What Size Bike Saddle Do I Need

The bicycle saddle often gets the blame for an uncomfortable ride, but if sized properly, you should inappreciably notice information technology's there. Finding the right bike saddle largely depends on your physiology, which means it's never a 1-size-fits-all decision. I way to salvage hurting in the rear on a ride is to measure your sit bones. We'll explain how to measure sit down bone width and and then how to cull the right saddle based on size and performance factors. Utilize your measurements and our bike saddle fitting guide to assist you decide which bike saddle fits your backside.

What are the sit bones?

The sit basic are two bones in your lower pelvis (one on each side of your backside) that support your weight while seated. Ischial tuberosity is the anatomical term for your sit basic. You might feel pain or numbness in your rear on a ride due to compression and limited blood flow. It'south of import to continue your blood flowing on your bike by continuing occasionally and using your legs to have some of the pressure off your sit bones. Taking sit down bone width into account when choosing a bike saddle is some other manner to relieve discomfort.

How to measure out sit bones

Sit down bone width is not the only factor that influences the type of saddle you choose, but it is the best way to notice your saddle size. Y'all tin can measure your sit bones yourself at home or have your seat professionally fitted at a bike shop.

If you cull to take your own measurements, here'due south what y'all need:

A big piece of corrugated cardboard
Measuring tape
Chair
Marker

Measuring sit bone width

Place the piece of corrugated cardboard on a flat chair and take a seat.
Sit with your feet tilted up long enough to go out a skillful impression.
Stand and discover the two deepest indentions your sit bones left behind and mark them both with a point.
Measure from 1 indicate to the other with your measuring tape in millimeters.
Add 20-25mm to determine your saddle size.

The boilerplate sit bone width for men is threescore-160mm and 90-170mm for women.

how to measure your sit bone width

Measuring sit os width at home is a swell fashion to decide your saddle size, but a professional measurement will give you more data about your riding style using pressure mapping and other digital instruments. Letting the pros do the measuring for you is the all-time way to become when choosing a new saddle or as a beginner cyclist.

Sit os and cycling position

Sit bone width is less important when choosing a type of saddle for some cyclists versus others depending on cycling position. The farther you lean on your bike the less you depend on your sit down bones for support. Your cycle saddle is influenced by your cycling position, which is influenced by your performance style.

In add-on to sit bone width, you should take torso angle, pelvic move, and soft tissue sensitivity into business relationship when choosing a bike saddle. The more meaning your lean, or the smaller your trunk angle, the less your sit bone affects your comfort or discomfort. With a pocket-size torso angle, pressure level on the pubic rami and protection of soft tissue becomes more significant. As you lean forward, your points of contact with the saddle shift forward.

cycling positions and sit bone

The more intense your rides, the smaller the body angle becomes.

At ninety degrees, the torso is upright and the ride is relaxed.
At 60 degrees, the torso is moderately bent, and the ride is energetic.
At 45 degrees, the torso is significantly aptitude, and the ride is intense.

This is why a college functioning level requires a narrower saddle. A costly absorber is non as important every bit a responsive saddle for a dynamic ride.

Your riding posture tin can also increase or decrease your levels of comfort. A expert riding position is balanced by a stable cadre and a relaxed upper body. Not properly exercising back muscles leads to over-rotation of the pelvis, and slouching without moving the pelvic region forward leads to under-rotation.

Where should sit bones be on the saddle?

No thing your blazon of saddle or cycling position, sit bones should ever be apartment to salve pressure from the sensitive spots on both men and women.

How to choose the correct bike saddle

Bike saddles are pocket-size investments in optimal performance and a comfortable ride. Below are several things to continue in mind when looking for a bike saddle that supports y'all well.

one. Determine what's causing discomfort.

If you are ownership a saddle because of pain in your sit bone, first evaluate the source of your discomfort. It may not be your cycle saddle. Your saddle could exist likewise high or likewise low or too shut or also far from the handlebars. If your saddle is the problem, endeavour to assess why. Is it too soft? Also broad? If you're experiencing pain with a brand new saddle, requite information technology time. Some discomfort is normal as your body adjusts to the new saddle, but the pain should resolve in a couple of weeks. If it doesn't, then it might be time to retrieve about a new saddle.

2. Find sit down bone width.

Measure your sit bone width by following the at-home instructions above or by heading to a bicycle shop for a professional measurement. This will assist you determine which size saddle you need.

3. Consider gender.

Even though women take wider sit bones, there's some overlap in the average sizes of men and womens' sit bone widths, then unisex sizing can piece of work well. Two of the main differences between men's and women'south bike saddles are a greater chance of thigh chafing in women and soft tissue differences. Women oftentimes adopt saddles with cut-outs to conform those differences.

four. Consider your subject field.

The type of saddle that works best for y'all depends on your riding niche, similar road racing, triathlon, mount, gravel, and others. Some saddles are more supportive for different terrain or intensity.

five. Consider your riding posture and flexibility.

Being a more dynamic rider means yous need a narrower saddle than someone who rides for leisure. Flexibility is another factor. Less flexible people shift hands and need a saddle to help keep them steady.

vi. Apply a saddle finder.

One time you know your sit down bone width, riding goals, average length of ride, and riding frequency, use the Fizik saddle fit finder to display the all-time saddles for you. Non only are Fizik saddles tried-and-true, they're innovative and responsive to the body. Their use of 3D press enables them to construct saddles that can read you well and respond with the reinforcement you lot demand.

7. Test multiple saddles.

Before settling on a saddle, exam lots of them. This is the best way to determine what works for your riding way. Bike shops allow yous to exam ride saddles and volition assistance you when something doesn't feel correct. Start with a standard saddle and adjust based on specifics a picayune at a time. Each fourth dimension you exam a saddle, ask yourself if it's closer or farther from the comfort yous're seeking.

Bike saddle size and types

Common bike saddle sizes range from 135mm to 160mm, depending on individual sit bone width. The type of saddle you need, nevertheless, is influenced by many other factors similar posture, subject, and even personal preference. At that place are two main saddle types:

Performance saddles : saddles used for racing and endurance
Comfort saddles : saddles used for recreation or practice

These ii categories include many variations depending on your discipline. Mountain biking, for example, requires a lot of shifting during the ride, so longer saddles provide more stability. Racing saddles need to be both supportive and flexible. But neither "supportive" nor "comfortable" mean cushiony. Soft saddles aren't actually better. They often have too much requite and aren't supportive plenty. Performance saddles are flat and narrow because they're made for the body's move during a ride rather than relaxation. Some saddles take cut-outs, which are popular for women to provide protection of soft tissues and airflow.

One of the best means of a niggling extra comfort on your ride is a quality chamois . Cycling shorts and bib shorts are fabricated for the saddle and padded right where you need information technology. A chamois provides an actress layer of support and helps minimize chafing. Just similar bike saddles, dumbo (not plush) cushioning provides the stability and comfort needed for an enjoyable ride.

Whether you're shooting for a PR or but want to savor a more comfortable ride, bank check out our men'southward bicycle shorts and padded women's bike shorts , they provide the perfect blend of comfort and performance.

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