Whether they are on an electric or a pedal bike, ninety percent of them request a saddle gel pad cover for their trip. I shake my head every time. Don’t they know it’s a myth? A gel pad saddle cover provides no relief and can even make it worse or cause other problems. There are better solutions. Let me explain.
Everyone gets their turn
No cyclist, zero, escapes saddle discomfort from time to time. When you’re new to the sport, or getting back on after an extended break, you have to go through a pseudo break-in period again. It only lasts a day or two, that feeling of light pressure on a bruise. It’s a rite of passage in cycling.
The more aero your cycling position, more of your body weight rests on your “sit bones” (ischial tuberosities). These are the points where your body meets the saddle. As you lean forward to ride, your glutes (bum muscles) move to the side, exposing your sit bones. If your riding position is more upright, the sit bones are more protected by the glutes, but won’t exclude you from the process. Suck it up. You wanna be a cyclist, right?
Increased pressure and chafing
Adding a gel cover to protect from saddle discomfort isn’t the solution and can even add to the problem. It may provide a sensation of relief for a few minutes, then the squishy gel material displaces, increasing pressure on other spots from the uneven distribution of the rider’s weight.
This increased pressure from the gel material leads to reduced blood circulation, causing discomfort, tingling and/or numbness to the area, including the sensitive bits. The added bulk also contributes to chafing. And both issues defeat the purpose of the gel pad cover. And, dear cycle-tourists and new cyclists alike, underwear worn under your riding shorts is a no, no. Yep, commando is the way. It eliminates any chances of chafing caused by fabric folds or stitched clothing seams.
Hygiene, heat and moisture retention
You may have just learned that not wearing underwear under your cycling shorts is the way to go. While it doesn’t sound very hygienic; it is. There’s no problem, provided you wash your kit after every ride. You change your underwear every day, don’t you? The same goes for cycling shorts. You should have at least two pairs. Dry one while you wear the other.
An often overlooked drawback to using gel pad covers is how they generate heat and moisture. The effect is even worse on longer rides or in hot weather. The gel material isn’t breathable and acts as an insulator. And what does bacteria love? Moisture and humidity. It’s warm enough down there already, particularly during exercise. Why add to the equation?
Invest in quality cycling shorts
You want the gel saddle cover for your comfort, to help reduce road vibrations and shocks, correct? Investing in a proper pair of riding shorts with a quality pad, aka “chamois” is vital. You’ve spent a bundle on the trip, bike, and/or travel already, so why skimp on the shorts?
Cycling shorts comprise an inner pad, and panels stitched together with flat seams to avoid chafing. The more panels, the better quality the short, and typically, a superior quality inner pad, too. Check the product tag before you buy. Some brands rate the pad for cycling time. A quality pair of shorts is more effective than a gel pad.
You may not ride a lot, yet, but don’t buy the least expensive pair you find browsing the internet. And they need to be tight fitting to function. The size you need may not equate to your everyday clothes either. This is new territory. You gotta try them on. Hold them up before you buy them. Do they have an ergonomic shape? If they hang straight, like curtains, keep looking. A quality pair of cycling shorts might cost more than you wanted to spend, but it is an investment in you, your comfort.
Saddle shape and width are key
Never buy a bicycle saddle based on how far you can push your thumb into its cover. A saddle doesn’t have to be soft and squishy to be comfortable. It’s about the saddle shape and how it works with your anatomy. The distance between everyone’s sit bones is different, too. Saddles come in different widths for precisely this reason. Check with your local shop professional to measure yours.
Saddles can be flat, curved, long, short, with or without a cut-out, 3D customized and more. With so many choices out there, it’s easy to understand why cyclists may not be riding the optimal saddle for their anatomy. There is no need to put up with saddle discomfort because you think it’s part of cycling. It isn’t. Most bike shops have a saddle test ride program so you can try it before you buy it.
Get a professional bike fit
If you’ve exhausted several avenues trying to get comfortable on your bike saddle, including the infamous gel saddle cover, it might be time to consider a professional bike fit to address your discomfort.
A professional fitter assesses a rider’s biomechanics, flexibility, riding position and makes adjustments accordingly. This goes for bicycle size too. Your current rig may be too big. This personalized approach eliminates the need for temporary solutions like gel pad covers. And in today’s work of AI and technology, get a bike fit before you buy. Most fit professionals can tell you which models and brands are best for you.
It’s up to you
The immediate conclusion that a gel seat cover could help prevent or solve saddle discomfort is understandable. A plush layer of cushioning between you and the saddle seems inviting, but as we’ve learned, it isn’t the answer. In reality, a gel cover falls crucially short in providing lasting comfort, and may even aggravate the situation. So before you get a gel pad cover, remember that cycling and saddle discomfort do not go hand in hand. You’ve got options. But in the end, it isn’t about me, is it?
