Is a wider saddle more comfortable?

Saddle shape

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. Thinner saddles tend to be better for short efforts – such as racing – where comfort isn't dispensed with entirely but is compromised in favour of other factors.

What happens if 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.

Do I need a wider saddle?

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 much wider Should your saddle be than your 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!

Can my bike saddle be too wide?

If a bicycle saddle is too wide, it generally interferes with the rider's leg movement. As a result, a rider may get chaffed. At the same time, you may feel your legs get numb and pain under the sit bones. Saddle width is vital as it is one part of the bicycle that determines your riding position.

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What happens if your bike saddle is too narrow?

A saddle that's too narrow puts your sit bones over the sides. This allows excessive pressure on the penile nerves and blood vessels that run through the crotch. You can certainly still get saddle sores on a seat that's wide enough to support your sit bones correctly.

Why are road bike saddles so narrow?

Bike seats are only intended to hold a biker's sit bones and not their whole weight. They come with an unusual and slender shape that allows our lower limbs to move freely during cycling. Plus, your position and proper seat adjustment while biking also make a huge difference in your comfort.

How do I choose saddle width?

Place the foil or cardboard on a carpeted stair and sit down, then pick up your feet to mimic your riding position. When you stand up there should be two depressions left by your sit bones. Measure the distance between the centres of the depressions and add 25 to 30mm to find your ideal saddle width.

What size saddle for 110mm sit bones?

According to this, a 110mm sit-bone width should see you on a 155mm saddle if you sit upright, or a 143mm saddle if you go more aero. Art's Cyclery suggests measuring your sit-bone width then adding 25-30mm to get the right saddle width.

How do I pick the right saddle?

Why do I keep sliding forward on my saddle?

Women riders will generally want as little weight as possible on the saddle, and many men find the upward tilt uncomfortable. Of more frequent concern are downward-tilted saddles. These cause the rider to constantly slide forward, or brace themselves with their arms as long as they're in the saddle.

Is my saddle too wide or too narrow?

If the saddle is too narrow, the pommel will be too high at the front throwing the rider's weight to the rear and putting weight and pressure through the loin area of the horse. The rider will also be unbalanced tipping forward in consequence. The panels (the soft pads under the saddle) will probably also 'bridge.

How tight should your saddle be?

You should be able to put one index finger under the cinch to your finger's first joint. If you can reach in at the back of the cinch more than that, it's probably too loose. If you can't fit a finger in at all, it may be too tight.

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.

What is the average male sit bone width?

The average sit bone width for men is 60-160mm and 90-170mm for women. Measuring sit bone width at home is a great way to determine your saddle size, but a professional measurement will give you more information about your riding style using pressure mapping and other digital instruments.

What causes sit bone pain?

The pain in butt bones when you sit too long is caused by inflammation or irritation of the ischial bursa. It's a condition where the fluid-filled sacs in the pelvis become inflamed and swollen, causing the sit bone pain. Ischial Bursitis can cause a lot of problems with sitting, walking, or running.

How do you pick a horse saddle?

Ensure that the gullet of the saddle is 2-3 fingers away from the horse's withers. If the saddle fits well, it should not touch any part of the horse's spine. If the gullet is too wide the saddle will press on their withers, if it is too narrow the angle of the saddle will cause pinching.

What size saddle for 140mm sit bones?

A saddle that is 155mm wide. Normally you measure sit bones centre to centre and add on 10mm either side, any narrower will put pressure onto the parts between the sit bones any wider may chaff your thighs.

How do I stop my bum hurting when cycling?

How do I stop my bike seat hurting?

Why is my bike saddles so uncomfortable?

Incorrect saddle height and handlebar height/reach can cause your weight to be poorly distributed or lead to excessive rocking in the saddle both of which can contribute to discomfort. Leg length discrepancies are another common cause of saddle soreness and should be picked up by a professional bike fit.

How do I know if my bike seat is too small?