UKC

I am relatively new to road biking and have yet to find the right saddle. I've done 1000kms on the one I have and it is still uncomfortable so it's time to change. I am female and I road bike on the flat and on hills. I don't race, and I also don't tour, just recreational, but several hours at a time with long uphills and downs.
Please can any women out there tell me which saddles are good? And is it possible in some specialised shops to try a saddle before buying?

In reply to clochette:

If you go into your local bike shop they will size you up and give you some options on which saddles best fit your bum.

Just be sure to buy from them afterwards as there is nothing worse than people coming in to get sized up for saddles and bikes, taking up staff time, and then buggering off to buy online

In reply to Steve Perry (Pezz): i can think of worse..

In reply to clochette: I thought this was going to be a completely different thread.......

In reply to clochette:

First and foremost, I assume you have good padded shorts and you're not wearing pants underneath them...?

I have a Bontrager Inform RL WSD on my mountain bike and will be putting one on the new roadie (when it turns up) if I don't get on with the stock saddle. I love it - it's made a huge difference to my comfort on the bike! It's quite a hard narrow saddle and feels uncomfortable to sit on but feels great when pedalling. I had the width of my sit bones measured so I got the right size saddle - any shop selling them should be able to do this for you.

FWIW mine has been great at getting rid of any 'soft tissue discomfort' (basically sore lady bits, pins and needles and numbness) but it's not the softest saddle out there so if it's bum pain you're having it may not be ideal. Mind you, bum pain tends to be best dealt with by riding more often and conditioning your arse so it stops hurting.

In reply to clochette:

Sister uses a WTB Speed She on the mountain bike, and seems fine with it.

Another friend, however, borrowed it and declared it to be a torture device - she much prefers her Specialized BG girlie saddle.

Yet another friend is delighted with the £10 Giant girlie one I fished out of the LBS bargain bin.

So you'll probably need to try a few out - as Pixie said, a good bike shop should measure the width of your sit bones and recommend accordingly.

Some makes have a free trial period and if you don't like it, you can return it.

In reply to LastBoyScout:

Oh yeah, I meant to add a disclaimer to my post that all arses are different and what works for one person might not work for another!

My Bontrager saddle came with a 30 day comfort guarantee which meant if I wasn't happy with it after 30 days of use I could return it and try a different model. I thought that was a great feature as I was a bit worried about spending £60 on a saddle with no certainty that I'd like or get on with it.

In reply to clochette:

I've got a Specialized Body Geometry saddle on all 3 of my bikes and get on really well with them and they won't blow the budget. They come with a couple of different width options and have a....how shall we say....pressure slot!

La Sham

In reply to climbingpixie: That bit about the 30 days trial period sounds good. Did you buy off the web?

In reply to La Shamster: There is a slot in the saddle I have but it doesn't seem to serve any purpose. My sit bones are on the widest part of the bike but the front bottom isn't in the slot. Is it supposed to be? I rather assumed so!

In reply to climbingpixie: Yes got padded shorts, although they are probably not the most technical. It's the front bottom that hurts - like you say, sore and pins and needles. I have to get off the bike from time to time when I wouldn't need to stop otherwise. It seems to be getting worse so I'm not getting used to the seat.
You say a narrow saddle - but is it wide at the back for the sit bones?

In reply to SGD: Hmmmm.....keep thinking!

In reply to clochette:

Have you checked your saddle position is correct in terms of height, fore/aft and angle? These factors will affect where you make contact with the saddle.

Also check the width of your saddle is compatible with the width of your sit bones, you want the bones in the middle of the saddle wings.

In reply to clochette:

selle italia used to have a 30 day try and return deal for their saddles. not sure if this is still the case. it did also apply to purchases on the web - such as wiggle.

ideally you need to support your weight on your sit bones.
(as you bike more and get stronger more of your weight will be supported by your legs and possibly your arms, but 'down below' - only on the sit bones and not on any soft parts).


good advice from the posts above.

- get measured - your sit bone position is particular to you.

- buy a saddle at the harder end of the scale - you sink into a heavily padded seat until material is pushing against parts that you don't want pushed against. harder seats initially punish the flesh over your sit bones a little more, but ride enough and it's stop being a pain.

- is the nose of the saddle up down or neutral / level? - drop it if it is pointing upwards. maybe drop it one notch anyway. look out for pain in the upper back behind the shoulders and pain in the wrists and elbows which may indicate that you are resisting sliding forward off the seat as you ride and that the seat angle is too aggressive.

- are you varying your position on the bars plenty? - if you move on the bars then you also make tiny movements on the saddle. this can help to prevent pressure pain from sitting in exactly the same position for too long.
- stand on the pedals for short bursts once in a while for the same reason.

- has someone assessed your position on the bike. is your saddle forward position correct? are you constantly shuffling backwards? if so then you might not actually be sitting on your sit bones - you might be perching on the nose of the saddle a bit too much.


depending upon whether the pain is from pressure or rubbing or a combination of both:

- good quality chamois / shorts. here is not a place to economise imo.

- try a chamois creme.


finally - and most women don't need telling this to be honest - clean shorts & cleanliness down below, before and after a ride are very important to prevent any sorts of infections.
deal with any minor sores etc asap. tea tree for cleaning after a shower and then plain talc are good for drying.
open sores or raw bits can be helped with sudacrem.

In reply to interdit: Thanks for your really comprehensive reply. Next time I go out I will take stock of how I'm sitting - I think some of your points re position are relevant. And I am going to look at Wiggle.

In reply to clochette:

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/119448.html

Mine is the narrowest size, based on being measured in the shop, but it's wide enough for my sit bones. TBH it's totally the opposite to what I'd always thought of as women's saddles but it works amazingly well. I was getting a lot of numbness and pins and needles etc before I changed and I found that it was cumulative, the more I rode the quicker the discomfort would come on. Since getting my new saddle I haven't suffered, the pressure relieving dip is in the right place and I feel like it was £60 well spent.

It is worth going to a shop to get measure and buy one. It's not just the Bontrager either, Specialized do a similar thing in their shops with the ass-o-meter to make sure you get the right size.

In reply to clochette:

Just to go against the grain, the few times I've worn padded shorts I've found it more uncomfortable

a) because there's just far too much material between my legs

and

b) it seems that the padding redistributes the pressure so it ends up where it shouldn't be. With normal shorts the contact between bum and seat is where it should be.

In reply to ebygomm:

So you not have a problem with things getting really sweaty though? I thought half the point of a chamois was to wick moisture away from sensitive areas.

In reply to climbingpixie:

I generally cycle in running tights which are a fairly wickable (no idea if that's a word) fabric

In reply to clochette:
The slut is for the Pudendal nerve to sit over so as to not apply pressure, or thats what it says in the specialised catalogue.
Jayme

In reply to jayme:

Was that a Freudian slip?

In reply to clochette:

I have nothing more to add to this thread (not least because I'm a bloke!) other than its great to see some useful information actually be passed on via UKC with no scraping/harping/carping/bragging/trolling and minimum of innuendo-driven tittering.
There's (useful) life in the old forums yet

Actually I will add one point, maybe more of use to ebygomm: have you tried men's padded shorts/underwear - these should have less material between the legs if that's the only issue.

I have quite narrow sit bones with a fairly sharp ridge on them meaning that I now use 'double padding', i.e. padded underwear and shorts (though I've had to be careful to NOT end up with a combination that could 'ruck up' and become uncomfortable for different reasons.)

PP.

In reply to PontiusPirate:

The ones I tried I don't think were women specific, although I can't really remember. I suspect they were cheapy ones and if I spent a bit more money they might be better anyhow. But I hate the nappy feeling and seeing as I don't really suffer from saddle problems I'm not really bothered about trying out other stuff.

When I was cycle touring I wore cycle shorts over leggings, but that was more to do with friction issues than padding issues. I suspect padding would exacerbate that problem further.

In reply to clochette:

Are you on a blokes saddle? Mens saddles are long and narrow, whereas a womans saddle is generally wider and shorter.

If you are on a mens saddle, it's probably no surprise that you're positioned incorrectly on it.

In reply to clochette:

I'd also check the geometry of your bike. If you are riding a men's bike, the distance to the handlebars from the seat is longer and you have to lean forward more. This puts a different pressure on your seat (more uncomfortable). Using a women's bike will be much more comfortable if you don't already use one.

In reply to stubbed:


I've corrected that for you. There is far more variation between different brands of bike than there is between some womens and mens bikes. Female specific bikes aren't always the most suitable.

In reply to ebygomm:

Quite - all of my bikes are male specific Giants. My most recent carbon fibre baby is just a perfect fit.

In reply to clochette:
Both my bikes have the specialized ariel saddle, about £50 i think it costs. Comes in two different widths. There was no breaking it in required, just fit from day 1.

In reply to ebygomm: So did i, until i realised that you need to spend serious money on padded tights to make sure theyre comfortable. Cycling is def one of those sports where you get what you pay for, unfortunately, as im skint.

In reply to stubbed:

Though to clarify, 'womens bikes' are sometimes exactly the same frame as a mans bikes with a shorter stem and the seat further forward on the rails, narrower bars and with a few extra quid bunged on for being 'female specific' and a mans bike may therefore be helped to fit by adding a different stem, a different seatpost etc etc.

OP: I have many saddles and the last - a Fizik - has been by far the comfiest but all long term cyclists have a drawer full of saddles somewhere that they've tried and tested in order to find 'The One' And whoever said above that tights/pads being as good as you pay for is dead right.

In reply to MadHatter:


Fizik saddles widely considered to be the marmite of the bike saddle world. Heard of way more people that have gotten on horribly with them than have gotten on with them. Though the people that do get on with them can't praise them highly enough. So buyer be ware.

In reply to Frank4short: I find the association of marmite and my saddle quite alarming but I know what you mean!

In reply to stubbed: You had me thinking there as I bought my bike from a man but then subsequent replies seem to suggest this might not be my problem.
In fact last week I borrowed bikes twice as I wasn't at home. These were both mountain bikes although I only go on the road. But in both cases I found myself seated right at the back of the saddle so I must have got used to sitting far back I think. So what I'm getting round to is I don't think I am too short for my bike.

In reply to skivingbluecat: I think you're right there. I got cheapo padded shorts but they don't seem to help really. I tried wearing them as a liner with some other padded shorts but that was all too much. I have seen some padded shorts that get rave reviews but they cost £125! would anybody really pay that?

In reply to LastBoyScout: It's a long and thin saddle but I was told when I bought it that it would be okay for me - the man in the shop could see I was a girl. But it isn't okay!

In reply to clochette:

Just my ten penneth.... but... I reckon Climbingpixie is spot on. I also have been experiencing a lot of discomfort with my Selle Italia lady's specific saddle... specifically, numbness or pressure discomfort in the 'soft tissue' area. I have actually just today replaced this quite well padded 'gel' saddle with the much firmer and slightly narrower Sella Italia saddle that I bought some 2 years ago. Although it IS much harder, I do seem to be much more comfortable on it (thanks to my v excellent new Altura shorts cushioning my sit bones) and I was in far less discomfort on my ride today. I found myself constantly shuffling back on my old saddle in an attempt to get comfortable and had tried adjusting handlebar height, seat height, seat distance from handlebars, seat horizontal alignment before concluding the saddle just wasn't right for me! Basically, I reckon it was too wide for my sit bones (can't get those things measured down here!) and I was constantly being pushed forward which was putting constant pressure on my soft tissue pieces. I've got a longer ride planned for tomorrow so we'll see how things hold up!

In reply to clochette:

too much padding is like too much gel in a squidgy seat!


£40 to £50 should see you in a very good pair imo. you might be lucky with £30?
bargains are often to be had with the online retailers when they have a sale or end of line items, though you should be prepared to return them if the fit isn't perfect. trying on in shop is the ideal - if they have a good range - and the price may be slightly higher for the privilege.

a contoured, wicking pad, likely to be 'women specific', is your best bet - despite the fact that not all women are shaped the same you are all certainly shaped quite differently to men and so have different padding needs.
multi panelled construction with flatlocked seams with a snug fit everywhere, but no tight spots.

In reply to dinkypen: That's really interesting. Tell me how the longer rides go. I also find I am shuffling further and further back all the time. Like you I just seem to have pressure on the soft tissue, it's not chaffing or rubbing or due to wearing pants or anything, just squashing.
Are Altura shorts the very expensive ones? The name began with an "a" but maybe it wans't that.

In reply to clochette:


Are you thinking of assos?

In reply to clochette:

Assos! Goddam stupidly expensive kit - may have to save up for some though These Altura Prog Gel shorts were £35 and are VERY comfortable.

Yep, 'squashing' sums it up well! Sounds like you already have a firm, narrow saddle, so could be the reach that is the problem? Tinker with one thing at a time until you feel more comfortable.

In reply to clochette:

assos bib shorts can cost up to £200. Try a few different £40-50 pairs and go with the ones you feel fit best.

In reply to clochette:

Oh, and buying more padded shorts will not alleviate the pressure problem that you and I are having, so dont' go forking out for more expensive shorts until you are more comfortable on your saddle.

In reply to clochette:


FWIW I paid £50 for my 3/4 length padded knickers and £40 for my shorts, both Altura Pro Gel, and consider that to be a fair price for cycling kit. They're comfortable and durable, with a good chamois that doesn't bunch up and because they're gel rather than foam padding they don't compress and they last much longer. I'd consider paying a bit more if need be but the only thing that would make me pay Assos prices would be the promise that it's make me look like one of their models...

In reply to climbingpixie: mmmmmm Asos girl....

In reply to dinkypen: You're right, Assos. But Altura sounds more reasonable. I'll try to sort my saddle first then see about shorts. I wondered if reach was a problem so I sent a photo of me on my bike to a friend who bikes a lot and he said I looked to in the right position, if anything a bit upright. Anyway thanks for your comments.

In reply to ebygomm: yes thanks for reminding me of the name!

In reply to clochette:
Another vote for a WTB speed she. Got if for a tenner off Chain Reaction Cycles. Got pretty blue bits on it too!

In reply to dinkypen:

Actually you can do it at home -

*use something like a large sandwich bag - and add enough flour (or similar) so that it's about an inch deep all over when laid out flat.
*place on a hard surface
*sit on it - squirm a bit
*you'll get two 'shaper indents' - ta da!

In reply to es:

If I remember correctly, when i read about measuring your own sit bones you should do it with your legs in a certain position, unfortunately can't remember what that was though!

In reply to es:

of course you'll the relise how few saddle makers actually list there saddle's dimensions on there websites - but hey ho

In reply to ebygomm:

we might have read the same article - i think they might have used a kirb - although the ones in shops are just low stools - so make of it what you will

In reply to clochette:

I've got a Fizik women's specific saddle on my tri bike which is pretty minimalist but just a bit more padding than the guys version - that's been fine for training and racing Ironman distance. On my training bike I've got the original Bianchi saddle that came with it - it's a guys one and really minimalist but really comfy - much better than any women's specific ones I've used.

In reply to es:
Bike treks in Ambleside measured me by having me sit on a piece of corrugated card on a normal chair. I think it was simply a question of putting your feet level with your hips, sitting down and pulling down on the arm rests. Been very happy with the saddle I bought from them

In reply to Chris the Tall:

Yeah, I had the idea you had to have your legs straight out in front of you, but thought I must have been mistaken because it's not normally how you sit on the bike

In reply to clochette:

One thing that I found - if I tilt the saddle very slightly forward, it makes a BIG difference to how comfortable I find it. I've never had any particular saddles, but the adjustment makes all the difference.

In reply to climbingpixie:

See... I hate them. I just wear normal pants and trousers (or sometimes even a skirt! very exciting when cycling fast downhill!). Those padded ones just wodge up into my ladygarden and chafe. Nasty.

In reply to clochette:

Tilt, tilt, tilt!

In reply to interdit:

I thought you weren't supposed to put talc down below?

In reply to tlm: I know talc has been linked to some female cancers, e.g. Ovarian. No idea if this is a daily mail type link or genuine, never looked into it as don't use talc. Irrespective of it's possible cancer causing properties as a female I wouldn't use it on that area, the recommendation came from a man, need I say more

In reply to clochette: When you get you new saddle will you be selling the old one??







<scarpers quickly>

In reply to krikoman: yes most likely in a few days.

In reply to tlm: thanks, yes I will when I get my new saddle.

In reply to clochette:

I've recently started cycling again and was having this problem after even just short rides. Didn't even know there was such thing as ladies saddles!

Cheers for the advice everyone just ordered a new saddle on line so hopefully cycling will be more comfortable soon!!!

Would one want to adjust his/her saddle position when using a triathlon bar (as opposed to using a regular curved bar)? if so, how would you adjust your saddle please?

Thank you, Patrik

In reply to tlm:

it may not have been clear in my post that when i mentioned 'sores' i was refering to anything likely to develop into a saddle sore.
- this is unlikely to happen in the area that you are on about - at least i hope so.

no idea about talcing up your ladybits. it's not something i'd do with my tackle and i wasn't suggesting you use it in that way.


never heard about the cancer thing.
anyway the daily fail reckons bikes give you cancer so there is no hope.

In reply to interdit:

Compeed are good for this situation and allow one to keep riding.

In reply to clochette:

Well, after an 83km outing today, I can safely report that the change to the narrower, harder saddle has made all the difference. My saddle is also slightly higher than it was previously which may also be helping the issue? I still have a very small amount of pressure discomfort when down on the drops, but I will be putting back one of the headset spacers to bring the handlebars back up a notch which should hopefully solve that problem. Longer rides, here I come! Really hope you solve your problem soon as the kind of pressure problem we share is really most unpleasant and massively restricts the kind of riding that you want/can do!

In reply to dinkypen: Great to hear you had such a good ride. I am getting a new saddle and them will try all the adjustments that have been suggested. Hopefully we'll both be out without time limits soon. Enjoy!

In reply to Frank4short:

I didn't mean it to sound like I meant Fizik was THE saddle to buy, sorry if it came across that way. Its been the best for me out of 6 so far.

In reply to MadHatter: Wasn't really directed at you per sae more of a statement regarding Fizik saddles & that they really don't suit everyone.

In reply to all: I know you're all dying to hear: so I have got a beautiful white women's specific Sella Italia saddle and it's really great - no more squashed bits. Long rides, here I come!