A good saddle is essential for comfortable and safe riding, especially if you regularly travel in the city, commute to work by bike, or spend a lot of time exploring the countryside. It must be adapted to your body type and riding style; otherwise, your journeys are likely to become unpleasant—whether on the streets of Paris, suburban cycle paths, or along the banks of the Seine and canals.
Summary:
How saddle choice depends on riding style
Morphological differences among cyclists
Men's stools vs. women's stools
How to know if the saddle fits properly
Conclusion
An ill-fitting saddle can cause lower back pain, blisters, numbness, or unpleasant pressure in the pelvis. This discomfort is particularly noticeable on long rides, such as commuting or weekend outings in the Île-de-France, Normandy, or Burgundy regions. In this article, the experts at Routes and Roads explain how to choose the right saddle to enjoy every ride.
How saddle choice depends on riding style
The saddle is one of the main points of contact between the cyclist and the bike, so comfort depends directly on it. Riding position varies greatly depending on the location and type of riding: urban bike paths in Paris, suburbs, gravel routes, or training.
City bikes
On city bikes, the riding position is generally upright, which is good for daily commutes in Paris and surrounding suburbs like Boulogne-Billancourt, Nanterre, or Montrouge. In this case, wide saddles with good shock absorption are preferable. For example, the Cluxx Stradio 300 with gel insert is an excellent choice for leisurely rides and commuting. It supports the sit bones and reduces pressure on soft tissues, especially if you're riding in casual clothing.
The saddle is a key factor for comfort during urban journeys.
Road bikes and mountain bikes
On road bikes and mountain bikes, the riding position is more forward-leaning, with the body leaning slightly forward. This position is ideal for training, commuting, and competitive cycling. Pedaling efficiency and freedom of movement are paramount: the saddle should therefore be narrow and firm. A narrow, sporty saddle offers good support without excessive cushioning and doesn't hinder fast pedaling.
Gravel bikes
Gravel bikes are very popular in France thanks to the variety of surfaces: asphalt, park paths, gravel, and rural roads. For these types of rides, an intermediate saddle is perfect—moderate shock absorption, an anatomical cutout, and a comfortable shape for long distances. The Brooks B17 is ideal for extended rides outside the city. Keep in mind that leather saddles require a break-in period: they may feel stiff at first but soften and mold to the shape of the rider's pelvis over time.
Morphological differences among cyclists
Every cyclist is unique, and their body shape directly influences comfort on the bike. Weight, flexibility, pelvic anatomy, and training level all affect the sensations while riding.
One of the key parameters is the width of your sit bones. A saddle that's too narrow will put pressure on the soft tissues, while a saddle that's too wide will cause chafing, especially on long rides or during bike tours. The best approach is to have your pelvis measured in a shop or rely on how it feels after a few rides.
It's also important to consider posture: the lower the handlebars are relative to the saddle, as on a road or gravel bike, the more pressure is concentrated on the front of the pelvis. In this case, anatomical models with a central cutout reduce pressure and improve blood circulation.
Men's stools vs. women's stools
The differences between men's and women's saddles are due to anatomy. Women's pelvises are on average wider than men's: women's saddles are therefore wider at the rear and often feature cutouts or channels to relieve pressure on sensitive tissues. Some models also have a shorter nose for greater comfort on long rides, which is crucial for commuting or extended journeys.
Men's pelvis is generally narrower, so men's saddles often have a longer, slimmer design. Ultimately, the most important thing is how it feels: if possible, try out several models before buying.
How to know if the saddle fits properly
A well-fitting saddle should cause no pain, neither from the first few kilometers nor after two hours of riding in urban or suburban areas. It shouldn't hinder pedaling, cause numbness, or require constant shifting of position. Even the most expensive bicycle can become uncomfortable if the saddle is poorly chosen.
Conclusion
Choose your saddle according to your riding style, posture, body type, and personal preference. This is especially important if you frequently ride in Paris, the suburbs, or use your bicycle as your primary mode of transportation.
At Routes and Roads, you will easily find a saddle suitable for the city, travel or sport, and our experts will help you select a comfortable model that will suit your lifestyle.
