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
