How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle | BikeRadar's Ultimate Guide for Road, Gravel & MTB Seats

[@bikeradar]

Have you got any saddle buying tips of your own? Let us know in the comments, in the meantime here's to more comfortable cycling! 🚴‍♀️

[@mrtnknrr]

I wish bike companies would start realising that taller people often have wider sit bones, so that people with taller frame sizes generally don't fit on the standard 135mm wide saddles their bikes come with. I used to work at a bike shop where I always measured the the bone width of people buying bikes and I ended up having having swap pretty much all saddles to wider ones for guys above 185cm. I can't understand how with all the developments in bikes, they can't seem to get such a basic thing right (ideally I would even say bikes should come without saddles, the same way they come without pedals: they are way too personal to just offer a random one). But bigger frame sizes should always be equipped with wider saddles.

[@mrtnknrr]

Also I really don't believe in men's / women's specific saddles: in nearly all saddle designs there has not been done any medical research when developing the saddle and it's all just marketing talk. The proof for me is that the only saddle brand actually developed in collaboration with doctors and medical testing - SQ Lab - are saying their test results showed that except for the sit bone width (which is generally wider on women, but also depends on length and other personal factors) there is no difference in what is a properly supporting saddle between both genders. I trust them because I've tried over 20 different saddles on my bike, but the only ones that I can actually perfectly ride on are the ones from SQ Lab.

[@shaun1900]

I thought this was the start to an art class by what you were wearing.

[@bikeradar]

Saddle fitting is an art 💋

[@NCrdwlf]

Twenty years later nothing beats the Selle Italia Flite. It’s been on every bike I’ve had, road, mountain or cross .

[@thecappy]

Have one in the mail. The boost gravel version. We'll see how it compares to the normal flite

[@ScutuRC]

Of course, because is the one that fits you the most! But as you can guess, may not apply to everyone...

[@BornInArona]

How long do you ride?

[@sumatralex250]

This sounds pretty interesting as I had never seen any of such approaches before; mitigating physical burden by an efficient way of transmitting foot force to wheels.

[@Saf1ouane]

probably the best video on this topic on the enternet, very well put out.

[@ah4598]

Fizik, Bontrager, WTB, Ergon, all different styles and all gave me numb crotch and just bad tissue pain after 30min of uphill. I tried an SQLab saddle and it worked wonders, I was able to do a 60min climb with no sign of discomfort.

[@mrtnknrr]

Same here. Tried 20+ different saddles and SQ Lab is the only one that worked perfectly for me, even on days that I dont wear bibs I can ride them for several hours without any discomfort, numbness etc.

[@dryburn]

Prologo Dimension saddle is the best I’ve owned and used.

[@derekhobbs1102]

I recently had to replace my gel saddle as it exploded, fitted a saddle I had on shelf that I tried years ago, but made me numb. That same saddle now is better than the one I used for last five plus years.

[@mrtnknrr]

Numbness is a sign that you are on the wrong saddle: it means your weight is not properly on your sit bones, but your saddle is pushing in between your sit bones, making it hard for your blood to flow through this fragile part of your body. On long term this can even cause damage to the area of your gentleman. Being better than another saddle doesn't mean you are riding the correct one. I recommend starting by measuring your sit bone width, so you can calculate what saddle width you need need proper support. For me personally, I have tried over 20 different saddles on my road bike and the only one that really works properly for me are the ones from SQ Lab, which are designed in collaboration with doctors and being properly medically tested in collaboration with a hospital. On my SQ Lab 611 and 612 I can literally ride for 3 hours without bibs, without having any form of discomfort. And longer if I wear bibs.

[@derekhobbs1102]

@@mrtnknrr I have no problems with the saddle now, and riding more than I used to. I just must've set things wrong last time.

[@believe8263]

It would be nice to be able to try a huge range of saddles for 15 minutes at a time to see what you liked best. Unfortunately there isn't that option for riders that I know of.

[@Fixin-To]

#bikefitjames

[@RandomloserDK]

5:14 A fancy word for plastic reinforced with fibers(Like fibers glass).

[@gabriel.trainer]

2:27 I love Prologo saddles. Thank you guys.

[@lukasbormann4830]

Ergon saddle finder and youve got a super comfortable saddle that fits you and your bike

[@xelseartheonlyone1267]

I have my eyes on a Scratch M5 but is very difficult, to understand their sizing. They should add a saddle finder or something on their site, to help you choose easier.

[@Andy_ATB]

Have to say, seeing as a saddle is a personal choice, surely when buying a bike, you get to pick the right one, not what comes with the bike? As for Prologo, I bought a Kappa Evo 2 about 3 years ago, used it for 3 rides and didn't like it, took it off to sell. However, I gave it another go about 6-9 months later, and it was fine....I've since bought another for another bike.

[@skink2020]

Outstanding as always. Thank you.

[@abedfo88]

Always been a big prologo fan

[@williamj3459]

Well done. Thank you!

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for watching!

[@bartjepipi]

looking extremely british in this one jack

[@rick11699]

A few years ago I had a biking accident (with another cyclist) and then a car accident where my car was totalled, all on the same day. Since then I've had a bout with lower back pain where, through an MRI, found out that I had a misaligned vertebral disc. This condition, I believe, has caused quite a bit of discomfort with my perneal nerve. I also have started having tingling in my feet. Because of these issues I've not been on the bike in a while. However, I really want to get back on it and ride like I used to (40-75 miles a week on a single day). I am just nervous about not finding the "right" saddle for my condition. I failed to mention that while I'm riding it feels like the left side of my butt takes more of the pressure than the right side which causes discomfort and numbness. I have never been to a cycling shop that has implemented the techniques that I've seen in your video. What should I expect in my fit when hunting for a new saddle? Sorry that this was so long but I just wanted to get your feedback. By the way, I know that you're not a medical professional to answer the other issues that I'm experiencing and I'm not expecting any medical advice. Just wanted some input. Thanks everyone!

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Hope you feel better 🙂

[@lienbijs1205]

My bike is stolen with my 22 years old Brooks saddle on it. Now I have another bike with another leather saddle. It is so sad that it exactly happened now in summer because my 13 yrs old daughter loves long rides with me. Yesterday we biked 40 km together, I had such a pain, I hope it is getting better. That I gained weight during the years and got older is also not helping I guess.

[@tvKACAQ]

Nice info!

[@bike_garage_tube]

Yeah nice. Maybe its good to have a video like biomechanic position on saddle

[@josedavalos1223]

Hi, I have a question. Why enduro and downhill bikes use long nose saddle?. I heard that people say some UCI rules, But I was thinking to to use short nose saddle for downhill and enduro as the swork power saddle or the bisaddle, that is 23 cm or 9 inches length. I think that, because the weight saddle, free space for pedaling. Thankyou.

[@NeuralEngin33r]

skillfully written ;)

[@mib7483]

I have had two bike fits and saddle fits. I have tried lots of saddles and spent lots of money and have yet to find a comfortable saddle. My sit bones hurt after about 25 miles. I ride more upright as I like endurance and climbing on my road bike. After my last fit the fitter said that I should get used to discomfort.

[@Lemond75]

In all honesty I’d suggest either A) going back to your fitter and ask for further help (free of charge) or B) find a better bike fitter, and one who doesn’t tout their use of a particular system or technology such as Retul, and one who demonstrates significant commitment to customer satisfaction and getting clients comfortable. If your pain is on both sitbones then it could be that the saddle is too narrow, or perhaps even too wide, so see if you can try a few different shapes and widths to see if you prefer a particular style of saddle. If your pain is one sided, then consider dropping your seat height by 10mm to see if that improves matters. Seat asymmetry can be due to clear location, lack of arch support, and often excessive seat height. In the meantime, best advice would be to watch Cam Nicholl’s channel, and the videos he has featuring Neill Stanbury. Neill has got to be one of the best bike fitters in the world, and there’s loads of free insightful info in those videos. Good luck.

[@wroobelg]

Lookup Bikefitjames or any other fitter from IBFI

[@mib7483]

@@Lemond75 Thanks

[@mib7483]

@@wroobelg I found an IBFI level 4 fitter, thanks.

[@backpacker778]

WTB are no 1. Better then Specialized and better then Bontrager and better then Selle Italia .. Durability and Comfort of the WTB saddles are a proven formula . You can not go wrong with buying WTB saddles. Most likly once you buy a WTB saddles you will stay with WTB for ever. Simply the BEST.

[@Mike22313]

most of saddle problem have nothing to do with saddle itself, it's more about your fit. Most of people can get used to any universal saddle.

[@steveb8269]

You know, I think its a bit of both, I enjoy long distance treks on my XC hardtail MTB and had to both adjust my fit by shortening the stem length and buying a saddle that stopped the dead slug feeling

[@mrtnknrr]

I used to work in a bike shop for years and I always measured the sit bone width of the people buying a new bike. I can tell you that both women and men with a height of 185cm or more can pretty much never get away with a standard 135mm wide saddle. Lack of knowledge makes many people accept the discomfort and numbness because they think it's normal and that everyone has it, but it can cause damage on long term to your genital area, so I really recommend to search for a proper fit and not just accept that your fit isn't perfect. In my opinion saddles should not come standard on bikes as they are way too personal. Or at least bike companies should realise they really need to fit wider saddles on bigger frame sizes. There is no one with a size 60cm / XL who will fit on the standard 135mm saddle they offer the bike width. The problem actually already stars with people around frame size 56cm or 58cm for road bikes.

[@mrtnknrr]

I do agree that a proper fit on your bike is crucial. But I also do believe that a proper fit between the rider and the saddle is also crucial, after the bike has been set up correctly for the rider.

[@steveb8269]

@@mrtnknrr good to read your opinion, I completely agree, so much more enjoyment to be had with a correct fit and saddle, wish more bike shops offered the service

[@billsomerset238]

This the first saddle video that I've heard , shouldn't feel pain at the top of your legs while peddling.,. Thats my problem. How do you think I can cure this. I've tried many saddles.

[@emmawang431]

Just went through this. The sides are too flat. You need a rounded flare. Look at the saddle from the back. I had a flat one that rubbed sores in my legs. Ouch.

[@haydenbeaverstock1627]

I feel like this video would have been extremely hard to script due to the nature the Male/Female discussion on saddles as well as the fact that you wouldn't be able to say things like 'Buy a new saddle if your old chap goes numb' - So well done on that

[@juliocarino9171]

Are the pedals clip in?

[@garypostell5268]

Saddle for large riders?

[@igethanxcmtb9437]

How do I find out what my suit bone width is?

[@reneh.6551]

Now it's time for the padded liners / chamois video...

[@fazza2104]

No

[@truthseeker8483]

@@fazza2104 haha!

[@Hintonbro.]

Test saddles? What manufacturer offers that anymore? My local bike shops aren’t going to take stock off the floor to create a bunch of test saddles

[@Fixin-To]

#bikefitjames

[@razorree]

poor woman at 03:40, who set that saddle's height??? :O

[@Lughnerson]

A well-worn all-leather Brooks saddle always has a downward curve. Yet, none of the saddles show did. The padding would account for some flex, but I think the hard shells should perhaps have some bow.

[@sabamacx]

Selle SMP!

[@justinmoss]

You compeletely glossed over the measurement of the bone spacing without any explanation of the dimensions :(

[@LeesChannel]

The only comfortable saddles I have ridden have been made of leather. Those would be the Selle Anitomica and Brooks saddles. Every other saddle is an uncomfortable saddle, to various degrees. I had one saddle, a Selle Italia, that should be sued for anal assault. That thing was a torture instrument. I had my wife try it and she screamed. I still get flashbacks and cold sweats over the heinous crimes it committed upon my undercarriage.

[@calebjosiahgarcia4130]

Hi harry potter

[@sampsalol]

My ass hurts every time I even think about riding my MTB or road bike. They both reck my ass so bad. Best saddle ever was on a cheapish Cannondale hybrid bike.

[@yoimaren]

This guy looks like the leadsinger of a rock band

[@SubversionGarage]

Harry Potter joined BikeRadar?

[@danm9297]

Who's gonna try a saddle for an hour before they buy it, jeez. Do they really let you do that???

[@minigirl]

screw this, I've got a road bike but I will purchase a fat big soft bum of a saddle.

[@mohamadjamil3164]

The info presented in this video is not conclusive.... the same guy was recommending pro stealth a couple of month back with no reasoning or convincing argument. Pro logo provides more info on their website. This being said, they do not reply to inquiries and rely on local dealers that do not even measure you or take the time time to sell you a good fit. Pro logo, if you are reading this, I urge you to find another dealer in dubai (wolfies bike shop) or open ur own flagship here. There are lots of cyclists in need for ur product and good advise.

[@carlsimmons305]

@wbs

[@standardtuning4guitars423]

I cant think of anyone who would enjoy listening to this voice over guy for more than 10 seconds. Yes a saddle is important but its not necessary to have this over the top presentation style like its the most important decision in your life. Yes women and men are different but you dont have to take up half the video emphasising that. Men know they have balls and women know they dont. Some people dont have the money or the opportunity to try out different saddles and some people dont care about saddles. The presenter comes across like he would like everyone to listen to him for hours. Maybe we could be all braindead, not think for ourselves and he could do all our thinking for us. The pubic bone explanation was good and showing the saddle close up is nice the rest of this video is unnecessary filler. Cyclists pay good money for their bikes and saddles so its up to the makers of the bikes/saddles to respect the customer and provide the best product not the other way round. Its up to the store also to provide the best advice and product for the customer. It shouldnt be the customer straining him/herself.