Tag: bike saddle

Bike fit vs bike sizing – what’s the difference?

by treatpublicrelations, posted in Bike Fit

Did you know that a bike sizing and a bike fit are totally different services? These two things are often mistaken for one another. We’re filling you in on exactly what they are and what makes each unique.

Shop Sizing:

  • Takes 15-30 minutes
  • Rudimentary level of training on position
  • Addresses:
    • Seat height
    • May address saddle fore aft
    • May address handlebar height
  • Typically no charge
  • Little to no measurements taken – “eyeballed”
  • Designed to put riders in a generally safe position

Bike Fit:

  • Takes 1-2.5 hours
  • In depth technical training and understanding of bicycle mechanics, rider biomechanics and anatomy
  • Addresses:
    • Cleat Placement on shoes
    • Saddle height
    • Saddle angle
    • Saddle fore/aft
    • Handlebar height & rotation
    • Hood/brake position
  • $150-$300
  • Angles and measurements taken – Tools can vary from basic (goniometer) to precision based (motion capture systems)
  • Designed to reduce risk of injury, improve overall comfort and improve biomechanic efficiency

Yes! Even with our virtual fittings, we’re able to offer you the highest quality pro bike fit. No matter where you are, it’s possible to get all of the benefits and highly technical advice from our expert fitters. Isn’t it about time you up’d your game and brought your bike fit home? Let’s do it. Book your Bike Fit Box delivery today.

Bike Fit Box Launches Bike Saddle Box

by treatpublicrelations, posted in Bike Fit, News

We just debuted our new service: a 14-day, at-home saddle demo experience!

Hey there. If you don’t know us yet, we’re Bike Fit Box, the creators of the first comprehensive, virtual at-home professional bike fitting experience. Today, we’re announcing the launch of another groundbreaking service for cyclists: Bike Saddle Box. Bike Saddle Box is a first-of-its-kind saddle demo experience that allows cyclists to try out multiple saddles at home, on their very own bike for fourteen days. You can explore saddle options and book your Bike Saddle Box delivery right here on our site.

This unique way to shop for saddles is built for convenience, which is the foundation of all the services we offer at Bike Fit Box. Cyclists can test ride these saddles at home on their own bike for as many rides as they like. They keep what you love, send back what you don’t. It’s that simple – and should always be this simple – to make your next ride more comfortable.

The Bike Saddle Box demo experience comes at a flat-rate cost of $75. Cyclists who opt to keep one or more saddles from the demo are charged for those saddles at a discounted rate following the completion of the demo period. More than 40 models are available to try from top brands like ISM, Pro, Selle Italia, WTB, Prologo, Fiz’i:k, Origin 8 and Terry.

For more information on Bike Fit Box and Bike Saddle Box, take a few clicks around our site and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Take A Seat

by Brady Irwin, posted in Bike Fit

One of the most frequent questions our expert bike fitters get asked is, “Where should I be sitting on the bike saddle?”

The short answer: there is no one right place for a rider to sit on their bike saddle.

Why? To achieve the best performance and comfort, you’ll find that your position on the bike seat changes throughout each and every ride. It’s all about adaptability. Your riding style, your bike’s saddle, and your own body will determine how your posterior meets the seat. Understanding how these affect placement will help you find the sweet spot.

First, consider the way that you ride. For example, when a road cyclist is riding in the hoods, their pelvis will be rotated more anteriorly or more backward. Due to this, they’re going to gravitate to a wider portion of the saddle as they’re on the ischial tuberosity (AKA the sit bones.) However, as the position becomes more aggressive (as the ride becomes more intense,) that same rider will rotate their pelvis more forward. At that point, the saddle pressure goes to a narrower spot in the ischium causing them to shift forward on the saddle.

Second, take a look at your own saddle! Is it designed to match your riding style? Is it a traditional road bike saddle designed for multiple positions, a noseless saddle geared towards a more “aggressive” riding style, or maybe you are riding a more cushioned saddle designed for fitness riding and a more upright posture?

Finally, listen to your body on the ride. Try out different positions. Get to know what feels more sensitive and what positions offer you more longevity. Do those positions that feel the best support your ability to maintain your desired posture? 

If you’re still struggling, it’s probably time for a professional bike fit. Your saddle is just one element of creating the right angles and positioning for a comfortable and efficient ride.

Is A Noseless Saddle Right For You?

by Brady Irwin, posted in Bike Fit

In the last ten years, we have seen an increasing trend in saddle manufacturers to create a short or no nose saddle.  These saddles originated in Pro Tour TTs as athletes began cutting the nose of saddles off to make their seat fore/aft position meet UCI regulations. It later caught traction in triathlon due to the improved comfort and is now prominent in the road and off-road scenes.

Many cyclists wonder, “Will a noseless saddle work for me?” Here are some changes you might see if you switch to this saddle style.

Aggressive position

In this situation, the wider front of a noseless saddle provides greater support of the ischial rami and helps to alleviate numbness in many circumstances.

Further forward saddle position

Most riders sit further forward on a noseless saddle. This naturally moves the rider forward in relation to the saddle rails and provides an increased forward placement of the rider.

No more irritation from the saddle nose

For some cyclists the longer nose of a traditional saddle has a tendency to get in the way. By switching to a noseless saddle you can reduce chaffing in both the thigh and groin.

Curious about your bike saddle and how it affects the way you ride your bike? Learn more about our bike fitting services where we can dial in your saddle, cleats and cockpit for the ultimate riding experience.