SADDLE.
In adjusting the machine, the saddle should be placed at such a height that when the pedal is at its lowest point the heel can be easily placed upon it when sitting erect. The length of cranks should be 61 to 7 inches. The " gear " of the machine must vary according to the character of the roads to be ridden over and the gradient of the hills. For level, good road about 63 inches, for bad roads and steep hills about 56 inches should do. The great point in choosing a saddle is to get one which will be comfortable, and suit the individual. This is a matter of careful adjustment. Some complain that when they ride the pressure of the peak on the perineum causes distress. There are many inventions intended to obviate this. The " Hygienic" -saddle is split all the way down, so that there is nothing to press on the central line. The " Anatomical " (Henson's) consists of a pneumatic seat, with depressions to take the ischial tuberosities, and no peak at all; " Burgess's " saddle is on the same lines, and all of these are excellent when they are properly adjusted to suit each person. The essentials of a good saddle are that it should be large enough for the rider to sit fairly and squarely on it, and not hang himself on the peak (if it has one) as if were riding on a rail. It must be tilted to such an angle that no weight whatever falls on the front part, and it must be sufficiently cut away at the sides to allow free movement of the legs while pedalling. A rider should give an hour or more to the adjustment of a new saddle, and having once found what angle and position suits himself, he should never move it. The saddle is often blamed, especially by women, for ordinary " soreness." This simply means that the sufferer has not ridden enough to harden his or her tissues, and perseverance will soon cure it.