Here's something to think about. How important do you think is a bicycle seat cover? At first it seems like as long as the bicycle has two wheels— or four wheels, for beginners—and a seat, it's a bicycle as good as any other. But what you don't know is there's a significant, almost essential difference between a bicycle with a seat cover and one without it. Who knew that something so trivial as a bicycle seat cover could affect your performance and overall experience as a cyclist?
Here's something to think about. How important do you think is a bicycle seat cover? At first it seems like as long as the bicycle has two wheels— or four wheels, for beginners—and a seat, it's a bicycle as good as any other. But what you don't know is there's a significant, almost essential difference between a bicycle with a seat cover and one without it. Who knew that something so trivial as a bicycle seat cover could affect your performance and overall experience as a cyclist?
What is a bicycle seat cover?
A bicycle seat cover is a padded piece of fabric that is used to wrap around a bicycle seat for better comfort and friction. Most bicycle seats, also called bicycle saddles, are made from plastic such as nylon, and can be quite slippery at times. A bicycle seat cover provides the extra friction needed to keep the cyclist from slipping off the seat while pedaling.
There are also what they call leather bicycle seats. Much more comfortable than the plastic hard shell, leather bicycle seats are often more expensive.
Most bicycle seat covers consists of several layers. The center portion is usually crafted of a polyurethane foam, and has a middle layer made of low fiction material such as polyethylene. And then an outer layer tops the polyethylene layer, which is a soft material, with an inner surface made from acrylic resin coating, a low friction material, and an outer layer of suitable nylon, another soft material.
Buying guide
A bicycle seat cover that fits perfectly over your bicycle seat is as good as any other. But first you must decide whether you want a plastic hard shell bicycle seat or a leather bicycle seat.
A plastic hard shell seat is cheaper, though it requires a bicycle seat cover for the reasons stated above. A leather bicycle seat costs a lot more, but at least you won't have to worry about getting a separate bicycle seat cover. It's your call. |