If you have a mountain bike saddle but have a road bike, you may be wondering if you can use it on that…
Can you use a mountain bike saddle on a road bike?
In most cases, yes, you should be able to use a mountain bike saddle on a road bike and a lot of people do! Mountain bike saddles tend to be a little wider at the back and this makes them a little more comfortable than your standard road bike saddle.
Alternately, if you’re uncomfortable and on a budget, instead of a mountain bike saddle you can purchase a seat cover with gel inserts to fit over your current saddle. They’re quite comfortable and inexpensive, just in case that mountain bike saddle you are eying is a bit on the pricey side.
Can any bike saddle fit on any bike?
Yes, with the possible exception of proprietary saddles for specific bike models. Typically you can use any saddle that you like, and unless you are racing, a heavier and wider saddle might just be a perfect fit.
The weight addition is pretty negligible when you aren’t competing, so if you use your bike recreationally then be sure to pick a comfortable saddle. It will help to encourage you to ride your bike more and if you use it a lot, then it’s definitely worth the upgrade!
What is the best saddle for road bikes?
Some top brands and models for road bike saddles include Pro Stealth, the Velo Angel TT, Bontrager, and the Fabric Scoop.
That said, you aren’t limited to road bike saddles – most bike saddles will be compatible with your bike, so if you see a mountain bike or cyclocross with a saddle that you like, then you could always use that one. Just be sure to pick something comfortable if you will be spending a lot of time on your bike.
Do bike saddles make a difference?
Yes, they do! Choosing the right bike saddle is important. For instance, if it’s ‘thin and streamlined’, you need to keep in mind that you will be putting your weight on this small plane, and it could be uncomfortable for long rides.
If you like something with a wider back, then you might try a mountain bike saddle, as these tend to be a little bit wider in the rear for added comfort on uneven terrain. While you could simply settle for whatever comes on the bike, we thoroughly recommend being picky when it comes to seating.
An uncomfortable ride can break your motivation, so don’t neglect your comfort!
How do I choose the best bike saddle for me?
When you are choosing your bike saddle, a good first rule of thumb is that ‘too big’ is always better than ‘too small’. When your saddle is too small, it will be uncomfortable, and while it might be a mild annoyance on a short ride, you’ll notice the difference on a long one!
It’s also best to pick a saddle that is wider in the back unless you are going to be racing the bike. In competitive cycling, minimalism is the common approach, which means less overall weight.
That said, if your bike is just for fitness and for fun, then go with the wider seat (but not TOO wide, or you’ll get chafing!).
What are the best bike saddle rails made from?
Typically, the best bike saddle rails are going to be made from carbon or titanium, although if you are on a budget then aluminum and steel are perfectly fine. They are still quite durable and can take a beating, although if you don’t mind the extra investment then go with carbon – they last virtually forever!
Do carbon saddle rails make a difference?
Carbon saddle rails certainly make a difference, provided that you already have a good idea of what you are expecting with your saddle. Carbon is lightweight, very stiff, and it is extremely durable – you’d practically have to go after it with a sledgehammer to break it.
The reduced weight in the bike also means that you will travel just a little bit faster, as well!
How do I know what size bike saddle I need?
A neat trick for determining the ideal size is to get some tin foil and lay a sheet out flat on some carpeted stairs. Once you’ve done this, you can sit down on the foil and raise your feet to ‘mock pedal’ for a few moments, and then get up to look at the foil.
Your ‘sit bones’ will leave impressions in the foil and you can take a ruler to measure the distance between the center of each ‘cheek’ if you add 25-30 millimeters to your total, then you’ll have the perfect size to look for.
What happens if your bike saddle is too narrow?
If your bike saddle is too narrow, you’re going to notice it first in your ‘sit bones’. While a little soreness is not uncommon when you’ve just gotten the bike, if you are noticing it all of the time then your saddle might indeed be too narrow.
You can get something wider, but you also need to be careful with that – if it’s too wide, then you have an increased chance of chapping, although bike shorts will help to reduce the chances of that if you already have a pair.
Why are skinny bike saddles more comfortable?
While skinny saddles can look extremely uncomfortable, once you are on the bike you will often notice that they are anything BUT. That’s because it’s not just the size of the saddle and its width that matter. You see so many oddly shaped bike saddles because they are optimized with pedaling in mind.
For instance, the thin front allows you more freedom of leg movement, and while it only looks marginally wider in the back, if the saddle designer did their job properly, you’ll have a goodly amount of padding there that will be quite comfortable.
So, don’t discount a skinny saddle right away – you want to try it out because that ‘weird’ design might be extremely efficient and much more comfortable!