Saddle Posture And Selection Are Very Important For Cycling;
Your mother always said watch your posture and as it turns out she was right. When riding your Beach Cruiser you will reduce sore muscles, blisters on your crotch and buttocks by not only choosing the right seat but choosing correct posture. There is no particular posture that fits all riders young and old but here are a few tips on selecting a seat/saddle and how to reduce injuries by proper posture.
Your saddle width should be sufficient to cover those bones in your tail-end designed to support your body. If the saddle is to small you are applying to much pressure per square inch onto those bones and if the saddle is to wide you are encouraging the upper torso to slouch forward risking dangerous injury to your back.
Seats can be either flat or slightly curvaceous. Position problems can be created, for example by sharp curvatures, because it places the supporting bones below the saddle’s center, adding to crotch pressure.
A rider can choose from wedge shaped or gel padded saddles when riding mountain bicycles or racing bicycles. For Beach Cruisers more comfortable saddles are available. A few bike shops will let you “try out” the saddle and if you are going to be riding 20+ miles per week you may want to exercise that option. Get something comfortable that will both support your sitting bones but also provide spring shock absorption so your body does not have to absorb each hole and crack in the asphalt.
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Common misconceptions with riders is that a bicycle saddle should sit directly upward out of the post. Although technically correct just like some people are more comfortable slouching in their office chairs riders should likewise get a seat that caters to their peculiarities. For example don’t be afraid to turn your seat left or right forward or backwards. I even know one chap that installs his seats backwards. The important thing is that you are comfortable. Remember that you will be in that posture for several hours.
Likewise, be sure to peddle standing (even if in a resting stand) so that you keep blood circulating. We all know how it feels to be sitting on the toilet for so long that your legs fall asleep (well maybe that is a man thing come to think of it) so don’t let the same think happen to you on your bicycle. Shift from side to side, stand up on the peddles and otherwise keep the blood moving.
Cultivating good habits can ease your riding on the road. Trying to seat yourself on the wider area of the saddle is one good habit. Also, the use of shock-absorbing seats for better comfort is considered to be a good habit.
As odd as it sounds light weight lifting to strengthen upper body strength is also a good bicycle habit. The purpose is to allow you the upper body strength to manipulate your bicycle in traffic. Remember your legs are getting a great workout but your upper body is just following along. Finally, take time to read about traffic laws that effect you and your bicycle. It is more important to ride defensively than it is to drive defensively. Trust me your bike is no match for a several ton automobile.
Follow these tips and you can expect to be riding your Beach Cruiser for many years of fun and safe entertainment, posture free and healthy.
