Cycling should be an enjoyable activity, but discomfort, especially from your bike seat, can quickly ruin your ride. If you’re experiencing pain or numbness, especially in your sit bones, a wider seat for your bike might be the solution. Understanding your body and choosing the right saddle width is crucial for comfort and performance.
One key factor in saddle comfort is width. If your sit bones, the bones that bear your weight when you sit, are wider apart, a narrower saddle won’t provide adequate support. This can lead to pressure points and discomfort. While saddle width isn’t the only aspect of comfort – length, shape, padding, and bike fit all play a role – it’s a fundamental starting point.
To determine if you might benefit from a wider seat for your bike, you can measure your sit bone width at home. While professional bike shops often have specialized tools for this, a simple DIY method can give you a good estimate. Here’s how to measure your sit bone width at home:
- Find a compressible foam surface: You’ll need a piece of foam that will compress and retain an impression when you sit on it. A section of a sleeping pad or a stadium cushion works well.
- Prepare your seating surface: Place the foam on a low, stable box or chair. The height should be such that when you sit with your feet positioned as they would be at the top of your pedal stroke, your thighs are roughly parallel to the ground. Simulate a cycling posture by leaning forward slightly, as if you were riding.
- Sit and create an impression: Sit on the foam in your cycling posture for a few minutes. Ensure you are sitting firmly enough to leave a noticeable indentation in the foam.
- Locate your sit bone centers: Carefully stand up and examine the foam. You should see two distinct indentations where your sit bones pressed into the foam. To pinpoint the exact centers, you can use your fingertips to feel for the deepest point of each indentation, or gently place small ball bearings into the indentations – they will naturally roll to the lowest point.
- Measure the distance: Measure the distance between the centers of these two indentations. This measurement, in millimeters, represents your sit bone width.
Once you have your sit bone width measurement, you can use it as a guide to select the appropriate saddle width. Specialized, a popular bicycle component manufacturer, offers guidelines based on sit bone width and riding position. Here’s a simplified version of their recommendations:
- Sit bones between 70 & 100mm: For a neutral riding position, a 130mm saddle is generally recommended. If you prefer a more upright, comfort-oriented position, a 143mm Wider Seat For Bike might be more suitable.
- Sit bones between 100 & 130mm: A 143mm saddle is often a good starting point for a neutral position. For a very upright comfort position, consider an even wider seat for bike, such as a 155mm model.
- Sit bones between 130mm and 160mm: If you ride in a very aerodynamic racing or triathlon position, a 143mm saddle might still be appropriate. However, for most other riding positions, especially for enhanced comfort, a 155mm wider seat for bike is typically recommended.
It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines. Individual preferences and body types vary. Visiting a Specialized dealer or a reputable bike shop for a professional saddle fitting can provide more precise measurements and personalized recommendations. They can also offer a range of wider seat for bike options to try.
Choosing the right wider seat for your bike can significantly improve your cycling comfort and enjoyment. By understanding your sit bone width and considering your riding style, you can take a significant step towards a pain-free and more pleasurable riding experience.
