 mm)
• Ischial bone spacing greater than 130 mm ➝ wide saddle (150 - 180 mm)

Riding Position Choosing a Bicycle Saddle

E-bikes encourage a more upright posture than traditional bikes. Because it puts more pressure on the back of the pelvis, a wider, more padded saddle is necessary for increased comfort.

• Upright posture (urban, hiking) ➝ wide saddle with gel or foam.
• Intermediate position (VTC, multi-function VAE) ➝ Semi-wide saddle with good support.
• Sporty position (e-MTB, e-road) ➝ Narrow and ergonomic saddle to limit friction.

Testing and adjusting your bicycle saddle

Once the bicycle saddle is installed, you can do some test runs to make the following adjustments:

• Tilt: A saddle that is slightly tilted forward reduces pressure on the perineum.
• Height: Make sure your legs are almost fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
• Progression: Adjust your posture to avoid putting too much stress on your lower back.

Choosing the right saddle size will not only improve your comfort but also increase your efficiency when riding an e-bike. Therefore, you should take the time to properly measure and test the riding experience.

Choose your saddle length

The length of your saddle will affect your posture and pedaling efficiency. A saddle that's too long will restrict your mobility, while one that's too short will lack support.

Why is length important? Because it determines your range of motion and the position of your pelvis. The right saddle can improve your stability and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

To summarize

A well-chosen saddle can completely transform your e-bike riding experience. Comfort, support, and ergonomics are essential for a pain-free ride, whether in the city or on rough terrain.

Moreover, choosing a good bike saddle will not only improve your health, but will also increase the enjoyment of your daily cycling!

FAQ

Which saddle brand should I choose?

LANKELEISI is an excellent choice for bicycle saddles that focus on comfort and performance. Designed to meet the needs of the cyclist, it offers a good balance of ergonomics, cushioning, and durability.

Whether you ride in the city, in the mountains or on the road, you will find a model suited to your habits.

How do I know if the saddle fits?

There are 4 points you can check: Comfort: You can walk for miles without pain or numbness. Width: This is the distance between your sit bones. Posture: Your pelvis remains stable, not tilted. Shock absorption: Good weight distribution and shock absorption.

If you check and find that you are still experiencing discomfort, you may choose to try adjusting the tilt or testing a different model.

How to calculate the height of your bicycle saddle?

Heel Method: Sit on the saddle and place your heels on the pedals in the low position. Your legs should be straight and your hips should not be tilted.

Lemond's Formula: Multiply your inseam (in centimeters) by 0.883 to get your saddle height (from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle).

How often should you replace a bicycle saddle?

Replace your bike seat every 10,000 to 20,000 km or if you experience unusual discomfort. If there are signs of wear, such as sagging, cracks, or a loss of comfort in the padding, these are all signs that you may want to consider a better bike seat.