While riding a bike, there are only three parts connecting you, the rider, directly with the bike: the hands, the butt, and the feet. They all define how comfortable and/or efficient we ride...
Riding Position on a Race Bike
Comparing the general riding position during the history one will notice that the grandfathers, even during races like the Tour de France, were riding on larger bikes in a rather upright position. Compared to today's generation, riders are sitting more 'in' than 'on' their bikes, slicing in a low profile through the air.
These changes in riding style have technically been possible with change of materials, from traditonal metals to carbon fiber. This very versatile man-made material was first applied on a larger scale in the aerospace industry, the bicycle industry caught on in the 1990s on a larger scale. Carbon fiber has high stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight, high chemical resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and low thermal expansion. Woven carbon sheets are layered in different directions and molded into complicated shapes to address complex requirements. Outstanding examples of the possibilities of carbon fiber in today's bike industry are time trial and triathlon bikes with design feature unthinkable only until a few years ago. Elements of these special bikes were carried over to race bikes, aero bikes were unheard of before.
Compromise between Efficiency and Comfort
Approaching my 60s, I am not a young racer anymore. But any age should not stop anyone from tinkering about my comfort and efficiency on the bike. When German time trialist Tony Martin moved from Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step to Katusha-Alpecin, he lost his dominance because the new bike did "not fit as well". It was efficient but not comfortable enough over the time trial distance - so he lost precious seconds. Designers of bicycles should address both issues.
Right Saddle
On my mountain bike, I had a hard and narrow race seat (or saddle) which I transferred over to my road bike. But due to a more forward-leaning position I’ve experienced some numbness in the body's 'lower' contact area. I felt uncomfortable, especially on longer rides than 3 hours.
Two years ago I’ve trained with an American and an Australian for an upcoming short triathlon. Before the combined riding and running training, I checked out their bikes and noticed that both used an American brand of triathlon saddles with a ‘split nose’ design. I’ve discussed with them their saddles and they had only praise for them.
Back home I thought 'why not try them on my existing road bike?' and I’ve found a cheap (Chinese) copy which I purchased online. After mounting it on the bike, my ‘narrow’ pelvis and consequently ‘narrow’ butt felt noticeably comfier, confirmed on longer rides. My sit bones were riding rather ‘on’ than 'in' the saddle, they felt more 'cradled' than 'contacted'. Together with the more generous padding, this might be the secret of the comfort on my 'end'. In my opinion, with comfort comes confidence, and with confidence comes speed.
Saddle Profile
The other 'secret' of my triathlon saddle is a small but important rise or 'step' in the saddle profile. In the 'race position', I am sitting on the split nose in a forward-leaning position, just like a time trialist I would lean over his handlebar. When I want or need more power to 'push' the pedals, I would move my butt slightly backward. This results in a slightly higher position on the saddle. During climbs I have the same possibilities; I can decide and change between the forward position pushing the pedals downwards or the backward position pushing the pedals forward.
Saddle Adjustment
A saddle is a seat that still has to be adjusted to the needs and preferences of the riders. When adjusting a saddle, it must be done with the hands (handlebar/stem), the butt (saddle), and the legs (pedals) in mind. I see the riding position as a triangle; when changing one parameter, it should be considered to adjust at least another part to 'compensate' for the change. When e. g. the saddle is moved forward, you should consider to change the stem. A lower stem would bring the handlebar down and the rider a more aerodynamic position.
a. Saddle Height
My new split nose saddle has a more generous padding, is therefore built a higher than the former road race saddle. Therefore the overall saddle height (distance butt→pedal) should be adjusted.
-Saddle ←Fore Aft→
The saddle can be moved forwards (fore) and backwards (aft), to remember or detail these adjustments, some manufacturers have printed gauges in mm on the rails.
-Saddle Tilt (Angle)
Some riders prefer to mount the saddle at an angle (‘nose down’); overdone, the saddle does not offer a lot of support. I've tried to lower the nose, but I was slipping 'downwards' with no saddle grip at all. Back home, I've changed the saddle back into its former position.
Experience
Switching from my former narrow road bike saddle to the wider split nose triathlon saddle offered me a much more comfortable and pleasant riding experience. I can choose between several seating positions, have the freedom to move on the saddle (forwards and backward), and can find the most comfortable and efficient position for every section of the road.
While the overall saddle is shorter, the rails are longer than in my previous saddle. On my rails, I mount a saddle bag and a bottle cage frame for two additional bottles. On this split nose saddle, there is enough space for both - much appreciated on long and unsupported rides.
For the added comfort and versatility I am more than willing to take the weight penalty of around 60 grams compared to my previous narrow racing saddle.
Conclusion
I encourage everyone, to think more about the most precious body part. It is not only interesting to tinker with different saddle shapes, materials, and positions; the time and money invested in a bike fit are worthwhile. Many bike shops offer saddles to try out over a longer period or a friend might be so kind as to lend their bike and/or saddle for a spin.
Take care, Gerhard
I own this saddle, mounted, and rode by myself. I paid for the saddle; I am not endorsed or sponsored. Subscribers or followers are more than welcome!
A Word of Caution
Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike, not the other way around. Ride responsibly, defensively, and safely! It is senseless to gain some seconds but spends weeks recovering in a hospital and/or at home! You, your body, your parents, your family, and your friends will surely appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.
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