What's the difference between a great ride on your mountain bike and a bad one? The answer is simple – an uncomfortable saddle. For experienced and novice cyclists alike, an ill-designed saddle is no fun. If you're planning to upgrade your bike, make sure you are also researching saddle designs to ensure you know what design to choose.
Durable Cover
Start by only looking at saddles that are designed with durable covers. Mountain bikes are inherently more prone to accidents and crashes than other bikes, given the type of terrain you will typically be traveling along. You need a cover that will be able to withstand impact and remain intact. A thicker, synthetic or leather material is generally best. Fail to consider this fact and you will be replacing the saddle more frequently than you would like.
Easy Transition
Mountain bike riding can be strenuous given the need to frequently transition your riding position. For instance, you might start off in a crouched down position, firmly pressing your bottom into the saddle. The transition to resting just slightly above the saddle and finally into a standing up on the petals style. The seat should allow for an easy transition, such as a smooth surface. A seat that is more rigid can make transitioning challenging, creating a difficult ride.
Built-In Padding
You also want to take into account padding; the built-in padding on the saddle, as well as your own built-in padding. The more built-in padding you have, the less padding you need the saddle to have and vice versa if you have very little padding in that region on your own. When testing padding density, take your time. Don't just sit down for a second and get up. Sit down for a while to see how the saddle's padding feels after an extended period.
Cutouts
Saddles may also be designed with cutouts or groves. Particularly for male riders, a focus on the design of this feature is critical to your comfort on a long ride. This feature is designed to relieve pressure around the perineum area and the nerves and veins that surround this space. On a long ride, this area can become warm and painful if the cutout is not designed correctly. Try several different styles to see which feels best.
The moral of the story is that you need to take your time when choosing a saddle for your mountain bike. It doesn't matter how great your bike is, if you choose the wrong saddle you won't be able to enjoy it.
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