Bike Saddle (Seat) Demo Program

DEMO PROGRAM CONTINUES ONLINE: We have over 100 distinct models of road racing, triathlon, and leisure seats.

Believe it or not, your bike saddle can be CRITICAL TO YOUR CYCLING SUCCESS!

The saddle you choose is more than just a matter of comfort: with the majority of your weight on the saddle, it's also important to achieving balance and power. If you are off-balance or uncomfortable on the saddle, your legs will start to push your buttocks around... hunting for a "better" position; and if your legs (or arms) are involved in balancing you on the seat, they cannot properly pedal the bike -- leading to fatigue, foot problems, cramping, etc. And you've probably read about the health consequences of cutting off blood flow to your genitals, which can show up as numbness during cycling.

If you ride in aero (triathlon) position, the saddle is even MORE important. To properly achieve an aerodynamic position, you must be able to tilt your pelvis forward, so you can reach the aerobars without strain. In this position, your groin is pressed into the front (nose) of the saddle, making saddle fit critical -- especially in the front. Without the right saddle, you will lose comfort, circulation, aerodynamics, and power.

DON'T ASSUME THAT DISCOMFORT OR PAIN ARE NECESSARY, NOBLE, OR INEVITABLE IN CYCLING!! Although we all get a little saddle sore after 50-100 miles, you should not be fidgeting in your saddle every time you ride. If you are -- SEE US FOR A NEW SADDLE!

Saddle comfort is very personal -- no two riders have the same shape pelvis and buttocks. Saddle recommendations from friends (or the internet) may be well-intentioned, but are rarely helpful. And "sit-bone" width is only a very rough starting point.  That's why we recommend riding any saddle for several rides before deciding. It takes time (and mileage) to REALLY test a seat. That's why we have so many test models, and give you a full two weeks to decide.

New Saddles in the LAB!

New to the Lab are Velo saddles.  The Senso Tri saddle is a great triathlon design with slimmer nose, split-cutout for central relief and enough cushioning to make aerobars comfortable - and a bargain at $89.  We also have women's Angel TT saddle, a firm road race saddle with a great shape for support/comfort.

Italian firm Fizik is renowned for their racing saddles used on the pro tours.  In addition to their racing saddles (Arione - slim; Antares - medium; Aliante - wider), we now have the new ADAPTIVE saddles with a revolutionary 3D-printed shock absorption layer.

We've added the IDmatch system from Selle Italia, whose saddles are used by many pros. Try the SLR saddles for light weight, Flite saddles for a little more cushioning, and women's models. Flow and Superflow saddles have a cutout for great genital relief and prevention of numbness.  Boost saddles are shorter and a little wider, mimicking Specialized Power saddles.  Try the new Watt Gel triathlon saddle -- a slim, split-nose design with plenty of cushioning for Ironman distances!

Cobb Cycling has been one of our favorites for years. Now renamed "JCOB," they've added new road saddles (Type T and SR) that are a little slimmer in the nose, but retain both a cutout and enough width for stability.  Also see the new Delta 38, with a narrower nose than most split-nose triathlon designs. 

VO2 cycling is brand new with a revolutionary saddle shape. For a unique ride guaranteed to relieve perineal pressure, numbness, and pain, try their Evolve.