The evolution of bicycle saddles is as beautiful as the transformation of biking itself. Biking gradually transformed from a transportation means into a sport and fitness activity. During the 1800's until early 1900's, bicycles were mostly fitted with saddles made of cloth or thin foam draped with leather. These saddles were only fitted to have a place for the biker's body to rest while pedaling.
Today, the bike saddle designs that early bikers knew is just a part of a lively history. Modern bike seats are manufactured to address issues encountered by bikers. Latest innovations are applied on every bike seat manufactured to ensure that biking remains a healthy and enjoyable habit.
Saddles for the Ladies and Moderate Bikers:
As compared to men, women have wider pelvis such that they are fit for wider bike saddles. This type of bike saddle is designed to adapt the body structure of women and their biking style. Wider saddles allow women to feel relaxed and at ease when biking.
On the other hand, most lady bikers prefer slow speed biking as compared to their male counter part. Slow speed biking only requires moderate movements of the biker's lower body parts, but channels the weight and force to the back and gluteal muscles. Wider saddles can support much of a biker's lower part giving it a good rest and a firm hold. Casual bikers may also gain advantage of wider and shorter saddles.
Bike Seats for Long Mile Bikers
For Bikers who love to run long miles, especially men, it is strongly recommended that they use narrow saddles on their bikes. Narrow bike saddles prevent male bikers from hurting their groin, and provide enough space for the legs to create a more intense pedaling. Narrow saddles also lessen the friction between the thighs and the saddle as a result of constant motion created when pedaling. When biking at fast speed, the weight and force of the biker are no longer centered to the saddle, but the arms and legs. Thus using slimmer seats can bring more force to the legs.
Bike Seats for Babies and Kids
Requirements for kids are totally different from those of adults. Kids do not usually run long miles, and have softer muscles and bones compared to adults. Wider saddles with a foamy surface are ideal for kids since they are prone to inconvenience and discomforts.
When planning to have a baby on board the bike, appropriate baby bike seat should be set in place. Unlike other saddles, baby bike seats are designed to hold babies from their shoulder down to their legs. Parents need not worry with baby bike seats since they are made to allow babies to breathe and move freely.
Choosing Bike Seats for your Health
According to several studies conducted by the medical society, using inappropriate bike seats when biking can potentially lead to serious health conditions common to affect both men and women. Thus, bikers must always consider proper saddles when biking at all times. But no matter what type of bicycle saddle a biker chooses for his or her bike, comfort and safety should be the foremost meters.
Biking is absolutely fun. Many bike to keep their body in best shape. Others simply bike to free their inner selves from the pressures of their day-to-day encounters. But regardless of the reason, biking should remain a healthy form of pleasure.