The Most Misunderstood Component on Your Bike (And How to Get It Right)

How much thought do you really give to your saddle? It’s one of the most personal contact points on the bike and yet, for most of us, it’s also one of the least understood. This week, I’m joined by Sean Madsen, a true expert when it comes to bike fit and saddle design. Sean’s spent over 25 years working with some of the biggest names in cycling. From developing products used by the pros, to helping everyday riders find real comfort on the bike. We get into what actually makes a saddle comfortable, why numbness and pain aren’t something you should just accept, and how things like shape, padding, and rail material all come into play. We also chat about the future, 3D printed saddles, new materials, and how often you should really be replacing yours. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether your saddle’s helping or holding you back, sit tight, this one’s going to change the way you think about one of the most overlooked parts of your bike. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Sean Madsen. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here . You can checkout the entire range of WTB products over at wtb.com . Podcast Stuff Episode Sponsors WTB This episode is a paid partnership with WTB , who’ve supported us to bring you this conversation. If you’d like to check out WTB’s full range of saddles and other products, you can find them over at wtb.com . Canyon Canyon recently launched the Neuron:ON CLLCTV and it’s a whole lot of fun to ride. With a gravity ready spec and the latest Bosch motor, this is an insanely good bike for £5149. Check it out over at canyon.com . Patreon I would love it if you were able to support the podcast via a regular Patreon donation. Donations start from as little as £3 per month. That’s less than £1 per episode and less than the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts and these donations will really help me keep the podcast going and hopefully take it to the next level. To help out, head here . Merch If you want to support the podcast and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – WTB