Width
Knowing the width of your sit-bones (your ischial tuberosities) is critical to finding the right saddle. And here’s an easy way to measure your width at home. Sit on a piece of flat cardboard. Your sit bones will cause two indentations. Next, measure the distance from the center of one indentation to the center of the other. Your ideal saddle width is generally 10-30 millimeters wider than your measurement.
You’ll need a piece of cardboard, a flat bench or chair, a tape measure, and a marker.
Start by removing the top layer of cardboard to reveal the corrugations. Place the cardboard down (corrugations up) and sit on it. Lean forward to mimic your cycling position. Point your toes down to lift your heels off the ground at about a 45-degree angle.
You’ll cause two small indentations. Measure the distance between the two centers. You can also use a piece of paper and pencil to perform a rubbing to reveal the indentations.
Riding Style & Saddle Selection
How You Ride Matters When Selecting a Saddle.
If you normally tour or ride in a relaxed upright position, or have limited hamstring flexibility, a wider saddle may be more comfortable. We recommend adding 20-30mm to your measurement to find your ideal saddle width.
A saddle with moderate width gives the support you need to push hard on the pedals and still have room to relax after big efforts on the trails or in the drops. We recommend adding 10-20mm to your measurement to find your ideal saddle width.
Narrow saddles can work for aero pursuits like time trial and triathlon, but you’ll still want a saddle that fully supports your sit bones. We recommend adding 10mm to your measurement to find your ideal saddle width.
Length
Saddle length complements your riding style. A longer saddle lets you move about for comfort and efficiency in racing and training. On the other end, a short saddle takes up less space and may be what you need for smoother remounts on cyclocross or clearing the rear of the seat for effective drop-ins on aggressive trails.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Saddle?
How a Saddle’s Shape Complements Your Riding Style
Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Saddle Rail for Your Needs.
Exactly how you want it. Select your frame, wheels & components.
Part customer service, part sales associate, full-on cycling fanatic.
We bring the bike store to your front door and let you return used rides for up to 30 days.