Being comfortable on your bike saddle is going to make time on your bike more enjoyable. Bike saddles vary in shape and the materials used to make them as well as where the cushioning is placed… so it is important you get the right bike saddle for YOU.
There are specific touring/long distance commuting bike saddles (seats) that are designed to meet the demands that touring/ long distance commuting puts on your body.
How do you know if a touring/commuting bike saddle is the perfect match to the type of rider you are?
We suggest that you know and understand your rider profile – see more at How to Find the Perfect Bike Seat. The four elements of your riding profile that will have a big influence on the type of saddle you should choose are your gender, your riding position, where and the type of riding you do and if you have any specific areas of tenderness.
To match to a women’s touring/long distance commute bike saddle your rider profile would be
- female (gender)
- changing body position on the bike – because you are on the bike for a long period and riding over varied terrain. (riding position)
- riding on varied surfaces/trails on a touring or commuting bike over multiple successive days
- discomfort or pressure on a saddle with no cut-out (most women experience this)
So now that we have established that you are looking for a women’s touring/long commute bike saddle what features should this saddle have?
Image from Lonely Planet
KEY DESIGN FEATURES to support your comfort, protect you from varying surfaces and give you multi-day ease
A typical bike tour ride or long distance commute ride can see you riding on a variety of surfaces with changing gradients day after day.
So what does this look like in a women’s touring/long commute saddle?
The Saddle Shape – mid to wide
You will need a good level of support through the rear to mid region without the shape interfering with pedaling. Multi-day saddles need to be in the “middle” in terms of width and length. As you are on the bike for a reasonable length of time riding up hill, down hill and on the flat your body position will change over the length of your ride so your saddle needs to accommodate this. A good touring saddle should be comfortable for long periods of time and this is what makes touring saddles the ultimate choice for long (30min+) regular commute riders.
Padding – designed with multi day comfort in mind
Perfect placement that allows for good protection from vibrating uneven surfaces but does not interfere with long periods of sustained pedalling. Also offering you the option of changing your body position without compromising the level of support. The density of the foam changes from the rear of the seat to the front allowing for this. A wide cut out is essential to avoid any issues with numbness or compression. A gel layer will add to comfort especially when riding without a chamois.
Materials – durable, sturdy, able to tolerate repeated use
goRide’s Touring/Long Commute Bike Saddle solution for women is… The Liberator X Gel from Terry Cycling.
Terry Cycling make award winning saddles. They were the first company in the world to do a women’s specific saddle because they understand the differences and the need.
get Ready and goRide – The Right Touring/Long Commute Bike Saddle (Seat)
Thanks for reading. Used together our stories, resources & products support you to achieve and develop as a rider.
Related Resources:
3 Saddle adjustments- height, reach & tilt
Women’s Bike saddle Buying Guide
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