Saddles

Saddle comfort is equal to the distribution of pressure between your pelvis and saddle and personal preference.

“Ass-O-Meter” and Pressure Mapping technologies are great, but it’s hard (and unwise) to argue with proprioception.  If it feels “good” and maps “bad”, selection should match the client’s perception.

The pubis, inferior pubic rami, and ischial tuberosities support your pelvis on the saddle — not just the sits bones.

Women and Men are different, anatomically (thank God).  Pelvic differences need to be accounted for, but saying, “women’s hips are bigger” is grossly inaccurate.  What portion are we talking about?  And does that 5’2″ petite female need the same saddles as a 6’2″ footbal player?

How to find the ideal seat?

The best time to buy your saddle is during a rain or snowstorm, when customer traffic is slow at your local bike shop.  Bring in your bike and some doughnuts or beer, and ask a salesperson if you can use a trainer to try different saddles or sign up for a saddle fitting service if offered.

Tips:

More surface area tends to reduce pain in the nose, but an extremely wide-tail saddle interferes with pelvic angle and leg function.

Women:  be cautious of “cut-out” design saddles when making your selection.  Many are good, but some have an extremely hard nose, poor/thin support between nose and rear-saddle and extremely steep tapers that force the pubis into the hard nose/pinching support areas.

Ass-O-Meters are not very reliable when choosing a saddle width.  Be sure to try a size more and less wide to ensure the accuracy of your reading.   It is also possible that you may need something entirely different, so be sure to check density and over-all shape.

TT and Tri saddles are subject to user preference.

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