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Bicycle Saddles and Seat Posts: Everything You Need to Know 

When I want to buy a seat post or need a new bicycle saddle, I often wonder what exactly I should pay attention to. Choosing the right bicycle saddle and seat post is important for comfort and performance. But what should I consider when selecting a saddle or seat post? 

What should I consider when buying a seat post? 

The seat post, also known as the saddle tube, is the part of the bike that connects the saddle to the frame. Seat posts come in various lengths and diameters. One of the first things I need to check is the correct diameter. Does the seat post fit into the seat tube of my bike? Usually, the diameter is indicated on the old seat post or the seat tube itself. The diameter can be measured in millimeters, such as 27.2 mm or 31.6 mm. Additionally, the length of the seat post is important. The longer the seat post, the higher I can adjust the saddle. This is especially relevant if I have long legs or if the bike requires a lot of adjustability, such as with a MTB (mountain bike) or racing bike. I also need to pay attention to the offset, which is the distance between the clamp where the saddle rests and the center of the post. A seat post with offset can help position my saddle further back. This can be particularly nice if I'm looking for a comfortable seating position on a city bike or an e-bike. 

What types of bicycle saddles are there? 

There are many different types of bicycle saddles, and which type I need depends on the type of bike and how I ride. For a city bike, I usually look for a wider and softer saddle, as I sit more upright. This puts more pressure on my sit bones, so a wider saddle is more comfortable. A true city bike saddle.
 
For a racing bike or MTB, I often choose a narrower and harder saddle, or a sport saddle. This helps reduce friction during long rides and allows my legs to move freely. It may seem contradictory, but a harder saddle can be more comfortable over long distances. This is because a harder saddle distributes pressure better. A softer saddle feels more comfortable at first but often sinks in during longer rides. This puts more pressure on sensitive areas and can lead to discomfort. If I have an e-bike, an ergonomically shaped e-bike saddle can help absorb shocks, especially at higher speeds. 
 
A bicycle saddle with springs offers extra comfort as the springs absorb shocks while riding. This type of saddle is ideal for city bikes or e-bikes where I often sit upright and have more pressure on my sit bones. The springs provide a cushioning effect over bumps and uneven surfaces, reducing vibrations. Especially on longer rides through the city or over unpaved paths, a saddle with springs can help reduce back and saddle pain. It’s a good choice if I'm looking for extra cushioning and a comfortable ride.  Another important difference between saddles is whether I buy a saddle with a seat post or just a loose saddle. Some saddles come with a matching seat post. This can be convenient if I want to replace the whole set. 

Can any saddle fit any bike? 

Not every saddle fits every bike. Almost always, bicycle saddles have a standard mounting mechanism, but it’s important to check if the saddle fits my seat post. If I bought a bicycle saddle with a seat post, I don’t have to worry about this as much. But if I buy a loose saddle, I need to ensure that the clamps of my seat post are compatible with the saddle. Additionally, I need to consider the type of bike. A MTB saddle will not always be comfortable on a city bike and vice versa. 

What types of seat posts are there? 

There are different types of seat posts, each designed for specific types of bikes and riding styles. The most common types are: 

1.     Standard seat post: This is the most commonly used seat post, a straight tube that is easily inserted into the seat tube of the bike. Suitable for city bikes, e-bikes, and racing bikes. This category can be divided into two subcategories: candle seat posts and patent seat posts. A candle seat post is a simple, straight seat post without suspension or offset, where the bicycle saddle is placed directly above the post for an upright position. A patent seat post is a seat post with an integrated clamp that allows the saddle to be easily and accurately adjusted in both angle and position. 

2.     Suspension seat post: This seat post has built-in suspension that absorbs shocks. Especially pleasant on uneven roads and ideal for comfortable rides on city bikes and e-bikes. 

3.     Setback seat post: This type has a slight bend or offset, which moves the saddle slightly further back. Handy if I want a more stretched position, for example on racing bikes or mountain bikes. 

4.     Dropper post: Especially popular with mountain bikes, this seat post is adjustable while riding. I can quickly lower or raise the saddle with a lever, which is handy on descents or technical terrain. 

5.     Aero seat post: These seat posts are often flat and streamlined for aerodynamics. They are primarily used on time trial bikes or high-end racing bikes. 

How do I install a seat post - what should I pay attention to? 

When installing a seat post, it’s important that I first choose the correct size. The diameter of the seat post must fit precisely into the seat tube of my bike. If the seat post is too large or too small, I won’t be able to mount it properly or it won’t stay secure while riding. Once I have the right size, I start by cleaning the seat tube. Old dirt or rust can prevent the seat post from fitting properly or getting stuck. Then, I carefully slide the seat post into the bike's seat tube. It’s often helpful to use some grease. This ensures that the seat post slides smoothly into the tube and prevents it from getting stuck later due to moisture or dirt. This is especially important for steel frames to prevent corrosion. However, if I have a carbon seat post or a carbon frame, I must not use standard grease. In that case, I need to use a special mounting paste for carbon. This provides enough grip without damaging the materials. 

During installation, I need to pay close attention to the minimum and maximum height of the seat post. The seat post has a marking that indicates how deep the post can be inserted into the seat tube. If I go beyond this marking, I can damage my seat post or even the frame of my bike. Additionally, I should never set the post too high. If the seat post protrudes too far from the tube, the bike risks becoming unstable, and I may encounter unexpected problems while riding. This includes breaking the seat post or the frame. This is especially something to watch out for with lightweight frames, such as on a racing bike or MTB. 

After setting the correct height, I secure the seat post with the seat post clamp. This clamp ensures that the seat post does not shift while riding. Make sure that I tighten the clamp firmly enough, but not too tight. Too much force can damage the clamp or even the seat post, especially with sensitive materials like carbon. For more information on the proper installation of a seat post, I can refer to our blog Replacing a Seat Post.

How do I attach a saddle to a seat post? 

Once I have mounted the seat post, I can attach the bicycle saddle. Most saddles are secured with a clamp on the top of the seat post. First, I loosen the bolts of the seat post so that I can slide the saddle into the correct position. It’s important that I adjust the saddle horizontally. If the saddle is tilted too far forward or backward, I may experience discomfort in my back or sit bones while riding. Some saddles also have rails that allow me to shift the position slightly for extra comfort. Once the saddle is in the right place, I tighten the bolts securely. Be careful not to tighten the bolts too much, as this can damage the rails of the saddle.

Hollandbikeshop.com is the number 1 bike shop for bicycle saddles, seat posts, and accessories such as bike bells.