The Secret To Bike Saddle Comfort!

[@yard2380]

Stroke of genius to put the skeleton on the saddle: instant clarity of what is going on there, after years! :D Thank you!

[@roberttell1587]

Everywhere should have a saddle library where you can check out saddles a week at a time and really sort through what’s right for you.

[@patrykdziopa8812]

I will say rather then library, have a good bike fit.

[@StoccTube]

It’s a great idea… maybe for a business

[@remkooudeelferink3017]

I had saddle pain/numbness for 2-3 years since i started cycling, i thought it was that i needed to get used to it and make more rides.. but after 2-3 years i did a bikefit and the conclusion was that the saddle was to narrow, my sitting bones were not supported causing pain and less blood circulation because the saddle was pushing inside my body.. getting a wider saddle (with the cut-out in the middle), the pain was over and the comfort was increased 1000%..

[@user-rk6me1ek5t]

I have rode since 1969 . Out of all the saddles Felt has the most advantage. More importantly weight. But no point training 160 km ride if it detracts with bum pain and or back pain.Your speed drops back and 50% is a huge drop in development of leg consistency.

[@doomguy8884]

Don't worry too much about male or female branding. I'm a guy that finds the wider (often branded female) saddles far more comfortable than the thinner (men's) saddle.

[@coachjohn]

Great guest. Learn alot everytime you have him on. My first road bike I literally tries 21 demo saddles before I found the right one. Since then I get bike fits done at a fitter that has dozens of demo saddles so I get the right one the first time. Bike Fit is money well spent.

[@gcntech]

Hope the video was useful! As you say, a bike fit can be a really good idea if you're struggling for comfort

[@10ktube]

Saddle height is a HUGE factor in this whole thing. If you're sitting too high, you are basically jamming the seat up into your body rather than perching on it. I have a usable range of saddles I can use once I got that sorted out. The rest is basically a combo of my chamois, the day, if it's a sweaty day vs a not so sweaty day, but once I got the height right, I don't have to ride ONE saddle.

[@mowbow]

I would even say that saddle height is THE biggest issue. Shape only solves minor issues

[@simonstucki]

so many are riding with the saddle too high, I think I got it now, but I used to ride with my saddle too high too. although I'm not too sensitive when it comes to saddles, as long as its selle italia 3 they just work love the slr, but it's better for my knees.

[@patrykdziopa8812]

I think a bike fit it's the starting poing of determinating if your saddle is the actuall problem. Done this, been there. Bike Fit sorted all ...and I ride the same saddle that was unbearable uncomfortable in the first feel. Start with bike fit and you will save a lot money in the long run.

[@dcmirk]

I think adjusting saddle height is assumed to be basic and prerequisite before riding your bike lol. Everybody spends time getting the height right. Literally everybody.

[@bretfurgason7615]

For sure, just a tiny bit can change it all !!!

[@autisticlife]

I have used leather saddles since the 70's. They will adapt to a riders sit bones and position. It takes time to break a leather saddle in and once it is the comfort has to be experinced to be believed. I still have my original 70's leather saddle, a Brooks B17, it is on its fourth bike.

[@phreeesubz]

This still doesn't answer the question: why the *HELL* is it so skinny right where my taint sits?? all the pressure is RIGHT there, and even when i try sliding, changing position, the pressure is still all there!

[@whatwelearned]

Definitely do a sit bone width test even if it's the budget aluminium foil one. Helped me realise I needed a wider than usual saddle which makes longer rides almost tolerable haha

[@yrnseventh]

How did you do sit bone width test?

[@ulyssepinon9177]

Those seem weird to me, you are not sitting on a saddle like you are on a chair. So why would you mesure the width on that position ?

[@whatwelearned]

@@ulyssepinon9177 You don't have to sit bolt upright when you test, you can rotate your pelvis as you would return riding. As good as a bike fit? No obviously, but better than guessing

[@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers]

@@ulyssepinon9177 Exactly. No need to pay for an irrelevant measure. Just put a piece of ondulated cardboard on the saddle, sit as usual, see where the cardboard have been crushed flat. That's your sit bones as seen by the saddle.

[@ulyssepinon9177]

@@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers I can see a problem with your methodology, saddle shape and position will change where your sit bones put pressure :/

[@billkallas1762]

Over the many years, I've discovered that there are three saddles that I can sit on all day without second thoughts. The old San Marco Rolls, the Selle Italia Turbo, and what they now call the Selle Italia 1990 Flite.

[@nluisa]

I think these videos are useful, however, I also think this particular one seems to be biased on saddles first and fit second. Yes, some saddles will never be comfortable for a given person, however, the rigtht saddle will never be comfortable in the wrong position, so perhaps that is where the discussion should begin with. As someone else has mentioned, saddle height alone is a massive issue (speaking from experience here). Coming back to saddles, other things that could have been mentioned is how padding can cause chafing in longer rides, and how saddles too wide can make someone gravitate towards the nose...

[@Aubreykun]

Friction is the main cause of chafing. Many padded saddles have grippy material on top which causes your pants to stick to it and then rub your butt. Some non-padded ones get tacky when sweaty as well.

[@bertbrogden9662]

i find that the more upright i sit the bigger/wider/more padded the saddle needs to be , seems to work for me . having said this 8 hours on my bike makes my arse sore regardless .

[@JimKJeffries]

Selle Anatomica, think of a leather hammock you sit on. Never been more comfortable, and I bike in normal shorts.

[@patrykdziopa8812]

It's so sad that they don't discuss the actuall problem with saddle pains ...bike fit. Sorry, but when I'm watching this, I feel like I'm in a promo show. For people who actually have problems with saddle pain and other bike fit issues, please check videos of Neil Stanbury or James Thomas/Francis Cade. They give a free bike fit guides.

[@bartholomeusclever]

thanks

[@curtwitthoff7346]

Curious what the team at GCN thinks of noseless saddles? I keep seeing video’s about one called the V Seat, but wondered what “experts” felt about this very different type of saddle.

[@gregmuon]

There's so much hocus pocus in saddles, and a confusing number of choices. If you're riding in 'racing' position, you're not sitting primarily on your sit bones, despite what the manufacturers say. Find a saddle that fits your shape.

[@michellegoesglobal]

I’ve tried almost a dozen saddles. The best for long distance riding, by far, is a leather Brooks saddle. It has conformed to my sit bones and I’m not dancing in my saddle on long days (50-100+ miles). I have over 8,000 miles on it and it’s still holding up.

[@jamie7664]

Yes! I rode 3 hours the other day without padded shorts and had no discomfort. The Brooks saddles are so comfortable.

[@___Bebo___]

Not a big fan. When you climb out of the saddle it feels like a massive weight, and it throws too much weight to the front of the bike on modern bikes. On a full touring bike sitting full upright it's good, not good on a fun bike

[@danalbert5785]

Brooks leather?

[@rayrayray4116]

I have a broken in, we’ll worn Brooks Leather saddle. It just works for me. Don’t are about the weight of it….. it’s comfortable.

[@johnsewell9332]

Over the years I have bought quite a few saddles and sought a lot of advice. Had come to the opinion, cycling is inherently uncomfortable. One day out of the blue I was given a saddle. That day transformed my cycling life. cycling is no longer uncomfortable.

[@dvdp4513]

Not sure what your point is.... For example, which saddle where you given? Compared to which others?

[@sergiomessina2037]

I went to the extreme and started riding a nose-less saddle. Some push your weight forward and cause new problems (like the Spongywonder (Seat) But others feel almost like the same riding position that we were accustomed to riding with traditional saddles. ERGO The Seat Lycra Gel Saddle works for me.

[@LegSpinna]

I went through several saddles to try and keep my arse happy. For reasons I know not why, I always ignored the theory that my saddle height might be to high. Eventually, in desperation more than anything, I lowered my saddle height and BINGO! My arse is now loving it and it's also helped relieve pressure on my hands and wrists.

[@patrykdziopa8812]

@@hansanders4983 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH7Qk4t3jMianpY

[@Alex-to8es]

@@hansanders4983 The video should have really covered this and did. Watch this if you want to have some more information as many people will be quite comfortable on many different saddles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXunlol6ar6HpZI

[@chriswoolston299]

Would love to get some more info on sore wrists? I'm starting to struggle with this and was thinking it would be the reach which is the issue rather than seat height? Thoughts?

[@patrykdziopa8812]

@@chriswoolston299 too much weight on your hands, make sure your saddle for and aft is correct. Type in search "Neil hand pain cycling".

[@HShango]

I always buy specific road gel saddle for comfort, because the road saddles that originally come with the road bike or bikes i tend to buy are absolutely uncomfortable.

[@bretfurgason7615]

Just shopping for a new city/road bike. Every single saddle is just goofy. Not sure what they are thinking. Sadly years of soreness to figure this out.

[@Freightlinerbob]

B17 was comfortable right out of the box. I’ve tried others along the way but keep coming back to this timeless design.

[@peterderuiter2937]

same here. took some breaking it with me, but now is more comfortable then any other saddle i have had

[@jamie7664]

Yeah seriously. I went on a 3 hour ride last week without padded shorts and had no discomfort whatsoever.

[@nuttycommuter3718]

I couldn’t get the fit right on my B17 and so sold it and will be trying a Cambium. On a different bike with a B17, it was the most comfortable thing I’ve ever sat on

[@philparker97]

Brooks every time for me, Swift or Swallow, on all my bikes except mountain. They do require some maintenance, leather cream and ensuring the shape isn't allowed to sag or leather become to tough, otherwise it can get sore.

[@joeromano4091]

The fact that this video simply ignores bike fit for 95% of it and until the end essentially invalidates it. Saddle discomfort is very rarely a result of the actual saddle. If you’re sitting on the nose too much, it’s probably because the reach is too much and/or the bars are too low. Most of the time, it is simply a result of the saddle being too high and forcing a poor position and pressure. Bikes are created for the pros and they trickle down to the amateurs. Amateurs are typically not as flexible and out of shape. The bikes are almost invariably too long and people are most commonly buying bikes that are too big. If you’re having saddle issues, go watch Bike Fit Tuesday videos on a different channel. Much better advice beyond buying new saddles that never relieve the problem because the problem isn’t the saddle.

[@emmabird9745]

I struggled for years with soreness in the soft tissue (naughty bits) usually after about 30 miles. I tried loads of different saddles with and without cutouts, sloping the nose down (then I just slipped down), I solved this largely with a "Selle SMP" (I think I got the name right) which has a cutout which runs into the turned down nose. The nose was the important bit it allowed thigh side contact without soft tissue contact.

[@carlosortuno8472]

The smp helped me too and also a shorter nose

[@manfredmuench2657]

I also use the SMP pro, droopy nose - but they are a bit heavy. I noticed Mark Whatisname , the long distance fellow, also uses one.

[@emmabird9745]

@@manfredmuench2657 Yes weight is an enemy, but comfort comes first.

[@TallMidwestCyclist]

How does one fit a saddle fo those who are the extremes of height and weight? 6'9" & 335lbs, riding a gravel bike (Surly Preamble) with flat bars (so a more upright position). Would love a good saddle recommendation for someone my size.

[@jasondundom1390]

I can't seem to find a good saddle.. either to soft or not enough, the closes is my old Serfas with faux leather.. i've looked online for months for a replacement and it seems to be discontinued, i bought what i thought was the same but it's way harder 😒 do the flexing saddles make up for the lack of cushion? like the MH-RX Performance RX Saddle w/ Anti-Microbial Microfiber Cover ?

[@joechamma]

This was important. Always have this issue when cycling but can't seem to settle in with the saddle. Yes each body is different that is why it is a huge challenge. I added an extra seat cover to the saddle. it helps a bit but i know it is not a complete solution... Thanks a million for this video...

[@gcntech]

Glad you enjoyed it and we hope it's useful! Don't forget, it could be your saddle height or bike set up which is the issue too

[@Albatrossamongus]

Sadly Jake is frustratingly inarticulate and expresses his doubtlessly considerable knowledge very poorly in every video I've seen him in.

[@yurisolov3359]

Tried, but could not suffer through the entire video. discussion about the 'shape' was not even covering basic things, like why a 'horn', what does it do, why some saddles have skirts, others don't, and on and on... No real convincing info why the 1st comparison between a basic 'padded' saddle might not be a good choice (or why it might be the right choice) vs the whizbang carbon saddle... In all, mostly marketing crap to sell highend saddles - my opinion as both an appreciator of good equipment and also realizing that cyclists are super fashion and image conscious. nothing here, move on...

[@marzzz1]

Yes, but rarely. I prefer a firm saddle, and I ride in Tri shorts because I can't stand all of that padding on regular shorts.

[@left0verture]

Still trying to get the right setup for me. I’m trialing the 4th different saddle on my hybrid road bike but no joy yet. After ten miles I just have to get off the bike. Height? Angle? Saddle? Dunno, but it takes the joy out of the ride.

[@robertcatuara5118]

Had pain so got a sit bone measurement. Seat was too narrow. Wider saddle and pain is gone!

[@robbo3132]

I got a 162mm wide saddle and couldnt believe it - before I would shaift left and right, forward and back - but now I just sit on the couch - its a new world, I didnt realise how much discomfort I was putting up with

[@flufflebut8781]

Nevermind consumerist buying more stuff, first focus on smart behavior. Get out of the saddle every now and then to give your bottom a rest. Take breaks. Even a comfy movie chair you need a stretch when you get out of at the end of a movie. Spread more weight into the pedals and handlebars rather than making your seat support all of your weight. Vary your positions through a ride. Any position will get uncomfortable after stiffly holding it for hours on end.

[@jdjfkdks]

people have diferent weight and for person who have 100kg i think this smoll dont be good ,its more confortable with big sadle. i observ this, when i had 60kg it was nice with sportiv saddle at trek one one ,but now i have 75 kg this sportiv sadle its not for me and now at 75 kg i change bike, between turing and gravel .i have 3 diferent saddle one for fast ride and competition ,because al weight its going to pedals.2 its big saddle what i use in city .3 its for traning.

[@siulilomay628]

I was more thinking the video will look at the pro and con of different shapes of saddles. long narrow, short but wide, fairly flat vs curve etc...

[@Choedron]

My theory is, that saddles are made wrongly. Most are very inflexible. When you have an inflexible saddle against a moving ischium, you are asking for trouble like pain in the ligaments above etc. You will constantly run into moving energy, which is bang against the saddle. If the saddles were more flexible (not the same as soft), you would experience less pain - about 5% of people have Spondylolisthesis of the lower spine without knowing it. It is usually contracted in childhood and it causes pain, when cycling for longer periods of time. Fortunately there are some saddle manufacturers, who produce flexible saddles, like Ergon and SQLab. I personally have had good experience with those flexible saddles compared to others. But I would love to see some, which were even more flexible, to counter two opposite forces working against one another.

[@annecarlsson1162]

I totally agree on this. I too find more flexible saddles more comfortable.

[@CT37BN]

Have bought experimented with a number of saddles using correct sit bone chart, finally found the one that works for me SQLabs 60X Infinergy, seems a more flatter with very little to no angled sweep on the bottom sides is the one that gives me comfort.

[@buster.keaton]

I only recently learned about SQLabs and purchased the 612 Ergowave Carbon saddle. It's very light, minimally padded, has a good recess in the middle, and surprised me with how comfortable it is on my endurance bike.

[@brettdavis1956]

You guys need to address one of the biggest issues with high mileage riders, racers, etc, and that is nerve damage and the worst is “urethral strictures”. The long narrow saddles of old have created decades of urinary tract issues accompanied with nerve damage affecting men and their ability to pee and “perform” in the boudoir. This is serious stuff as a stricture could result in “external plumbing” for the rest of ones life. Lastly, you might want to give credit to Georgena Terry of Terry Bicycles. She was the first to develop women specific bike frames and accessories, specifically women’s saddles that were wider and shorter, AND with “cutouts”…. Imagine…. All this from a female cyclist…. Btw, I wouldn’t be surprised SELLE ITALIA and others are paying to use her saddle ‘patents’…. Keep up the great work guys! Love your channel!

[@bhtinkh5152]

Age 76 now...urethral stricture under the perineum (been riding 71 years), and a godawful big bladder stone from chronic mild dehydration.

[@robertmendelson7724]

Having had urethral reconstructive surgery I can tell you it’s not fun. When I began riding there were no cutout saddles. Now I use a bi-saddle that allows width adjustments. Men, think about being 60 30 years before you get to that age and get a cutout saddle.

[@brettdavis1956]

@@robertmendelson7724 My stricture was the result of a near fatal bike accident whilst riding in a fast group, behind a fit but very much a novice rider. I was behind her ~10’ entering a fast but gentle ‘chicane’ (22+ mph) and she panicked and grabbed 2 handfuls of brake! Besides multiple pelvic breaks, internal abdominal and inter-cranial bleeding, I’d partially severed my urethra. In order to have reconstructive surgery I had to let it ‘scar down’ 7-8 mos, with ‘external plumbing. Luckily the op was a success and I was able to swing a leg onto a bike nearly a year later…. But the take home message is ‘urethral strictures’ are a reality and todays saddles can prevent them. I can tell you a suprapubic tube is no fun either especially if it causes constant cramps. Its a whole new level of misery I can tell you that! Glad to hear your op went fine though…

[@mikejarrells431]

Yes. I have experienced saddle soreness. I would love to ride a century without pain.

[@truthseeker8483]

Tried thickly padded gel saddles and had problems..then I discovered Selle SMP TRK saddles which have been great for my old back...they are a unique design, perhaps you could cover these one day?? Thanks GCN

[@roadracer1584]

My balls start to hurt about a half hour into my ride. I tried adjusting the saddle height and a saddle that's wider with more cushion. I also tried that cream your rub on your butt and crotch. This helps a little. I don't know what else to try.

[@ItsDredj]

I commute to work and back, 4.5miles each way and my stock saddle felt long enough and wide enough. However, I was getting maddening friction soreness on my undercarriage(male) that I was moisturizing twice daily to cope with it. I changed the trousers I cycle in which helped and tilted the saddle down slightly which hugely helped but it was tireing to cycle like that. Eventually I bought a cut-out saddle for £20 which is the same width and length and all of the problems I had went away.

[@bareenlars]

Great informative video there! I'm struggelin finding the correct angle, to low and alot of pressure on the hands, and to high, i can feel the front of the saddle to much, maybe thats normal?

[@BlackHornet-s8s]

The fat on shock prof spring seat bike is better, than thin hard turture bike seat are very bad couse painful not comfortable.

[@snorttroll4379]

what is the most comfy commuting saddle for normal trousers`?

[@michaelpeppersack8599]

no saddle sores just skin tags! not painful just annoying ! is my saddle the wrong size?

[@justinlangley3432]

Where are these polls in the GCN app? I can never find them. In the vote section surly?

[@IvanStarling-kg1ei]

I love this portal AC. We can move around the house. Definitely need it for the hot summer.

[@jeffspc88mx]

No noseless saddles? I have a SpiderFlex - ended my visits to the urologist.

[@ms.karihart2983]

Question: Sitbones are positioned where before the wide part of the saddle? Or sitbones on the wide part of the saddle . With that said the width of the saddle determines where the sit bones are (on the wide part of saddle ?

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

What about slung saddles, such as Brooks, that allow the distribution of force and weight across a tensioned membrane, which suits, amongst others, people with odd-shaped or injured (fractured/healed) pelvises? I was saved from crippling back pain by using a leather Brooks, which allows the right side of my pelvis to sit slightly lower to accommodate my longer left leg. I've now got a C13 on all of my bikes. Also, foam padding breaks down after a few years, and I've had titanium rails crack on me more than I'd like in the past. There's lots to recommend them.

[@jamie7664]

I love my Brooks. I can use it for hours at a time without even needed padded shorts.

[@martyjbrown]

At no time did that skeleton look comfortable

[@quacker998]

Any special saddles for indoor training bikes?

[@XTr-j1b]

As soon as I’m on the trainer and not outside I experience sour nuts. Why is that? And what can I do

[@mickfrench1673]

brooks cambium for me never looked back

[@danautin4712]

too much information without enough detail. Got nothing from this until the last two minutes

[@davidalderson7761]

After 2000km in a recent event I did. I dropped the nose of the saddle I had by 1 degree more. Sorted fixed no sores no cream required . 2000km later it was wonderful effect. Do this first before you faff on hunting for a new saddle or saddle fit. Bother to adjust the saddle you have 1mm back 1mm forward, then up then down. Being lazy makes you spend buckets on new. Ensure the saddle is perfectly straight not slightly left or right.

[@gcntech]

As you say, saddle position and bike set up is just as important as the saddle. It can sometimes take a bit of trial and error to get the correct position

[@XyliGun81]

What about BROOKS saddle. ? People says it is a fantastic saddle. You can ride even without using a gel pad .

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

It's for slow pace rides .

[@gregmuon]

They aren't magic but it's what I'm riding now, so I guess I like them. I dislike padded shorts, and I'm too old to care about 100g. B17 is the only one that fits me, and probably the safest choice. This was the default racing saddle for decades. If you get dropped, it's not because of the saddle...

[@SkyhawkSteve]

Yep, leather saddles can be wonderful! I use Brooks B.17s, Professionals, and a Swift, as well as a Lepper Voyager from many years ago. They all have some flex, so minor bumps don't cause discomfort. I've borrowed a friend's Selle Italia Flite years ago, and it was like sitting on a brick.. no flex, and any little bump transmitted a large shock to the crotch.

[@jamie7664]

Yeah I love my B17. It’s nice being able to go on a 3+ hour ride with no need for padded shorts.

[@johnworth319]

Excited to see Dan found time to model sitting on a bike

[@digitalandy]

"lots of sore bottoms" love the gay undertones

[@harrydeath1885]

Hmmm good vid. Wat about Brooks but?

[@RPR_RPR_RPR]

I had problems with saddles until I had a sit bone measurement made and an appropriate saddle chosen. No more problems 😊

[@BornInArona]

What distances are you riding?

[@RPR_RPR_RPR]

@@BornInArona Anything from 15 miles to 60 on average.

[@BornInArona]

@@RPR_RPR_RPR in km? Haha, well I can Google it Nvm...

[@kalijasin]

It’s a Bicycle not horse.

[@naones001]

When in America, speak english!

[@1000750]

Wait what? You can change the saddle that came with your bike 🤣🤣 I've never changed what came with the bike I just deal with it good or bad 😂😂

[@williamforbes7156]

On such a deep topic with as many variables as there are bike people and solutions, I really took good information away from this post! Thanks for taking time Jake & Alex. great pita topic to kick off the week

[@gcntech]

Thanks William, hope it's useful!

[@BTcycle]

One bike item often gets miss is the saddle. I usually get saddle sores after mile 40. Is it the saddle or just need more time on the bike? Thank you for sharing such informative information.

[@gcntech]

With a saddle suited to your body and the correct set up, you shouldn't get saddle sores. Hopefully some of the tips in this video help but it's always worth going for a bike fit if you need help

[@bikecommuter24]

Thanks for the video I always wondered if a stiffer base on a saddle helped with performance, I never considered that the saddle flexes as we pedal and move. Im lucky when I bought my commuter bike I had the shop fit a padded gel saddle and after a few minor adjustments fore and aft I found it comfortable for my short commute, for a longer ride I wear my padded shorts and at my slower pace that combo works just fine. Now when I get ready to buy a road bike I'm sure I'll get a whole different saddle. And make sure to get fitted and kitted properly. Cheers

[@tristenwilliams1943]

My boys go numb after like 15 miles lmao. Just bought the SLR boost superflow, hoping this will help

[@johnsmithers284]

I also have that issue let me know how it is

[@blubaughmr]

I had that problem. When I bought a new road bike I got a bike fit and told them about this problem and that I wanted to be able to go long distances on the drops. They set me up with a Specialized Power. It did the trick and I now have Power saddles on all four of my bikes.

[@BruceDouglass]

Remarkably free of useful and practical information, although a decent - if vague - description of relevant issues. I'd rather see questions addressed such as - how is body shape (specifically) addressed by saddle choice. If someone it tall/short/wide/narrow, what kind of saddle is most likely to be effective? Similarly, riding style - road vs gravel vs off road vs time trial - what kinds of saddles should these different styles of ride look at first? What is provided is a discusses of the issues of concern but not how they are addressed. What kind of rider should select a short saddle? What kind of rider should select a wider saddle. What are the links of saddle companies web sites for their helper apps? I do understand you can't say "All riders of this style or shape should use this kind of saddle, but what are the trends and likely good fits?

[@afterthesmash]

1:55 Barely gets to the key shot, then cuts away.

[@danconway313]

Yes almost all of the time also have hemorrhoids

[@arifmirza9057]

AA price and delivery

[@anonymouscitizen9630]

Be a man ride with no saddle 😂👍😂

[@Marcel-Namsos]

I ride a Fatbike, mostly slow, because Charly, my dog needs to sniff & Snaff & piss on everything. So I use an big Ergometer/Exercise Bike Seat. Love it. Tried lots of differents seats. Cheap ones. All rubbish. Zero comfort. Glad I found the right seat :)

[@poland_stronk3044]

Linus tech tips??? ;D

[@jbjergh]

Selle Italia Flite is just best.

[@HickoryHillside]

Saddle components... mine's 100% carbon fiber. And, no, I won't be having any any more children.

[@MrGoodaches]

I have more pressure on my Lesser Trochanters than on my sit bones. My sit bones measure 10 CM and my MTB saddles are 13 and 14 CM, so at the narrow end of the range of MTB saddle widths. Theoretically 12 CM would be my ideal saddle width but most saddle manufacturers don't seem to believe it is necessary to offer many choices less than 14 CM. Maybe saddle width isn't the issue? Maybe I've missed some less than intuitive solution through saddle adjustment fore/aft or tilt?

[@nofascistsonmywatch]

I am also wondering if the way too excessively OVER-padded bib shorts of today are actually contributing to all of the agony I am currently experiencing while still working on my 'base' miles after a L-O-N-G time away from the bike?? Even though that is explicitly what they are supposed to be alleviating?? True, my saddle could be ALL wrong for me (it's a circa 2000 Selle Italia Flite TT), or it could be totally worn out (albeit not too many miles are on it?), or like so many on here are saying, a totally, abysmally incorrect saddle position. Right now, the pain makes me head for home after about 2.5 hours MAX on the bike, even using half a tube of Chamois Butt'r pre-ride, and Castelli bibs with that bulky Progetto X2 chamois that everyone else seems to RAVE about, but might be at least part of the cause of my suffering? The number of choices out there for saddles is daunting to say the least (at least 50X more than when I was last riding actively/a lot!), and most shops in my area which offer 'trial saddles' only have ONE brand to select from, albeit most of said brand's models to try. (I wish that the manufacturers would offer as many RIM brake, and narrow enough to fit my frame's tight BB/chain stay clearances, WHEELSETS as they do saddles!!!! But one is just S.O.L. in that department nowadays if not on a disc braked, plastic fantastic, $15K USD bike with miles of clearance for 30mm+ wide wheels. 😡)

[@neuspur]

Most "saddle assessments" by saddle makers did not work for me. Years after pain (I assumed it "has to be like that"? "no pain no gain" bullshit) it got sorted out by an experienced fitter who also took a ride with me to observe me in "real life" (getting out/getting in on climbs, body movement on longer distance etc.) Result: saddle WAY too high , saddle WAY too much behind my contact-zone, the only thing correct was the angle. Now: same saddle, different seatpost (no setback! biggest source of wrong positions for non-pro riders) and NO PAIN. However, I needed several weeks to get used to that new position as I was biased to the wrong position for years. On the opposite: a friend of mine rides 200-400km per day at the weekends, does not care about any type of measurements/positions etc. has no pain - never had any pain on whatever type of bike. He just rides and eats KOMs for breakfast. I HATE HIM!!!

[@notyourrealfather]

As far as saddles wearing out, I'd say it heavily depends on the saddle. I rode my 2003 trek 4900 mtb mostly as a road/gravel bike up until a couple years ago and I felt perfectly comfortable on it until I bought a proper road bike. I don't hate the saddle that came with my bike, but I definitely feel like I could have a better saddle... I find it ironic that my old saddle name gave me numbness while my new one with a cutout does.

[@TheNosarajr]

yes

[@brucelevy]

Just changed from my stock Raleigh saddle after 10 years and did 27 miles on a cloud aka Selle Respiro Moderate. I hope all the overseas reviewers who said it will leak are wrong.

[@mikiandfriends1820]

I find pushing on the paddles more relieves the pressure on the but. So when pushing hard, the more narrow is better, when riding slow, more padding required. Not a fan when you fall in the middle of the seat, it should be stiff enough foryou to move back and forward

[@NikkiNikz26]

I’m trying to get into cycling, but the saddle soreness is horrible! Am I the only person that can’t get comfortable on a bike?!? I tried adding a highly recommended seat pad, to no relief.

[@richardmiddleton7770]

Charge Spoon saddle, Endura Pro SL bibs. You're welcome!

[@LuciTulcea]

I rode on about six or seven saddles with no cut out in fifteen years of cycling. The only saddle which has been horrendous and I never got used to it is Selle Italia X3 with a small cut out, which came with my Rose Pro SL road bike. It gave me acute butt pain and complete penile numbness in maximum ten minutes of pedalling. I replaced it with a Fizik Arione (with no cut out) saddle which solved my problem.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

GCN has made this video because there are no Brooks B15 Swallow Titanium saddles on eBay. I'm a lucky B* because I got a Wrights BW15 ( made by Brooks ) on eBay. 70g lighter cus the Wrights variety has thinner leather. All day long. PS. Try a Tattoo or dentistry numbing gel with Lidocaine hydrochloride 2%.

[@H457ur]

Believe it or not, in 45 years of riding, I’ve never had a saddle sore. I’ve always been very careful not to ride saddles that hurt and I rely on my local bike shop to make sure I have the right fit.

[@quentendeclercq9165]

I'm a heavier Guy and i've been riding on a 15-year-old fizik arione wing flex whatever it's called. After 60-70kms my bits would go numb. I bought a prologo scratch M5 a few months ago and the "Blue balls" are gone.

[@SPMech1]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@r.massattack4052]

I go to all GCN videos for information. I've been zwifting for a few weeks, bought a gravel bike to workout with but the saddle on this bike kills my groin area, so much that it pinches my skin and hurts so much that i can't ride for another few days without discomfort. I've gone to 1 bike shop for some answers or solutions but was told that my build is hard to find a right saddle for comfort. I watched your video with Brad Parker because my build is very similar but not as muscular. I'm 5'9" @200lbs and 15% body fat. I'm not looking to be a professional rider, just looking to enjoy zwifting without so much discomfort. Any ideas? Love the GCN Team and everything your channel brings

[@afterburn2600]

I'm a casual rider who was very much in shape at various points in my life, but now I don't have a ton of time to be on the bike so I'm a bit more fluffy. I love race style road bikes so bought a new one to treat myself last year. The saddle that came on the bike is a Specialized Power Pro. It's pretty comfortable but after a while the front edge of the wings dig into my hip joints. Any tips on how to alleviate that issue, or maybe a different geometry that may work better for me? I'm just under 6'2", weigh 208lbs (1.87m, 94.3kg). I love aggressive bikes but I'm not as bendy as I used to be, so I have all the stock headset spacers in place. Size 58 Tarmac SL7 if that helps. Thanks in advance and also I appreciate this great video - was a cool watch.

[@roblucchetti2993]

So to echo a few folks on here: Saddle height, fore/aftt postion, seat angle (HUGE!), seat tube angle, shoe cleat positioning, crank arm length, pedal Q factor - generally ANY ,mechanism south of your waist effects saddle comfort. More often than not if your experiencing pain on the saddle, it's likely a symptom of some other adjustment being off. You can a do a fair amount of your own adjustment with a basic trainer to hold the bike up while you peddle, but this is one area i would suggest a proper bike fit. Once you get that saddle setting dialed in, you'll be really surprised how much less you wiggle around you'll do while riding.

[@ewanmackenzie6777]

Nice one Cam & Neil, I just wish they could make them look better?!