How do I know what size bike saddle to buy?

Finding a bike saddle that is the right size for your body mostly has to do with the width of the saddle and how well it supports your ischial tuberosities (sit bones). Generally, you want a saddle that’s wide enough for good support, but not so wide that it causes rubbing and chafing.

How wide should my saddle be?

Your seat/sit bone width determines the ideal width of the saddle you should choose. Saddle width is measured from edge to edge across the top of the saddle. Specialized, for example, recommend a 130 mm saddle width for narrow sit bones, 143 mm for medium, and 155 mm for wide sit bones.

What size saddle for 125mm sit bones?

For example, if a road bike is used, with very leaned forward position (like in the 2nd drawing from the left in picture 8), and if measured sit bone width is 125 mm, then a saddle should be 1 cm (10 mm) wider, which is about 135 mm.

Is a wide bike seat more comfortable?

Wider is more comfy. Certainly, sleek racing saddles don’t look comfortable but wider seats create more friction and chafing when you’re doing lots of pedalling (say on the road, or in a race). In general, the more you ride and pedal, the thinner and less obtrusive a saddle should be.

How do you sit on a bike so it doesn’t hurt?

What Can You Do To Avoid Problems In The Crotch.

1. Set your saddle at the right height. This is another reason to get a bike fit.
2. Try a saddle with a cutout. A cutout redistributes pressure in the crotch and may relieve pain.
3. Get the right shorts.
4. Use the right lube.

Can a bike saddle be too wide?

Bike saddles can be either too wide or too narrow because of an initial improper adjustment when the bike or saddle was purchased. So, don’t simply throw away a bike saddle because you think it is uncomfortable. Instead, try to have it adjusted properly.

Is a wider saddle better?

The shape of the saddle determines its best use. Wider saddles tend to be more comfortable so are good for long rides or leisurely riders where extra weight from more materials isn’t an issue. You need to be careful, if the saddle is too wide it can chafe whilst too thin can put a lot of pressure on soft parts.

How do you know if a saddle fits?

#1 – Balance: When on the horse’s back, the center of the saddle (seat area) should be parallel to the ground. #2 – Wither Clearance: Clearance at the withers should be the width of two to three fingers for normal withers; mutton withers will have more clearance while high withers will have less clearance.

How do I know what size English saddle to buy?

A good rule of thumb is that an English saddle seat size will run around two inches larger than a Western saddle. So, if you ride a 15.5” Western saddle, you will likely need a 17.5” English saddle.

Why do my sit bones hurt when cycling?

Improper fit on your bike could be the main reason for your saddle discomfort. If your saddle is too high, too low, too far forward, too far back, not level, or if you are reaching too far to your handlebars, you could be experiencing pain as a result.

What size saddle for 150mm sit bones?

Many suggest adding about 20mm, as signified by the Road Bike Bros above, which would then land you on the ideal saddle. For example, if your sit bones measured 130mm, you add 20mm and voila, a 150mm saddle width will fit perfectly!

Why is my bike seat so uncomfortable?

There are multiple reasons why bike seats might be uncomfortable. Bicycle seats aren’t meant to carry the riders full weight, but only their sit bones. Their unusual shape allows thighs to move freely when cycling. Proper rider form and seat adjustment can also make a big difference in comfort.

What happens if your saddle is too wide?

When a saddle is too wide in the front, it can sink down over the withers. This takes the saddle out of balance by making the pommel lower than the cantle, which in turn carries more pressure over the front of the tree (at the withers/shoulders) than a saddle with a properly sized tree.

Why are bike seats so high?

Why do mountain bikers have their seats so high? Mountain bikers seats are high so they can increase their pedal power and efficiency. It allows the rider to almost fully extend their legs while pedaling, this helps to avoid damaging your knees. It elevates the center of gravity which improves your bike handling.