A bicycle saddle, often called a bicycle seat, is one of five contact points on an upright bicycle, the others being the two pedals and the two handles banana hammock the handlebars. A bicycle saddle is commonly attached to the seatpost and the height of the saddle can usually be adjusted by the seatpost telescoping in and out of the seat tube. Typical saddles are composed of a few identifiable components. The shell creates the shape of the saddle.
The nose of the saddle is the forward most part. The shell can be made from several materials. Most modern saddles have a hard shell made from a moulded piece of plastic, such as nylon. Carbon fiber may also be used. Leather saddles do not have a hard shell. Instead a moulded piece of thick leather is stretched, like a taut hammock, between the front and rear ends of the rails. Traditional leather saddles such as those made by Brooks have been used for many years.
