As a content creator for usabikers.net and a passionate cyclist, I understand the critical role comfort plays in enjoying your ride. Like many who’ve taken up cycling, I’ve learned firsthand that the stock saddle on a new bike is often the first component riders consider upgrading. My journey to find the perfect “Bike Saddles For Comfort” was a personal quest filled with trials and errors, and I’m here to share my experience and insights to help you on your own path to comfortable cycling.
My foray into triathlons last year ignited my love for cycling. Investing in my own bike, the Intenso Dama Bianca, was a thrilling step. However, the initial joy of riding was quickly overshadowed by the agonizing discomfort from the factory-installed saddle. It was, to put it mildly, unbearable. This experience resonated deeply with the reality that bike saddle discomfort is a widespread issue, capable of causing significant pelvic floor problems, as highlighted in resources like this insightful blog post on the connection between cycling and pelvic floor health.
The Quest for the Comfortable Saddle: My Four Saddle Saga
Let’s be honest, finding the right bike saddle feels like navigating a maze. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re nodding in agreement, perhaps having already waded through countless articles and still feeling lost. While I’m not a bike saddle encyclopedist, I’ve lived the frustration and finally emerged with a comfortable solution. My aim is to equip you with the knowledge and encouragement I gained throughout my saddle-seeking adventure.
My journey involved testing four different saddles before I finally found “the one.” Here’s a breakdown of my experiences:
Saddle #1: The Factory Saddle – An Immediate No-Go
The saddle that came standard with my bike was, unfortunately, a non-starter. The pain was immediate and intense. It felt incredibly sharp and pressure-inducing on my sit bones, making even short rides unbearable. This experience underscored the common need to replace factory saddles for comfort, especially for longer rides or riders sensitive to pressure.
Saddle #2: SQ Labs 611 Active Saddle with TITube – Better, But Still Not Right
My local bike shop expert, Gebhard, at Véloro Bicycles, suggested the “611 Active saddle with TITube” by SQ labs as my first upgrade. This saddle was a stark contrast to the curved factory model. It was flat, firm, and featured a central cutout. Gebhard explained that curved saddles are often favored by professional racers who shift positions frequently and don’t bear significant weight on the saddle. For someone like me, a recreational cyclist riding around 50-100 miles weekly, a flatter, more supportive saddle was likely a better direction.
The SQ Labs saddle was an improvement. I managed a 25-mile ride without the sharp, sit-bone pain of the factory saddle. However, new issues arose. The firmness, while better for sit bones in some ways, caused considerable discomfort and even numbness in the soft tissues in the anterior pelvic area. This discomfort highlighted the delicate anatomy of the pelvis, as explained in resources like this blog post and webinar on pelvic anatomy. Additionally, the change in my riding position with this new saddle led to hand numbness, signaling that saddle comfort is interconnected with overall bike fit and posture. Saddle number two was ultimately not the solution.
Saddle #3: Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow – Softer Isn’t Always Better
For my third attempt, Gebhard recommended the “Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow.” This saddle featured a narrower cutout, aimed at reducing pressure on the anterior soft tissues, and softer padding, hoping to cushion my sit bones. I was cautiously optimistic. However, Gebhard cautioned that softer saddles can sometimes create new problems. While they might initially feel more comfortable, sinking into the padding can redistribute pressure to less tolerant areas, like soft tissues, rather than the sit bones which are designed to bear weight. “A little sit bone soreness after a ride is actually a good sign,” Gebhard noted, “it’s similar to feeling your sit bones when sitting on a park bench – that’s where the pressure should be.”
Despite initial relief in soft tissue pain and sharp sit bone pain during test rides, the Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow didn’t hold up on longer rides. While those initial pains lessened, they didn’t disappear, and a new issue emerged: pinching in the gluteal fold – the crease where your buttocks meet your thighs. Again, this saddle wasn’t the perfect match.
Saddle #4: Selle Italia SLR Lady Flow – Firmness and Cutout to the Rescue!
Back at the bike shop, saddle number four was the “Selle Italia SLR Lady flow.” This saddle was similar in shape to the Gel Flow but with less padding and a larger cutout. We hypothesized that the gluteal fold pinching from the previous saddle was due to sinking into the soft padding. If so, a firmer saddle should alleviate this.
To my surprise, Gebhard’s theory was correct! While the SLR Lady Flow felt less plush in the first few miles, it became increasingly comfortable as the ride progressed. Although some sit bone discomfort remained, it was significantly reduced. To further enhance comfort, I invested in cycling shorts with a thicker chamois, which effectively addressed the remaining sit bone pain.
Morgan on her bike, smiling, indicating success in finding a comfortable saddle after a long ride
Key Takeaways: Tips for Finding Your Comfortable Bike Saddle
Success! Finding the right saddle is indeed a process, and there’s no universal solution. However, based on my experience, here’s my advice for your saddle journey:
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Patience is Paramount: Resist the urge to rush the process. I dedicated time to thoroughly test each saddle on longer rides. This allowed me to pinpoint specific issues and communicate them effectively when seeking advice for the next saddle.
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Partner with a Local Bike Shop: Having access to expert advice was invaluable. Even with my background in pelvic floor physical therapy, I wouldn’t have predicted that a firmer saddle would ultimately be more comfortable. Gebhard’s knowledge of saddle types and features was crucial in guiding me towards the right solutions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and leverage their expertise. Curious about men’s vs. women’s saddles? Ask! (There are differences, but the “right” saddle isn’t always gender-specific).
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Communicate Clearly About Discomfort: Accurately describing the location and type of pain is essential. Bike shop staff and experienced cyclists are familiar with saddle-related issues. Whether you use anatomical terms (clitoris, labia, penis, scrotum, perineum, ischial tuberosities, gluteal fold) or simply describe the pain as bony or soft tissue, front or back, clear communication will help guide recommendations.
Ultimately, the Selle Italia SLR Lady Flow worked for me, but it might not be the perfect saddle for you. The saddles that didn’t work for me might be ideal for someone else. Factors like your bike, riding style, pelvic anatomy, and cycling clothing all influence saddle choice. The journey to “bike saddles for comfort” is personal. I wish you success in finding yours and hope to see you enjoying comfortable rides on the road!
Thank you again to Gebhard Ebenhoech at Véloro Bicycles for his invaluable assistance. Visit Véloro Bicycles online, on Facebook, or Instagram. Or visit their shop in person at:
910 Main St,
Redwood City, CA 94063
Share your saddle stories in the comments! We can all learn from each other’s experiences.
FAQ
What are pelvic floor muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles extending from the coccyx to the pubic bone. Integral to your core, they support your body and organs like the bowel, bladder, and uterus. They are vital for bladder and bowel control and contribute to sexual function and orgasm. Scientifically known as the Levator Ani muscle group, they are innervated by the pudendal nerve, levator ani nerve, and branches from the S2 – S4 nerve roots, offering a unique combination of voluntary and autonomic control unlike other muscle groups.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized field requiring advanced post-graduate training due to the complexity of pelvic floor disorders, which are not comprehensively covered in standard physical therapy curricula. The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center prioritizes extensive training for its staff to address this educational gap in this specialized area.
What happens at pelvic floor therapy?
A pelvic floor therapy evaluation begins with a detailed medical history. Following this, the therapist provides privacy for the patient to change. The therapist then conducts an external and internal manual assessment of the pelvic floor and related muscles using gloved hands. Afterward, the therapist leaves the room again for the patient to redress. The assessment may also include evaluations of strength, motor control, biomechanics, and neuromuscular control. The therapist discusses findings, collaboratively sets goals, and develops a treatment plan. Typically, sessions are weekly for about an hour, and treatment duration varies. A home exercise program is prescribed, and the therapist coordinates with other healthcare providers. Treatment usually lasts from 3 months to a year.
What is pudendal neuralgia and how is it treated?
Pudendal Neuralgia is diagnosed clinically as pain within the pudendal nerve’s distribution. This mixed nerve from sacral nerve roots S2-S4 has right and left branches, each with dorsal, perineal, and inferior rectal trunks. These supply sensation to areas including the clitoris/penis, labia/scrotum, perineum, anus, distal urethra and rectum, vulva, and vestibule, and control pelvic floor muscles. The nerve’s complex path makes it prone to compression and tension.
Pudendal Neuralgia arises when the nerve’s mobility is restricted, causing pain in its distribution areas. Pelvic floor physical therapy is key to identifying and addressing mechanical impairments. Treatment aims to restore normal neural function. Management may include physical therapy, medication, pudendal nerve blocks, or Botox injections.
What is interstitial cystitis and how is it treated?
Interstitial Cystitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by bladder irritation symptoms like urgency, frequency, and hesitancy without infection. Research indicates pelvic floor dysfunction and muscle pain are common in patients meeting diagnostic criteria. The American Urologic Association recommends pelvic floor physical therapy as the primary treatment. Patients benefit from physical therapy and may also need medication or bladder instillations.
Who is the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Team?
Founded in 2006 by Elizabeth Akincilar and Stephanie Prendergast, the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center (PHRC) specializes in pelvic floor disorders since 2001. Mentored by a physician, they became experts, developed training courses, and expanded to 11 US locations. PHRC offers a residency-style training program with ongoing mentorship, ensuring highly skilled physical therapists provide effective care.
How many years of experience do we have?
Stephanie and Liz bring 24 years of expertise and mentor each team member to excel in pelvic health through their comprehensive training program.
Why PHRC versus anyone else?
PHRC stands out due to its exclusive focus on pelvic floor disorders and its leadership. Constantly engaged in lecturing, teaching, and staying current through medical expert connections, PHRC offers efficient and effective pelvic health restoration for patients.
Do we treat men for pelvic floor therapy?
PHRC uniquely treats individuals of all genders, a practice established by its co-founders and integrated into team training. Unlike many practices focusing solely on individuals with vulvas, PHRC provides comprehensive care for all.
Do I need pelvic floor therapy forever?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is typically a goal-oriented, time-limited treatment. Goals are reviewed and adjusted every 6-8 weeks based on progress. Most patients achieve their goals within 3-6 months. Longer treatment may be necessary for complex cases or untreated co-existing conditions.
