Sores Ass? How to Choose the Right Saddle for Cycling

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Just finished a professional bike fitting. We worked through several saddles trying to get the right fit, AFTER, adjusting everything. Saddle position and height, pedal spacing, different stem and bars. Then we fine tuned the saddle. What I now have, fits beautifully. And when I dropped into proper position, it’s a pain free ride. No issues with knees, hands, seat or back. Biking is a joy again.

[@richeeg3271]

Which saddle did you end up on?

[@jamesmchugo9422]

⁠@@richeeg3271oh man… that was a couple years ago. It was a Specialized saddle, with a split vented design with a cut out. It had thin to moderate padding. A road racing design, if any of that helps. But it was all short lived. Long story short, age, past injuries and weight has put my off bicycles, no matter what I did, bicycling became to painful. I even tried different styles of bikes, no joy, in about 5 miles my hands would start to go numb, then I’d start riding out of position and my feet and back would start going numb and I’d experience pain. I now ride pain free on a Catrike Dumont, a tadpole type trike. My sore butt, shoulder and back issues as well as the numb hands and feet are just plan gone. Full disclosure, I’m in my 60s, have had carpal tunnel surgery, have a bum knee and need to lose some weight. Switching to the Catrike has been a game changer for me. I may switch back to bicycles as get back into shape, but for now at least, the recumbent trike has been a game changer.

[@john-okc450]

After seeing one of your previous videos I bought the SQ Labs 612 active and it was a game changer. 4 hrs rides with ZERO discomfort. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Nice one John, thanks for sharing on the thread. Cam

[@s.j.5850]

Very interesting theories about choosing the proper saddle. The fact that you stated the width is not always an indication of how comfortable the saddle will be is quite an admission. You allow for the variations in body type without sticking to hard & fast rules. I admire your flexibility in thinking, it shows how open minded you are. That is the true sign of wisdom.

[@richdavies6905]

Great to see the new channel up and running Cam and Neill. Been waiting for this since you mentioned it. Listening to Neill, I just become so involved. No distractions of music when he's talking. He's just so honest and simple, wish I could get him to bike fit me (UK resident sadly). I have just gone through a new change in saddle as I was getting numbness of the gentlemen's region and went for a new cut out and it has worked wonders. Mine is a short nosed saddle (Prologo), as I ride forward/aggressive a lot and has massively helped me. Not everyone likes SNS but it's helped and I feel a lot more comfortable riding and feel like I can concentrate on my power than just moving my arse about getting comfy. Look forward to the next video!

[@Hamsong]

I want to thank you for introducing me to SQ Labs. I now own three different models for my three bikes because their designs work for a variety of riding positions. I’ve worked in a bike shop and have tried Brooks, Specialized, Ergon, WTB, Bontrager, etc, and while many of them were close, the SQ Labs 611 and 612 were perfect for my road bike, 610 for my upright cargo bike and 60X for my upright city bike. They sent me their “fit kit” and it was really helpful, like a home version of what Specialized and Ergon use, but their system of adding points based on riding position is a lot more useful. Thanks again.

[@PhiyackYuh]

Does sqlabs send fit kits if they want to order their saddle? Do they have return policy if it doesn’t work?

[@Hamsong]

@@PhiyackYuh They will send you a fit kit first. They do allow returns, but the saddle has to be like new/resealable, so I recommend wrapping rails in electrical tape prior to mounting to prevent scratches.

[@SladjanNikolic]

Hi Bradley which of them you prefer 612 or 611 on your road bike and why? I'm looking for a new saddle and I'm in dilemma between 611 and 612.

[@Hamsong]

@@SladjanNikolic Honestly, either would work. My feeling is that the 612 *might* have a little more softness in the back, but they are intended to work with a bike short/bib with a chamois, so it really comes down to length and width of saddle. I'm a 15cm (155mm in Specialized, Large in Ergon). On a road bike, I'd lean to the 612 because it's a little shorter.

[@alex_sandr8568]

@@Hamsong 611 is not much softer than 612. Hardness in SQ-shore: 55 vs. 60 at 612. Also a 5mm difference in length. I myself choose between 611/612 Thanks for the feedback.

[@WanderABit]

Great start of new channel :-) Thank you. I made similar video of myself as 9:54 and I noticed I am rocking to one, dominant side. It is not leg length (I lowered the saddle and as a test I added some padding under shoe), it is "push-harder" manner. As the effect my spine twists (neutral-dominant-neutral-dominant) and I pedal not evenly -- push harder, push normal, push harder, push normal, and so on. So here is the question to Neill -- how to un-learn this (because I doubt it is very healthy) and pedal more symmetrically, so both legs would do the same work and spine will stop rotating to one side.

[@GeorginaWilcox]

I would be curious to know any tricks for learning to be more "even" as well. I find that the more I think about my pedalling the more unnatural it feels. "Am I crooked", I think? "well, if I wasn't before I definitely must be now".

[@brownetown6976]

Thanks for getting me onto the SQ Labs! Made a world of difference to comfort on the bike

[@kevwells]

Nice mate, just really commenting because I think it helps with getting more views and helping with your youtube algorithm :) I hope this channel works for you guys!!!

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Cheers Kev, really appreciate that mate.

[@SjwNz08]

Have been using SMP for about 10years, I went through so many saddles and $$$ to try and stop numbness back then. In the end I had to work this out for my self and came across selle SMP. I ran it level and it worked well with only very slight numbness once in a while. Then I saw one of your videos where Neill says to run them slightly nose down which I will try soon. I haven't done much road cycling for 5years now and just got a new bike and the leather on the smp is wearing out so was looking at getting a new one. Then i see your video with Neill talking about the SQ lab saddles, so very keen to try one now.

[@Abnsdllnnlosnfd]

I agree. SQ lab saddles are fricking amazing!

[@VéloAcoustic]

This is the video I needed, been saving up for a seat for a while now, thanks for the tips!

[@donadams5094]

Havent read all the comments, but the glaring omission here is the saddle by Infinity. Won’t claim it would work for everyone because nothing does. But it is different than any of these by much more than they are different from each other. Totally eliminates the pressure not only on the soft tissue we all worry about, but on the sit bones themselves. You don’t sit on the saddle, you essentially sit *in* it. Your weight is borne by the perimeter of the saddle not the middle. There is no cutout per se, because there is no middle of the saddle at all. Expensive, but if you can swing it, it can be a game changer.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Thanks for sharing Don. It did not work for me. Video to come next week.

[@donadams5094]

@@roadcyclingacademy I’ll watch with interest!

[@craigcycles]

Would love to get a full set up from Neil, every time I watch him on the channel so much good information.

[@petercotterill5105]

For years I thought racing saddles were the only way to go (mainly Fizik Antares) then came into possession of a Velo, who are known for their heavy padding. When that wore I went for something even plusher, the Velo Plush (!) which is all-day comfortable whilst still feeling supportive

[@jameelali1266]

I have an old but great condition Selle Italia Transam that I swear by and will never get rid of; moved over 6 bikes thus far; I have also found the Selle Italia Gel Flow is also very good. Just saying.

[@lerrjlee9347]

Been using SQlab saddles since 2017. Have been slowly replacing all my bikes with them. I have been on rides on my road bike with regular sports shorts for up to 4 hours without much issue. I hope they don't change the shape too much on newer models.

[@stevelarson5103]

Do bicycle seats have a rule similar to fishing? Where a small hook will catch a big fish but a large hook can't catch a small fish so as to say if a seat is larger it will fit. A large person and a small person but a small seat won't fit a large person?

[@dan2304]

As a wider than average bear, seat choice is difficult. Best yet is a cheaply, BX women's race saddle. But other wise, agree.

[@parrisgeorge9708]

Thanks for a really good video! One of the things I REALLY like about you and Neil is that buying a new piece of gear isn't the be all end all of the videos. With you looking at setup and not just the shiny new object you both are giving info that's actually helpful to more cyclists in the long run.

[@ChrisGoulder]

I'm interested in SQLab and Selle bike saddles. I need a new saddle to help me with prostate issues. I'd like to sit on a few before I purchase. Do you know how I can find out who stocks these saddles which I can try. I live in Kent, England.

[@raymondhollans]

What about sit bone discomfort? That's the only area that I find uncomfortable.

[@Lemond75]

This is my problem as well. Would be interested to hear Neil’s views on this.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Neill will have access to log in and review questions from next week! Stay tuned

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Plenty of causes for it - incorrect saddle shape/design/width as well as pelvic instability (rocking) being the two big ones. Instability doesn't usually mean weakness in the rider per se, it usually means the position is off, causing aberrant motion of the pelvis up/down/left/right which repetitively loads the sit bones and pummels them into bruisetown. - Neill

[@afterthesmash]

This probably needed to begin with a classification of different pain types. Mine is a burning pain over the entire contact patch that begins around 45 minutes and gradually intensifies until it becomes fiery numbness. I'm a very tall guy, and I think there's just too much of me to support per volume to surface allometry.

[@tomalbert3299]

I bought the SQLab two times because I really wanted to love it since I have trouble with numbness when I roll my pelvis forward. Unfortunately I couldn't find a proper saddle mounting position. The problem seems that the point you showed in the video is much further in the front than I'm used to sit on. And even though I have a set back post I can't get the saddle far enough back. I might be doing sth. wrong though.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Thanks for sharing Tom, interesting to hear. Cam

[@richardmiddleton7770]

WTB SL8, 193g for £55! Comfy as anything, certainly for the weight! 👍

[@OldDavo1950]

I got a Ischeal fracture a while back, had no idea why it was so painfull. Until an X ray showed it. Had to back off riding for a few weeks.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Sorry to hear David. Hope it heals well for you

[@adamdavi8869]

Second the SQ Labs. Ride one on my man bike, best saddle I've owned. I found Ergon saddles also quite good.

[@martinlcoopersr3130]

Good information. I am a recreational rider over 75 and I have a saddle with no horn/nose. It is shaped like a donut with an open front. My body weight is basically supported on my pelvic bones. It has eliminated the severe irritation from saddles with a horn/nose. The only draw back is my body weight is shifted forward and I put a lot of pressure on my arms/hands to maintain my balance. Thus my hands get numb from gripping the handlebars and I am constantly shaking my arms to improve circulation. I might try that 1st saddle with depression for perineal relief. Question: What is your opinion of the nose-less saddle and any suggestions on how to improve my position to reduce numbness in my hands.

[@keithbachand2251]

Groin pain on one side. Sit bones are 94mm and my current saddle is 155mm that came on my bike. I wonder if its truly the saddle or if its saddle height. The bike shops just say come in for a fitting but its literally the only issue I have. Would the 155mm saddle being super wide cause the issue knowing my sit bones are only 93mm which puts me at a much smaller saddle width.

[@chrismccarter6875]

Great video, I have been having saddle issues for a while, I only have access to 3 models currently, none with any relief channels, taken your advice and took a punt on a SQ Labs saddle, they are pretty good value, not a brand I've looked at before. Hopefully will be better than my current selection

[@Lemond75]

Like a lot of people, I find I get a lot more saddle discomfort when riding indoors (something that circumstances force me to do more than I’d like - family, weather, time etc). It would be great to hear Neil’s thoughts on how to assess or interpret saddle suitability when riding indoors, as I get far more discomfort, and far more quickly than riding outdoors (sit bone pain rather than numbness). I’m sure I’ve ended up disregarding many saddles that may have worked OK for me because of the additional stresses that indoor riding brings. As a result (and this is a question I’d really like to know the answer to) is that I’ve got no real idea how comfy a saddle should actually feel? Is it feasible to think that I should have no saddle pain whatsoever after a 2 hour indoor, or 4 hour outdoor ride?

[@russellbrooks2354]

This is a great question and one I’d like answered as well. After about 2 hours on the trainer I’m really feeling it, but I’m not sure if this is to be expected or whether it’s a fit or saddle issue.

[@Lemond75]

As an addendum to my previous question around sit-bone pain. What does Neill think of saddles like and old skool Brooks, or the more modern Cambium range of saddles that act like hammocks. Has he had any success with these for people who aren’t able to sit perfectly squarely on the saddle and get bone pain as a result of it? Thanks

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Hi mate, good question. As per above; Stationary trainers don't move like a bike does in the real world - hence feeling a lot more harsh on the cheeks. A rocker plate will help, or a Rock n Roll from Kinetic! Also be sure to check the bike is actually level - some riders mount the bike on a trainer and don't use a riser for the front wheel, so the bike is constantly on a 6 degree downslope meaning the saddle is tilted 6 degrees out of where it would be on the (mostly) level roads of the real world. Throw in no variation of slope or corners and the pressure is applied more repetitively with little variation. Even tyre bounce plays a role in the harshness of the saddle when on a trainer. - Neill

[@roadcyclingacademy]

@@Lemond75 Yes they have their place - particularly for Audax riders as they are just so plush. They provide plenty of "give" at the cost of stability. - Neill

[@rogerhartley4456]

Great to see this new channel. Looking forward to more of these videos!

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Cheers Roger.

[@PunjabiCyclist]

Solid video and thanks for the saddle sore advice very useful.

[@jonpoon3896]

My side note comment: some people don’t need a different saddle, they might just need a new one (of the same model).

[@edwardmedina1594]

Thank you for this information. It has really helped me out picking out a saddle for my bike. Invaluable information.

[@zacharypeattie]

So pumped! I’ve been waiting for these videos!! #notificationgang

[@roadcyclingacademy]

haha, good stuff mate. Back up and running now for 2021

[@mib7483]

I have the SQ Lab saddle and still get sit bone pain. I have been to my fitter multiple times and tried multiple saddles with no sit bone relief. I ride in a more upright, endurance position. Suggestions?

[@PPdabest]

Thanks for the info man! I just bought a bike and my perineum is hurting like hell! Gonna try one of those!

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Good luck!

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome video ❤

[@carlrichards9333]

Go for a BROOKS....tried & tested and still definitely the Best...

[@flyingdutchmancycling7874]

Another great video. I love my SMP Full Carbon Lite!

[@mircored6726]

Mi serve una sella per lunghe distanze imbottita larga dietro che non sfreghi dentro alla coscia bacino stretto 10,50 cosa consigliate?

[@KyrosHouseCycling]

What do you think about the Infinity Seat? I use one though I’m drawn to the smp for the drop on the nose, the dip in the saddles is basically the same, it’s the front that I like.

[@VirdiTube]

This is a really good vid. I've never really struggled with saddles until I started indoor training. Any ideas what might be causing this? I can barely do 30 mins before I want to stop and get off.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Stationary trainers don't move like a bike does in the real world - hence feeling a lot more harsh on the cheeks. A rocker plate will help, or a Rock n Roll from Kinetic! - Neill

[@VirdiTube]

@@roadcyclingacademy thanks Neill, can't argue with this logic! I'll look into the rocker plates idea :)

[@Lemond75]

Great video Cam (and Neill). Looking forward to more of the same.

[@Wasatchwatts]

I bought a sq labs 612 active a few months back, and I really like it. Unfortunately there is so little info on properly setting them up. You sit so far back on them and I find myself liking the point that it starts to ramp down having most of my weight. Plus I’m not sure how to measure angle on it, I find it easy to slide forward on. I also don’t know if I got the right width. They said you’re better off going wide than narrow but I wish I could have sat on a 12 and 13cm side by side. Even if it’s set up halfway correct I like better than everything else I’ve used.

[@Hamsong]

I had to do a fair amount of experimenting to get it dialed in. I brought a Park tool set with me and kept adjusting on the fly. A degree too far up or down can mean the difference between perfect saddle and not liking it at all. I found on my 3 bikes that two of them are almost perfectly level, but the more padded one (610) is better *slightly* up in front to prevent the feeling of falling off.

[@goodeggnogg7038]

12:02 how good does that diskless hub look!?

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Great info good vid Bro. Please tell me the name of that seat with the blue dot in the middle of it? Thsnks

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Thanks Rudy, was it not mentioned in the video? I can’t recall now, Cam

[@spooky8172]

Subscribed! Great video and great start to the channel, look forward to more!

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Cheers mate, thanks for the support

[@osp1999]

@Cam & Neill, have you considered the infinity seat? Polarizing shape but very comfy when angle adjusted. No Sit Bone pressure whatsoever. I was like Goldilocks when it came to finding a saddle, tried over 15…but so far settle on the infinity seat e2.

[@alrocky]

+ 1 Certainly a conversation ice breaker if you don't mind the obvious joke. Custom saddle more conventional looking. $50 off for Christmas. Quite happy with mine.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

I've seen 5 or 6 of them over the years and each time the rider was in love with it. I should get a few in stock to try them out more often, I must admit my experience with them is not vast. - Neill

[@koDiacc]

I can confirm from my own experience, a pelvic twist/functional leg length discrepancy causes one-sided saddlesore. Other question: Cam why didn't you talk about the short nose saddles like the prologo dimension or Specialized power?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

There is only so much we can fit into each video! -RCA Team

[@andresgduarte]

This video made me wonder if a saddle pad (foam/neoprene) is perhaps what is making my one sided lower back pain? Cause it doesn't fit properly, so it is usually tilting towards one side. And I find myslef constantly trying to fix it and bring it back to a neutral position. Perhaps this causes me to constantly compensante on one side more than the other

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Adding more padding to a bicycle seat will only cause more problems than solutions! If your seat is not comfortable it's usually how it's been setup rather than the seat itself... -RCA Team

[@andrewdeck7945]

Improving my saddle situation is next up on my list! Thanks for sharing this!!!

[@roadcyclingacademy]

No worries Andrew.

[@31.8mm]

btw i also have narrow sit bone, about 90mm, may i know what saddle he's using?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Neill uses an SQ Labs

[@milanb.6022]

I have 90mm sitbones! Currently on Pro Griffon 132mm. I learned that i can be comfortable on many saddles as long as my saddle height is right, which is much lower than what i previously assumed. I prefer flat-ish narrow saddles.

[@31.8mm]

@@milanb.6022 yea me too, currently on 145mm but it has gentle curve on the edges, also when pedaling the width doesn't feel in the way, ever tried a saddle which shape very familiar with spez romin 130mm, that also comfortable

[@robertthomson4042]

Great content, thank you. If a person has 112mm sit bones, would a 130 or 140 work for most guys?

[@LateStarter52]

Thanks for the videos Neill & Cam. Interesting your comment Neill about the "polarising" SMP shape, I have 3, mostly wider (maybe too wide) as I do mostly longer distance, Audax rides and am certainly of two minds regarding them as they have provided some of my best times but become very uncomfortable after 125+ kms, mostly due to pressure up front with the upward curve towards the front before it dips. Maybe a fit issue but I note SMP have introduced some new saddles (F20, F30, VT30) that don't have the big dip but are essentially flat. Have you had experience with this shape, is this a solution for those of us who are polarised? Among my extensive library of saddles (much bigger than Cam's) I also have a SQ-Lab (for a few years) but have not yet fallen in love with it as it's a little firm for longer rides, (an active one), might dust it off for another try when you have fitted Cam up with one.

[@kineahora8736]

The VT30 came in as one of my choices in a blind saddle fitting I had at a local shop, and the other being the Bontrager verse. I bought the verse because it was significantly cheaper. But I liked both a lot.

[@slavomirsabol40]

I had many issues with "ass" and tried sqlab 614 and everythig "bad" was gone. Tnx for video anyway...

[@spooky8172]

@Slavomir I just googled as I was curious but couldn't find the SQlab 614, are you sure 5that's the model?

[@johnnyboy4711]

great video lads, any idea what can stop me moving forward on ISM prologue seat (looking for other options) on TT bike with 100mm stem, dimensions matched on new frame from previous frame bike fit,15deg risers in the post for better anchoring in cockpit.

[@theogharoon]

Great information. Good job. Was wondering if someone could advise me on indoor trainer numbness. I see someone else further down has also asked the same question. For me the numbness sets in pretty much around the 45-min to one-hour mark, and it doesn't make any difference which saddle I use. I've got two at the moment: a Selle Italia that came with the bike, and a Selle SMP (similar but not exactly like the one in the video). Sadly, neither saddle has been able to see me past the one-hour mark. My sit bones are 120mm apart, and I'm noticing the two saddles also barely measure 120mm across the widest part (maybe ~130mm). So, I'm thinking my saddles are too narrow? Regarding love-hate... I honestly think the Selle SMP looks ridiculous with that exaggerated curve going on, and much prefer the "look" of the Italia. But it's not about looks, I know... :)

[@theogharoon]

Forgot to add: outdoors I'm able to ride one hour or more, on the same saddles, with little to no issues

[@theogharoon]

PS! Subscribed

[@roadcyclingacademy]

G'day Haroon - see above longer comment about this - seems to be a popular problem! - Neill

[@theogharoon]

​@@roadcyclingacademy Thanks Neill.

[@patrickparisienne1917]

Great video as always! I was astounded to find that although I’m a broad framed guy at 120kg, I have narrow sit bones at 90mm! All my saddles are 155mm plus, now looking for narrower! You never stop learning in this game!!!!

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Interesting to hear, thanks for sharing Patrick

[@krider7296]

Fantastic and very informative video.

[@yisraels4555]

What is that paper you sat on to measure pelvis width?

[@Lemond75]

It’s the SqLab sit bone measuring template. I think you can order them from sqlabs directly, but I’m not sure if they only send them to customers in the US.

[@dennisbadger]

If you’re in the US, here is the link I found: sqlab-usa.com/collections/accessories/products/free-measure-at-home-kit

[@1Patient]

I didn't see the SLR Superflow on there?? 😲

[@Pods619-t1d]

Excited to get the notification for this one!

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Nice one Erick, thanks for the support

[@AdamEwart]

Great first upload Cam! Good to see this channel now up and firing 👍👍 Disappointed you didn't touch on the golden rule though...if all else fails, and in almost every situation, the answer will always be "new bike". It really is the only solution to a myriad of issues 😉

[@roadcyclingacademy]

haha!

[@donadams5094]

And let’s not forget, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Which is to say, a new bike will solve problems that have not yet even developed, which is in turn to say that buying a new bike will actually *save* money in the long run by keeping down medical bills, repair bills, emotional distress, etc. It’s just science.

[@grannybluehouse]

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 16 cm 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.

[@amuthi1]

Check SQLab's way of measuring. As I understand it, the widt-meassurements given show the effectively usebable flatter parts of saddle surface not the sides.

[@darinsteele7091]

what about saddle firmness compared to soft?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Hey Darin if the saddle is the right shape and is sitting on the sit bones then little padding is then needed! -RCA Team

[@darinsteele7091]

@@roadcyclingacademy ok my new saddle feels directly on the sit bones but is harder than my stock saddle guess I need to get used to it.

[@natgeoba7377]

What is his take on short nosed saddles, ie the Specialized Power ?

[@richdavies6905]

I have just switched to a Prologo short nose saddle (with cutout). It has helped me as I ride in a more aggressive position. It's not for everyone, but look at your natural position first. If you sit back in a more endurance position then it's probably not the best option, but never say never in my opinion. See if you can borrow one from a friend and try it out (ensuring it's the right width of course).

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Generally a good design for plenty of riders - but like any other saddle there are people who they just don't work for. They allow better than average anterior pelvic rotation for many riders but are not a panacea for all, unfortunately much the same as anything! - Neill

[@devonport68]

Great video, must arrange a bike fit some time.

[@MrCyclist]

I am a road cyclist of 40 years and agree that many times a change of saddle can solve the problem of soreness. But not always. My advice which I dole out often the new comers to the sport is to use a lubricant for you sore arse. This solves the problem from the personal thanks I receive. It is something I use on every ride. The hotter the temperature the more you need. Two products are Chamois Butt'r or Barriere silicone cream.

[@patrickrenschler]

thanks for sharing, what's that thing cam sits on to measure his sit bones?

[@gilley59]

best info thank you

[@roadcyclingacademy]

We're glad you are enjoying the content! -RCA Team

[@paulelby]

Great vid guys.. There is very little info on bikepacking saddle choice etc.. the issue is riding a flat bar 29er hardtail mtb with aerobars for rest and changing body positions. What would you roughly recomend from SQ labs for this style of riding? bearing in mind that time spent sitting upright and/or in the aero bars could be 50/50 more or less depending on the Route. Sometimes spending 12-16hrs a day in the saddle

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Thanks Paul, this would be a question for Neill. Unfortunately Neill can't respond to all queries on YT but we wish you well with the set up! RCA Team.

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

Great video! Do seats wear out? I have a pretty slim seat that has been great for the last 3 years and all of a sudden it's starting to feel a little uncomfortable. Nothing has changed on the bike as far as measurements go. I've become fitter is about the only difference. I probably have 10,000 miles on my saddle.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Yes they do - the padding degrades over time just like a running shoe. Try a new one and see if things improve - if not it's possible your physical shape has changed and a different saddle is a good move! - Neill

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

The best saddle bar none is a well worn in Brooks. Nothing else comes even close.

[@marcalvarez4890]

....uuuuuuhnless you dont want to ride a 3 pound seat.... Great looking, comfortable, but HEAVY. For weight weenies like me, i won't pay for a seat over 100 grams.

[@markedwards5354]

What a beautiful bicycle

[@lyncyr9441]

Can I use it for racing

[@suadmahmutovic6542]

Could you please tell me if I am having one sided pain could it be because my left quad is 3" smaller so are my hips compensating because of mascular imbalance?

[@alexben927]

What’s your take of leather saddles like the Selle Anatomica, my sit bones feel great on long distance riding but the hard nose can be uncomfortable too

[@atefhassan5422]

Thanks 🙏

[@NathanRaymondBarker]

Great vid, love the sqlab 612 and 60X for the mtb's.

[@PPdabest]

Did you find they gave a lot of perineum relief?

[@NathanRaymondBarker]

@@PPdabest Yes definitely, that was my original reason for trying sqlab years ago.

[@mandofiddlehorn]

What infinity seat?

[@arguello1]

Hello, i have a question for Neill. I would like to try a SQlab 612 Ergowave saddle. I'm wondering which one would be the best choice between a SQlab 612 Ergowave (14cm) and a SQlab 612 Ergowave R (13cm). Would I have the same comfort given that the sides of the model R are a little bigger. I ride a road bike 30% on the drops and 70% on the hoods

[@JayLato]

My SLR Boost Superflow feels like a Playdoh fun factory press.

[@bikedawg]

The Specialized S-Works Power With Mirror is pretty amazing. So far one of the most comfortable saddles ever. Wish Specialized made a shape like the SMP saddles with the 3D print technology.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

SMP have a patent on their design I believe Scott. Cam

[@bikedawg]

@@roadcyclingacademy I think you're right. I wish there were more curved saddles to choose from.

[@alisonlumelaudur]

Really helpful discussion, thanks guys! I wish to live in a Australia lol

[@samuraioodon]

Hi cam, I’m looking at the sq lab saddle, I fall between sizes. Do I size up or down for these saddles? Thank you 🙏

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Can’t say sorry mate. Not my expertise. Good luck. Cam

[@samuraioodon]

@@roadcyclingacademy i tried emailing SQ labs, didn't get any response yet. would you mind seeing what Neil's opinion is on this? greatly appreciate it!

[@ianezzi9212]

Hi Neill, I laughed out loud when you described the Fizik Antares as having 'very few redeeming features', I have about £300 worth of them on 3 bikes and am beginning to think they might not be right for me after all! 🤣 I find the Antares very comfortable to sit and pedal on, but I feel a Power Arc results in less back pain after the ride. Just curious what your experiences were and what you didn't like about them, too flat front-to-back?

[@aashiqkumandan130]

Hi Neil. Is it normal to have more discomfort indoors vs outdoors? I’m using an slr boost superflow which has been pretty flawless outdoors but I’ve noticed when I do indoor Zwifting especially racing, I tend to get some numbness which isn’t there when riding outside. Cheers mate.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Hi Aashiq, yes definately - see above longer comment on this! - Neill

[@nicolasbasque9640]

What do you think about the syncros belcarra v1.0 or the Pro stealth carbon, both are very similar?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Neill will have access into the account next week to answer these types of Qs. For now, Cam (me) knows little on this. Sorry Nicolas.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Both OK saddles for a wide variety of people - like all of the snub nosed saddles out there, they are pretty similar to each other and work for lots of riders. There are also people who can't get along with them, as per everything! - Neill

[@nicolasbasque9640]

Thanks Cam and Neil for your answers.

[@lovecycling193]

Hi Guys Great vlogs Can I ask Neil a question? I've been on the SMP saddle fitter program, My sit bones are 140mm measures on a electronic pressure plate and DIY method, SMP recommend the Well or the Well M1. Now the well is 144m the M1 168mm, I ride a Giant TCR so was after the SMP due to the Curved nose n cut out. So which size would Neil recommend try? Kind regards Jason

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Oh hey mate I think I replied in the other video - check the comment there! - Neill

[@lovecycling193]

@@roadcyclingacademy yes you did thanks mate. Ps love your outlook on bike fit. It makes more sense to me than other fitters that I find tend to follow bike trends over function! Keep up.the great work 👍

[@samsske]

Hi Neil, apparently I am riding obliquely. I develop sores on only the right side of my rear while riding (either a road bike or a commuter with upright handle bars) Do you have or know of a video I could watch in an attempt to correct the situation? Thanks, Sam

[@andrewsterling1379]

Did you find any info on this? I too deal with sores/rash exclusively under the right buttocks.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

You’d have to email Neill directly on this. Sorry he’s not always in the messages here, Cam

[@samsske]

@@andrewsterling1379 Nope, not yet anyways. How about you?

[@samsske]

@@roadcyclingacademy Thanks!

[@maxspruit8370]

I rarely have a sore bottom, but there is this other probleem. Occasionally i can't feel my weener. When i get of (no pun) the saddle its all cold and numb. Am i the only guy with this issue?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Are you sitting on it?

[@maxspruit8370]

@@roadcyclingacademy i think i am sitting on the base of it.

[@00great226]

Thick saddle like Brooks with memory form is what works for me.

[@jared7586]

What are his opinions on ISM saddles , do you know , thx.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

I'll let Neill get to this one. Cam

[@the.communist]

I gave up trying new saddles

[@milanb.6022]

Apparently there's a whole bunch of us with 90 mm sitbones in this channel. Come on Cam and Neil, sort us out with a recommendation for a saddle! And thanks for the video :)

[@spooky8172]

Knowing your sitbone width is a good starting point to finding the right saddle, but from there it still becomes pretty individual based on riding position, pelvic rotation and ischial rami shape. For the SQlab range (which I ride, and can highly recommend) you would go for their 12cm saddle through, in any suitable model.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Well, all saddles have different widths, it's more so the style that you need to narrow in on.

[@31.8mm]

subscribed

[@hennohimself]

The SMP are a funny looking thing, but if there was ever a bike component that should be function over form, it is 100% the saddle. Saddles only affect how a bike looks for posing at coffee shops; once your butt is on top no one cares except for you.

[@tbone-ip5fi]

How is his core strength today? Amazing?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Always! Cam

[@salmattgado]

Where are you selling that hat?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Not for sale at the moment Matthew, but will be soon, so stay tuned