How Can I Avoid Buying the Wrong Saddle?

Question: I want to buy a “modern” saddle but don’t want to purchase several to find one that’s comfortable. Any ideas? — Patrick C.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: First, check at your local bike shop. It may have a loaner program, allowing you to pick a couple of seats most likely to work, then do at least one ride on each.

A shop may also have a 30-day return policy for saddle purchases. If you work with one of the shop guys to determine which seat is likely to work well, but it doesn’t, you can trade it in for a different model.

Another possibility is to check with riders in your area, possibly through your local bike club. They may have saddles in their spare parts bins.

Or, get together with several riders to form a saddle-swapping club. Each person buys a different saddle, then you trade around until finding the one you like best.