Cycling is a fantastic activity, whether you’re into triathlons, leisurely weekend rides, or commuting to work. Like many enthusiasts, I decided to invest in my own bike to elevate my riding experience. However, the quest for the perfect ride can quickly be hampered by an uncomfortable bike saddle. My initial experience with the stock saddle was far from ideal – imagine the discomfort of razors against your sit bones! While slightly exaggerated, saddle soreness is a genuine concern and a common source of pelvic floor issues for cyclists. As explored in previous articles about cycling and pelvic floor health, the wrong saddle can lead to significant discomfort and pain.
Let’s face it: choosing a bike saddle is notoriously tricky. You might be reading this because you’re struggling to find a saddle that works for you. Perhaps you’ve already researched countless articles and feel more confused than ever. This isn’t another technical guide overloaded with saddle jargon. Instead, I want to share my personal journey and offer practical insights that helped me find the right Floor Bike saddle, giving you hope that you can find yours too!
My search involved testing four different bike saddles before I landed on “the one.” The first replacement for the original saddle was the “611 Active saddle with TITube” by SQ labs. Unlike the curved stock saddle, this one was flat, firm, and featured a central cutout. Gebhard, the expert at Véloro Bicycles, explained that curved saddles are often favored by competitive racers who prioritize movement and weight shifting on the saddle, rather than sustained pressure. For a recreational cyclist like myself, covering 50-100 miles weekly, a flat saddle might be more suitable.
This saddle was an improvement, allowing me to complete a 25-mile ride without the intense sit bone pain of the original. However, the firmness caused considerable discomfort on my sit bones, and I began experiencing pain and numbness in the more sensitive, anterior soft tissues. It’s crucial to understand pelvic anatomy and the pelvic floor when addressing these issues, as detailed in resources about pelvic pain and anatomy. Furthermore, the change in my riding position caused by this saddle led to hand numbness. Saddle number two was a no-go.
Saddle number three was the “Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow.” suggested by Gebhard. This bike saddle featured a narrower cutout, aimed at reducing pressure on the anterior soft tissues, and softer padding for sit bone comfort. I was cautiously optimistic. However, Gebhard cautioned that softer saddles can sometimes create new problems. While they might initially feel plush, you can sink into the padding, potentially increasing pressure in sensitive areas rather than distributing it across the sit bones. He explained that slight sit bone soreness after a ride is preferable – akin to the sensation you might get sitting on a park bench. Determined to test this saddle thoroughly, I embarked on a longer ride. Unfortunately, the initial relief didn’t last. While the sharp sit bone pain and soft tissue discomfort lessened, they were still present, and a new issue emerged: pinching in the gluteal fold. Another saddle, another setback.
To recap my saddle saga: none of the first three provided complete relief from sit bone or anterior pain, and one even introduced pinching! Returning to Véloro Bicycles, the next contender was the “Selle Italia SLR Lady flow.” This floor bike saddle was similar in shape to the Gel Flow but with less padding and a larger cutout. While I initially suspected the gluteal fold pinching was due to the saddle’s shape, Gebhard believed the softer padding was the culprit. Sinking into the cushion, as predicted, likely caused the pinching. If that was the case, a firmer cushion should help. Surprisingly, it did! While less immediately comfortable in the first few miles, the SLR Lady Flow became more comfortable as the rides lengthened. Although some sit bone discomfort remained, investing in cycling shorts with a thicker chamois significantly improved this.
Morgan's Bike Saddle Journey: From Discomfort to the Perfect Ride
Success!
Finding the right bike saddle is a process of discovery. There’s no universal solution, but you can find the perfect fit for you. Here’s my advice, distilled from my experience:
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Patience is Key: Resist the urge to rush the process. I allowed ample time to test each saddle on longer rides, carefully noting the specific issues. This detailed feedback was crucial in guiding the next saddle selection.
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Partner with a Knowledgeable Local Bike Shop: Having Gebhard’s expertise was invaluable. Even with my background as a pelvic floor physical therapist, I wouldn’t have predicted that a firmer saddle would ultimately be more comfortable. A good bike shop can offer insights into saddle options and how different features address specific discomforts. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – even those that seem basic, like the differences between men’s and women’s saddles. (Yes, there are differences, but the “right” saddle isn’t always gender-specific).
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Communicate Clearly About Discomfort: Pinpointing the location of your pain is essential. Bike shop staff and experienced cyclists are accustomed to saddle-related issues. If anatomical terms feel awkward (clitoris, perineum, ischial tuberosities, etc.), describe the pain as bony or soft tissue, and front or back. Clear communication will empower your advisor to make informed recommendations.
While the Selle Italia SLR Lady Flow worked for me, it might not be your ideal floor bike saddle. Conversely, saddles that didn’t suit me might be perfect for you. Your bike, riding style, pelvic anatomy, and even your cycling apparel all play a role in saddle selection. Happy riding, and I hope to see you on the road, comfortably seated!
Morgan's First Long Ride with Her Ideal Bike Saddle
Huge thanks to Gebhard Ebenhoech at Véloro Bicycles for his expert guidance. Visit Véloro Bicycles online, on Facebook, or Instagram. Locals can visit the shop at:
910 Main St,
Redwood City, CA 94063
I’d love to hear about your bike saddle experiences in the comments. Every cyclist’s journey is unique, and sharing our stories can help us all learn and ride more comfortably.
FAQ
What are pelvic floor muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles stretching from the coccyx to the pubic bone. Integral to your core, they support your body and organs, including the bowel, bladder, and uterus. These muscles are crucial for bladder and bowel control and play a role in sexual function. Technically known as the Levator Ani muscle group, they are innervated by the pudendal nerve and other nerve branches, possessing unique voluntary and autonomic control.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized physical therapy area requiring advanced training beyond standard curricula. The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center (PHRC) emphasizes extensive staff training to address this educational gap.
What happens at pelvic floor therapy?
A pelvic floor therapy evaluation includes a detailed history followed by an external and internal manual assessment of pelvic floor muscles. Strength, motor control, biomechanics, and neuromuscular control may also be examined. Findings are discussed, and a treatment plan is developed collaboratively, typically involving weekly sessions, home exercises, and coordination with other healthcare providers. Treatment duration varies, often ranging from 3 months to a year.
What is pudendal neuralgia and how is it treated?
Pudendal Neuralgia is nerve pain in the pudendal nerve’s distribution area. This nerve serves the genitals, perineum, anus, and parts of the urethra and rectum, also controlling pelvic floor muscles. Its complex path makes it susceptible to compression and injury, leading to pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy identifies and addresses mechanical impairments affecting the nerve, aiming to restore normal function. Treatment may include physical therapy, medication, nerve blocks, or Botox injections.
What is interstitial cystitis and how is it treated?
Interstitial Cystitis is characterized by urinary symptoms like urgency and frequency without infection. Research links it to pelvic floor dysfunction. The American Urologic Association recommends pelvic floor physical therapy as a primary treatment. Additional treatments may include medication or bladder instillations.
Who is the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Team?
Founded in 2006 by Elizabeth Akincilar and Stephanie Prendergast, PHRC specializes in pelvic floor disorders since 2001. They have become experts through medical mentorship, global course creation, and expansion to 11 US locations with a residency-style training program, ensuring highly qualified therapists.
How many years of experience do we have?
Stephanie and Liz offer 24 years of combined experience, mentoring each team member to expert level.
Why PHRC versus anyone else?
PHRC’s specialization in pelvic floor disorders, combined with proactive leadership, continuous learning, and medical expert connections, ensures efficient and effective patient care and pelvic health restoration.
Do we treat men for pelvic floor therapy?
PHRC has always treated all genders, training staff accordingly, unlike many practices focused solely on individuals with vulvas.
Do I need pelvic floor therapy forever?
Pelvic floor therapy is typically time-limited, based on individual goals, reassessed every 6-8 weeks. Most patients achieve goals within 3-6 months. Longer durations may be needed for complex cases or untreated conditions.
