How to Choose the Correct Saddle Width

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How do you choose the correct width for you saddle? In this video expert bike fitter Neill Stanbury will share a method you can use from hime to select a seat width on a road bike that is right for you.
#saddle #width #cycling

[@vyas555]

Man, I love Neil. Could listen to him forever. This is a wise, knowledgeable, strong, kind and humours gentleman. Expert in what he does. Big role model. Thanks for this content Cam.

[@daryl4841]

A while back I found my ideal saddle that I couldn't be happier with. But I still clicked on this video and watched it just to hear Neill.

[@ShadowzKiller]

Great video. I think one point that should have been discussed is that front, middle, and wing widths are all important. Just because a saddle is 132mm wide at the wings, doesn't necessarily mean the middle is narrow. I personally struggled with finding the appropriate saddle because I did not realize how many cutout saddles are actually very wide in the middle. In other words, I also suggest examining how the saddle shape tapers from the tip to the wings. For me, if the middle is too wide, I end up moving towards the nose of the saddle which affects saddle height and pelvic stability.

[@lukewalker1051]

Will share my opinion as a guy who is much older and been at this for decades. Neill Stanbury is the smartest bike fitter on the web. All said, there are a plethora of contributors to choosing seat width. Yes, you can parameterize as Neill does so well. But there is more to it. Shape of the saddle, side to side and front and back is huge. Basically it is two topographical surfaces intersecting, seat and pelvis anatomy. Rider weight matters as well in terms of saddle deformation. For wide sit bone riders watching this. I am a fit older, just over 6 foot tall wide hipped rider. So finding the right saddle for me has always been a challenge. I don't ride real slammed...with pronounced forward pelvis tilt, but I ride in the drops a lot. I always feel like my sit bones are over the edge of the saddle in back. Recently I tried the Specialized Phenom Mimic in 168mm and it supports me. It is a woman's specific saddle or marketed this way. Women on average genetically have a 1cm wider sit bone spacing compared to men...10mm due to evolution and child birth. I have ridden the Specialized Toupe 155 for years which is just a hint too narrow. There is no teacher like trial and error. I find the sit bone measuring method that Neill demonstrated to be a bit simplistic in the real world. If you noticed Neill sat on the stairs with foil under him with this torso close to upright. That isn't the posture of riding a road bike which is closer to 45 degrees on the hoods. Rolling the pelvis forward narrows the pelvis touch down. Most people know if they are wide hipped or narrow hipped. Trial and error. Thanks Neill as always for your wonderful insight. You are a very smart guy in a world filled with too many who aren't. Pelvis shape is a complex surface and angle of pelvis as explained is a contributing factor as well. Where two worlds collide, pelvis meet saddle shape.

[@chinaskibukowski7747]

These videos are invaluable for any cyclist interested in getting a correct fit that cannot afford an actual professional fitting. Excellent information and thanks very much for taking the time to makes these fitment videos!

[@chinaskibukowski7747]

@@hansanders4983 His poetry is also surprisingly good. Particularly in the documentary "Born into This" where you can see him read it in all his drunken and gnarled glory.

[@10ktube]

I used silly puddy/play doh in a zip lock bag to check my sit bones. Sit the same way in the video, 2nd step up, lift your heels up and the cool part is the clay holds your indentations. Easy to measure. Pack it super hard before you sit.

[@monochromebluess]

Another great instructional video. Please keep these coming. I used your method of the tin foil to check my width and got a measurement that was almost spot on to the Specialized instore seat measurement they use when I last bought my Ronin saddle. Oh I like that bike model in the background on the wooden stand. Good choice.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Nice one Alan, thanks for sharing on the thread

[@samuel8590]

Getting the right saddle is tricky. I struggled with it for over a year and a half. Had a bike fit by a good fitter and I know my saddle height is dialed in. 100% sure of that. Changed out the saddle that I was originally on when I got fitted. I got measured up as a 145 saddle on Spesh assometer and Bontrager saddles. That was still too narrow. My experience was that my left side was coming forward and causing saddle sores on the left side. I just recently purchased a Bontrager 155 Aeolus and Bingo! My pelvis is now stable and I have over 400 miles on it and no saddles sores or chaffing of any kind. Purchase saddles that give you a 30 day trial. Sometimes you have to try all the sizes they have available to find what is best for you. Even if the assometer says you're a 145 like in my situation. Like Neill says, your forward leaning position will also factor in what size you will require.

[@samuraioodon]

hi, how long after you got the 155 bontrager did you conclude it was perfect? did you ride a few hours at a time or initial 'feeling'? i'm having issues finding mine, skin is getting sensitive. wondering if thats due to too narrow or wide the saddle is, as i do lean forward in saddle as well. i'm 11cm sitbones too.

[@samuel8590]

@@samuraioodon I was comfortable on the 155 for a while. Then it got uncomfortable. Now I have gone to a Bontrager Versus saddle in 145. I find this one to work very well due it's flatter less curvy shape. I like the Bontrager saddles because the rails are very long. Lots of adjustability. Hope this helps.

[@mo3skii]

Thanks a million. Was going to start looking for yet another seat to try as I kept having pain in the sit bone area. But this video helped me confirm the seat I have is the right width. Found your other video for adjusting the seat. And finally found comfort with adjusting my seat forward and minor adjustment to the angle.

[@edwardnedharvey8019]

Went into a bike shop today for a fitting. Sat on the "assometer," measured 120mm, just as Neill said is a common size in this video. But then what? Do you choose a saddle that's 120mm wide? Or 140mm, or what? Are your sitting bones supposed to be on the flat part of the seat? Feel like they're on the sides of the seat, or actually not on the seat? (Supporting your weight with the squishy part in between?) What if I ride my bike and I constantly feel like the seat is cutting circulation to the legs? Obvi, something is wrong, but I don't know if I need something wider, or narrower, or what. Unfortunately, the bike shop today had none of these answers, and neither did this video.....

[@unsaved_]

Great video, as all of these are. Very thankful for that. One other thing that I've learned while dealing with the whole saddle width thing is that not all saddles with a specific width number to them are necessarily the same thing. I've had some in hand that roll off quite quickly to the sides and are therefore a much more narrow fit than you'd expect by the number. Others tho, like the SQ Labs one mentioned, have a quit flat back and are therefore effectively the same width as they are labeled.

[@avocette]

Another thing I noticed as I set my riding buddies' bikes is that the saddle shape, when it comes to the transition from the wings to the nose, also matters depending on one's body. Most skinny friends I have with large thigh gaps found themselves comfortable with all-around wide saddles with mellow transition from wings to nose like a Specialized Power or a Pro Stealth. Meanwhile, other friends I have that tend to be on the meatier side and have narrow thigh gaps settled on saddles with a large scoop from the wings to the nose, like a Romin or Turnix.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Thanks for sharing on the thread.

[@samuraioodon]

hello, your skinnier friends ride more forward/ tilt pelvis? the power and stealth nose are very different in widths right? wonder if one caused more pressure than other.

[@raphindahouse]

I bought the sqlab 612 last year, after your recommendation. My measured width of sit bones is 13 cm and I bought the size 15 saddle. Should have gone with the size 14, because I roll the pelvis quite forwards, to get my lower back straight. Since I bought the saddle, a new version came out. I will buy this new saddle in size 14 and will use the current one on my upcoming MTB.

[@JamieTec]

Yes! Someone else with super narrow sit bones. I also have about 90mm and nothing ever seems to fit great. Currently using a 132mm PRO Turnix pro saddle and I still feel it could be thinner.

[@eddiesmith9836]

if you just happen to have an X-ray or MRI of your pelvic area your DOC can tell you exactly the distance between sit bones, that's how I know i am 92mm and I am 6' 2" 225 lbs.

[@Chris-derf5]

just found this, the aluminum foil works great, I finally have a better understanding of my best saddle width (and why) !

[@stephentait8734]

interesting about the pressure on the front, think i need to remeasure my sitbone. thanks :-)

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

I have used the cardboard and aluminum foil measurement technique. The measurement from what is the center of the sit bone dents is 104mm. Question what width saddle should I be shopping for? This is for my flat bar gravel bike that is for longer rides mostly on pavement. Is a 150mm saddle too wide, seems many of the saddles I’m checking out are in the 150 to 160 range. I image I’m not a special situation and more the average sort of rider. Thanks!

[@milanb.6022]

Another 90mm sit bone rider here who was just looking at SMP Blaster today! Do you think it would help me sit more upright? I usually have to push saddles all the way back and roll my pelvis quite forward to be comfortable, which then impinges my hips. Thank you Neill for sharing all of this great info!

[@peacedudes12]

Great video! Please add this to your Bike Fitting videos playlist.

[@tezzanewton]

What do we do with the measurements once we have them?

[@Ob1sdarkside]

Excellent vid, thanks!

[@robn984]

Love your videos! I bought the SQLabs 612 active in 15cm and tried but was a total taint smasher. I’m having decent luck with ISM PR1.0 on my TREK Emonda. I just wish I could go to Neil to have him work on my fit. I really want to live cycling but just cannot get comfortable for extended periods of riding.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Interesting to hear, thanks for sharing on the thread Rob. Cam

[@shaun_evox]

my seatbones measured 130mm, this was measured in a 45 degree seating position. Therefore i opted to change from a 155mm saddle to a 130mm saddle and i could immediately feel my pedalling dynamic change for the better. My pedalling became smoother, power delivery was easier, no more rubbing against my thighs, just an overall win for myself 🫶🏻

[@grantdoyle1259]

Had a 155 power arc saddle and one leg was all over the place. I think my hip was rotating and completely throwing it off axis. Went to a 143 saddle and the straightness and fit has been much better.

[@genciestebanez1314]

I wish this video had seen the light a few months ago. I am one of those who has suffered some discomfort in the front end due to a narrow saddle. Until I analyzed how my support was in the saddle and decided to try a wider one (as Neil has suggested). Night and day.

[@liamgaul]

foil is genius! I've been trying to do it on yoga mats and with my fingers under my butt trying to feel the sit bones, lift my butt and get my partner to measure hahaha

[@robertcatuara5118]

Best thing I ever did was get fitted for a saddle! No more pain!

[@BoomsRiddico4868]

I am sure that lady loved when you said she was unbelievably wide 😄

[@petertapaj4859]

Hi, thank you for your excellent work you do with these videos. They are really helpful to make our rides more fun, less pain :) I would like to ask what would you suggest if measured width of sit bones is 12.3cm, 14cm or 15cm saddle, for example of that mentioned SQlab one.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Hi Peter, if you rotate your pelvis forwards particularly well, a 13cm might be the go, otherwise most likely a 14cm in the SQ labs variety! - neill

[@genciestebanez1314]

My seat bones are the same width, and Sqlab recommended me a 14 cms saddle, or even a 15 cms. I tried both, and definetly 15 cms was the right one.

[@petertapaj4859]

@@genciestebanez1314 are you riding MTB or road/gravel? What saddle you bought, 611 or 612?

[@genciestebanez1314]

@@petertapaj4859 both, but more mtb than gravel. I bought the 611. It feels firm in the beginning, but so far so good. Quite happy with it. I could never have imagined that I'd ride a 15 cms saddle. A new and better feeling.

[@samuraioodon]

@@genciestebanez1314 i have a 611 on my road/gravel bike. i ride with tilted forward position, i have 11cm sitbones, i think i should have got the 12cm instead of the 13cm because i thought i rode in a 'moderate' position according to their chart. :(

[@mehmd1913]

Check out BiSaddle. I have tried at least 10 different saddles in the last 5 years, including an ISM saddle. The BiSaddle SRT, short nose, is fantastic. As close to a custom saddle as you can get. The difference? Ability to adjust the width of the nose and the rear. Pressure relief and support is fantastic. My Pro fitter just started using them. You have the ability to adjust the saddle in disproportionate ways to accommodate for non symmetrical pubic features. I have significant prostate issues that I am convinced we’re caused by a bad set of saddles. With this saddle, it has been alleviated. You will change your mind about SQ labs saddles once you try this saddle out.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Interesting to hear, thanks for sharing on the thread. Cam

[@mickonYT]

So if you measure 150mm, you get a 150mm or add 10-20mm on to get the final number?

[@leonbarnes6428]

Great tips yet again Neill, thanks for sharing Cam 👍. Non-cycling but what watch is Neill wearing? Looks lovely.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Not sure mate. Sorry. Cam

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Surprising how many people ask this - it's an old Tissot PRC200!

[@charleypower6330]

Is this a big difference between small and medium sizing

[@hannahjm93]

I'm 13cm sit bone width female. I just bought my first spin bike and the seat it came with is absolutely huge! I've read some articles saying the more leant over the narrower the seat (+0cm to sit bone if very bent over), the more upright the wider the seat (+4cm completely upright). I'm not sure between a 14 or 15cm saddle? Is it better to err on the narrow side or the wide?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Hey Hannah, that's a Q for Neill. Unfortunately he doesn't get here often. Cheers, Cam

[@Harrisc1997]

@@roadcyclingacademy Also have this question. Have 11.3cm sit bone width. Stuck between choosing SMP f20csi and f30csi. f20 is made for 9-12cm. I sit fairly upright. Better to size up or down?

[@childofeternity]

This advice tallies with the diagrams SQ Labs have for choosing sizes.

[@Intentsrig]

Man I’ve been dealing with something I thought was periformis pain but now idk. Seems to start under my left butt cheek and then spread to my hip mostly on the outside/ rear. Right in the socket. Think I can feel the edge of the saddle ,130mm, rub along something (tendon, nerve, muscle) with each pedal stroke. 15 miles in and the pain is constant. Never really sharp. Can’t figure it out so thinking about a wider saddle. Current saddle 130mm and very sloped down on the edges. Only one side mainly.

[@danielfenner3659]

I had the frontal pressure Neil spoke of trying to ride the saddles that came on the bikes I purchased and then I finally got fitted and love the power saddle in a 155mm but I would also mention that I have had 2 of them and just because you get the same width they do not ride the same but I am a bigger guy so I get a bit more pressure then most. I am also very curious about the review on that Seka bike as I have been interested in building one but wanted to see your review first.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

SEKA long term review is still a while off. Mid year I'd say. Cheers, Cam

[@I3ene1]

Which Selle SMP saddles models can you recommend generally? Tried the SQ Lab 612 and am 7/10 happy with it but i want to give SMP saddles a chance (for gravel/bikepacking, bike is fairly aggro with 1.37 stack to reach ratio) Thanks anyway for these great videos :)

[@doubledark2]

did you find a comfortable Selle? I too have SQ Lab 612 andI still get sore after an hour

[@I3ene1]

@@doubledark2 i tried a lot but couldnt get them set up properly and I don't have a bikefitter near that works with selle. Im now on a properly fitted sq lab 614 and would say its an 8,5/10 now.

[@doubledark2]

@@I3ene1 thanks for your reply

[@dylanmorrison951]

Do you buy a seat that matches ur width exactly or do you donwhat other videos say and at like 20mm to your width?

[@childofeternity]

For SQ Labs (they have diagram(s)) it depends what type of rider you are-if you're a roadie who rides in an aggressive forward position, then don't add anything. At the other end of the scale-if you're sitting straight up, then add about 30-40mm. 20-30mm they have for those inbetween.

[@darinsteele7091]

so endurance style riding you should likely purchase a slightly wider saddle for more upright position?

[@TyVan11]

Likely, yep! Most shops and stores offer returns if you ride it briefly for a test. You’ll know pretty quickly.

[@darinsteele7091]

@@TyVan11 i've ridden my new one for 15 days and want to take it back, it's too hard for my sit bones as it's a racing saddle :(

[@roadcyclingacademy]

It depends how you roll your hips naturally though. Cam

[@darinsteele7091]

@@roadcyclingacademy I got a new saddle and like it much better, my sit bone measurement is 110mm and he recommended a 140/145mm saddle.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Great 👍 thanks.

[@kimmylin5655]

I had a bike fit and was told to use a wide seat because i was sitting of the sides. However, with the new saddle I constantly have pressure on what i believe is the inferior ischial ramus. Any suggestions?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Hi Kim - it sounds as if the general shape (wing curvature, curvature as viewed from the sides) is wrong somewhere - I would be tempted to try a few very different shaped saddles to get an idea of what type of shape might suit you better - Neill

[@cyclonutterd7075]

I have a 155 power saddle, what would that translate to in a SQ Labs saddle please. Specialised measured me and recommended the 155.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

A 14, or 15cm most likely - Neill

[@cyclonutterd7075]

@@roadcyclingacademy thanks mate, I might try the tin foil as well just to see how that looks, noting that the 155 is the total width of the saddle not anywhere near my sit bones.

[@Jari1973]

Great tip, thanks! My only problem is .. where to find an aluminum foil wide enough 😂

[@roadcyclingacademy]

haha

[@woodskid4ever]

Question for Neil: When I performed the alfoil test I measured 100mm, but my R ischial tuberosity sits about 8mm anteriorly to L. What could the reason be? Thanks for your honest and awesome guidance! Love RCA! Mark in Oregon.

[@kidsafe]

The SMP Blaster works for me with 117mm sitbones, but I do roll my pelvis forward a lot...like the guy who has that ultra-long reach custom Prova.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Another good one to try is the Nymber if you really wanna throw another $390 at it! - Neill

[@syefitefi]

Hello, i have same sitbones width like you, have you ever tried another saddles than Blaster? Do your ride mostly on drops/hoods? Interested in SMP but on specs looks narrower than their recommendation, thanks

[@Gufolicious]

If neal ever is in europe im on the next flight to whatever city he is in :D for a fit

[@JulianAndresKlode]

I'm at 'saddle actually wearing down my shorts by rubbing them'. But part of that is just bad design in the Selle Italia Model X, as it's flat sharp where the thighs rub against it (it's a flat part of plastic at the front some TPU gel pad on top, so the plastic kind of scrapes down your shorts like a knife). It doesn't hurt though, nor can I feel it rubbing so um things are weird

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Interesting to hear Julian. Thanks for sharing on the thread.

[@reflectionsdetail]

I've had my seat measured, my sit bones measured and have had a pressure mapping done. And I still can't seem to find a saddle that is comfy. Nothing goes numb, or is painful, its just uncomfy for more than 20min periods before I have to stand and then repeat. Back in the day I could get a Rolls Selle saddle and it never had this problem

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Interesting to hear, thanks for sharing on the thread. Cam

[@grannybluehouse]

0 seconds ago Great video. Do you have favorite saddles brands to consider for those with especially wide sit bones (like 150 mm, yes really). SQ lab says to add 2 cm for the geometry but only goes up to 16cm for most road style saddles. Specialized has 168 mm for a few styles and they are "ok". Most other brands seem to cap "wide" saddles around 160 mm.....

[@user-kx1lz8xz1m]

Bradley Wiggins?

[@bobikbobikowy5458]

Width is one thing but what about shape. Why some saddles seem to be complettly flat on top and some are super round. It makes huge difference if i buy flat or round 140mm saddle. I feel better on round ones but i read that they can cause prostate cancer...

[@simondelagenato]

Which saddle between Nymber and Blaster when the ischion are 114/116mm approximately ?

[@finproductions]

@Simon Genais Did you get an answer to this?

[@marekkozub8957]

I have been suffering saddle discomfort for years. 2 years ago I bought SQlab saddle and discomfort disappeared. I'm using 13 cm saddle, but maybe I should have gone for 12 cm, but I'm not entirely sure.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Interesting to hear Marek, thanks for sharing on the thread.

[@amadonbeanz9631]

Legitimate question why not use just a small square seat to avoid these problems entirely?

[@jimjr4432]

So I'm confused. You say what the sit bone distance ranges are, mine I think is 110 mm. So what is a width of a saddle at which I should be looking? Sit bone distance plus ______ ? I know there are small, medium and large for specialized, but others have s/m or m/l, but no range of width in millimeters. Any suggestions?

[@LVQ-so5th]

I'm surprised he didn't mention that you need to add cm to your sitbone measurement (because he does mention it in another video). The amount you add depends on how you like to ride (drops, hoods, upper bar). Add more for more upright positions. I ride on the hoods and added 15mm to each side of the sitbone distance.

[@jimjr4432]

@@LVQ-so5th Thanks so much for that reply! I will ponder it at length. Ride safely! Jim

[@ThePremium555]

2cm add max for road bike

[@canelami1285]

Has anyone had a personalized saddle made by Meld?? Meld custom makes a saddle for you but they don't guarantee you'll like it so I'm wondering if anyone has tried it?

[@Nerzyster]

Neill, another guy with very narrow seat bones here, 91 mm :D :D

[@roadcyclingacademy]

I'd be stuffed if I ever had to have kids, no way a head is going to fit through that gap. - Neill

[@pawekosiewicz5929]

Me too, what saddle do you have?

[@littleshadyify]

Only problem is that is not the way you're gonna position yourself on a road bike. Especially on an aerobic

[@lancescarborough1]

I am 6'1" with 90mm

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Interesting to hear, thanks for sharing on the thread. Cam

[@31.8mm]

Mine is abt 9-10cm apart

[@31.8mm]

And i guess maybe that's one of the reasons why i prefer a setback seatpost because usually i ride on 140s saddles, want to buy narrower seat but quite rare for the budget option.

[@jwongboutique]

Women with wider hips

[@vk2him]

Arse-ometer 🤣

[@johnnydarko8031]

first.

[@kulwantsingh8611]

Hi my seat bone is 120 mm can you suggest me size i am using power arc 143 mm but since then any long ride i get swelling on the seat bone area for 3 to 4 days tried different bibs but problem is persistent and recently I got hip pain and scitica issue while doing indoor plz suggest sutable size .one more thing i get lot of discomfort on groin are .i was more comfortable on 145 velo saddle with good cushion plz guide

[@MarcRajotte-hv8hw]

PLEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE kindly lose the attitude and just provide the facts.