bike chick tip #6- bike saddles!!
your derriere is a very important thing to consider while riding. it can really make a long bike ride enjoyable or make it painful and a bike saddle can really make a difference. there are many types of bike saddles ranging from the super cheap to the really expensive. cost doesn't always mean comfort ...it is important when looking for a saddle what look you want...there are a range of styles from the racing saddles to the leisurely cruiser style saddle...
3-speed saddle
cruiser saddle
so based on my experience i have had a range of bike saddles soo here is what i think....ursula has a variation of the cruiser saddle.. this is a typical seat for a vintage 3-speed...faux leather with springs which can make going over bumps fun but if you're not ready can throw you a bit off balance. this seat is comfy, wide enough, short and adds the support i need for my bum. the down fall of this is that since it is a faux leather over time it will start to crack and fall apart :(
foam saddle
non foam saddle
the other saddle i had was made of foam, had no spring and wrapped with a spandex type fabric. this was extremely comfy however it was too narrow for my rump so i had to keep adjusting myself in order to feel comfortable on the saddle....durablity this was not a long lasting saddle. the spandex fabric started to wear and ended up splitting and the foam eventually also split and this saddle is out of commission...the mister has a similar plastic on his mountain bike but it is not comfortable at all..durable yes. this guy is made with a plastic like fabric that helps it from wearing but not a saddle i would suggest if comfort is key...
last but not least is the brooks leather saddle. this is my favorite. brooks is a company out of england and they make a great leather saddle in various types to offer riders different options depending on the need. the great thing about this company is they offer men and ladies saddles. men saddles are typically longer and narrower where as ladies tend to be shorter and wider...but this does not mean because you are lady you need a ladies saddle. urusla sports a mens style brooks b17 saddle and i love it! it took time to get used to it because the type that i have does not have any springs making the ride a bit rougher. over time the leather saddle will begin to conform to your undercarriage like a pair of leather shoes making it almost like a custom saddle just for your rump :D the ladies saddles are extremely comfortable and when i have a bit of cash i plan on getting one! brooks tend to be very expensive but totally worth it. they will last a very long time and to keep it looking great rubbing it with oil will help condition it and make it even more comfortable!
for saddles that are not padded or have springs long bike rides can give you saddle sores so i use spandex shorts that have padding built in...feels like wearing a diaper but being saddle sore sucks just throw on a cute pair of shorts over the spandex and it hides the diaper butt :)
p.s. thanks for all the wonderful comments regarding the ciro-flex pics! can't wait to share more with you!
xo,
cb
Thanks cb, that's fab info. If my mum ever gives me back my bike (!), I'm printing this & taking it to the shop with me as I've NEVER had a comfy saddle on ANY bike! Happy trails x
ReplyDeleteoh i hope you get your bike back! what kind is it? glad this is helpful for you!
ReplyDeletexo,
cb
I didn't know anything about bike saddles...the tutorial is so helpful :)
ReplyDeleteI've just lately been thinking to myself, "Gee, I should start riding my bike more." Now I have all this helpful new knowledge! It must be fate.
ReplyDeletemy husband got me a vintage Raleigh a few birhtdays ago and put a modern brooks leather saddle on it, and I love it! Super comfy, but still totally complements the styling of the bike. Great post!
ReplyDeleteBike's a burgundy Raleigh from the late 80's, it was a 13th birthday pressie, but she nabbed it some time ago, and it doesn't look likely to make it's way back here anytime soon :) x
ReplyDelete@watkins35- oh raleigh's are beautiful!! would love to see a picture...maybe it is time to get another bike :)
ReplyDeleteRaleigh's used to be made up the road from us in Nottingham, so always bike of choice round here. I noticed an old pic of me on it at my parent - will have to see if I can borrow it from them :) (AND get the bike back!) But yes, I think you're right! x
ReplyDelete@ watkins35: oh yes! my ursula is made in england by hercules. not sure where it was made, perhaps you know? i would LOVE to see a picture and yes get that bike back!! i will be doing some posts later on maintenance so you can do it all yourself!!
ReplyDeleteWill try to find a photo - don't think I've got one, but will be helping parents sort through their "just out of store" photos shortly. Will def send you a pic (or post on my blog) if find one xx
ReplyDeletePS - Hercules are made in Aston nr Birmingham - which is just south of us :)
ReplyDeleteI guess the Midlands (general term for area of England we're in) is all about the bikes! xx
oh yea please please would love to see!
ReplyDeletei would love to come visit england one day, i know the mister and i would love all the bike stuff and it would be fun to visit some of the towns were bikes are made!