SADDLE PAIN CYCLING:
The word “saddle” can be confusing considering bicycle frames have a portion called a “seat tube” in which the “seat post” or “seat mast” inserts. What mounts on a seat post? A saddle? For the sake of tradition, let’s refer to this part as a saddle.
Discomfort and pain related to bicycle saddles is common. A well-chosen and adjusted saddle should feel as though it is disappearing under the rider yet providing appropriate support.
Contributing factors include but are not limited to the following variables:
Saddle Selection
Something too narrow/wide/long/short/firm can cause pressure points on pubic rami, perineum, soft tissue or the creases where the legs and pelvis meet leading to pain, saddle sores and possibly physical dysfunction . Something too squishy tangles up in the rider’s anatomy or increases instability. An appropriate perch should have enough support, well placed padding and appropriate contours to match a rider’s anatomy for stable cycling
Saddle Height
A position set too high causes unwanted pelvic instability usually leads rider to creep forward causing on to soft tissue causing discomfort, chaffing and saddle sores. Worse yet is the feeling the pelvis being split apart
Although not as painful as too high, a saddle set too low can cause a rider to move more rearward on the wider portion of the saddle looking for more leg extension leading to inner thigh chaffing and a sensation that the sit bones are being pushed apart
Saddle Angle
A saddle set too high at the nose increases soft tissue and perineal pressure and possible rounding of the low back can occur in an attempt to escape discomfort only to cause issues in the back, shoulders, arms or hands. A nose set too low causes the pelvis to slide forward increasing soft tissue pressure and hand/arm tension in an attempt to push the pelvis back on saddle
Cutout Design
Many modern saddles have contoured, relieved, or cutout sections designed to reduce perineum and soft tissue abrasion and pressure. A cutout design should not be noticed but enjoyed. If you can feel lumpy edges or fore/aft points of a cutout, it will likely be problematic
Cleat position/Foot Correction
Poorly-fitting shoes, sub optimal orthoses, cleat position, foot angle and shimming cause unstable feet which can destabilize the pelvis leading to saddle discomfort
Sub Optimal Bar/Controls Position
A handlebar, aerobar, brake hoods or shifters positioned too low or far forward can cause the pelvis to roll too far forward increasing perineal and soft tissue pressure
Tip:
Do not rely exclusively on butt measurement or pressure mapping for saddle selection, and don’t buy a $300-saddle online because it works “great” for a friend.
