Sitting Pretty: The Importance of Bike Saddle Fitting
20th May, 2025 / Photos by Andrew Grant
A good bike saddle isn't just about comfort—it's about enhancing performance and enabling you to ride longer, faster, and pain-free. But how exactly do bike saddle fitting and bike fitting intersect? To delve into this essential aspect of cycling, we asked Stephen Roche, the bike fitting expert behind The Bike Tailor, to shed some light on the nuances of saddle fitting within the broader context of bike fitting, explaining why finding the right saddle can be a game-changer for both recreational riders and seasoned athletes alike.
We often get people coming in because they're having issues with their saddle—usually soft tissue discomfort or problems with the sit bones. These issues affect all genders. An inappropriate saddle causes pressure, and when you're riding and feel persistent discomfort, that signals something's wrong. In about 99% of cases, it can be fixed. There are many saddle shapes, densities, foams, gels, and even raw carbon options. Everyone's body is different. That's why saddle fitting is such an individualised process.
So the discomfort many cyclists feel—always being aware of the saddle—is a sign the fit's off?
Exactly. Saddle discomfort often comes down to positioning. If you're not sitting right on the saddle—whether it's too high or too far forward—you'll end up with pressure in the wrong places.
Can you walk us through the saddle fitting process?
First, we observe the cyclist in the saddle, pedalling as usual. We'll take a video capture as a snapshot of their fit. That helps us see how they ride before we make any changes. If it's clear that issues go beyond the saddle, I'll usually recommend a full bike fit. That's especially true for people who haven't had a proper fit before. Otherwise, for returning clients, we can often tweak just the saddle position.
Next, we use a sit bone measuring tool—a memory foam pad—that shows us how wide the rider's sit bones are, which tells us what saddle width they need. If someone's rocking off the edge of their saddle, we'll try a wider option. It's a funny thing because we don't sit on our butts when we ride! We meet the saddle with our sit bones, so if the saddle is too wide or narrow, it will be impossible to get comfortable. That's why the measuring tool is critical to the saddle fitting process.
It's critical. Once we've got a better-fitting saddle on the bike, we use a pressure mapping cover that goes over the saddle and transmits real-time data to an iPad. It shows where pressure is applied—hot spots appear in red, while low-pressure areas appear in blue. It's beneficial for helping riders understand what's happening under them, and it allows us to begin alleviating pressure by altering the angle of the saddle, its fore and aft position, and its height, all of which often necessitates a comprehensive bike fit.
Is it challenging when someone comes in just for a saddle fit but clearly needs a full bike fit?
It can be tricky, but the visuals help. With our video and pressure mapping tools, I can clearly show riders what's happening and explain that fixing the saddle alone might not solve their problem. Most people understand. If they've never had a bike fit, I'll often call ahead and let them know the saddle fit might lead to a recommendation for a complete fitting.
And for those who go through the saddle fit only?
We measure their sit bones, check their position, and use the pressure mapping to suggest changes or new saddles. If we see deeper issues, I'll flag that a full bike fit may be beneficial. For some, the saddle fit solves the problem entirely. For others, it's the start of the journey toward a better overall fit.
Lastly, do you have any final tips for cyclists experiencing saddle discomfort?
Don't ignore discomfort. Any pain or pressure means something's not right. You shouldn't be riding in pain—cycling should be comfortable. We're not all pro racers, so we don't need to ride like one. Aim for a biomechanically stable position on the bike. If you're feeling discomfort, especially if it persists despite using high-quality bib shorts or chamois, it's time to get checked. And remember, the saddle is just one part of a bigger system.
Comfort is non-negotiable, whether you're commuting, racing, or riding for fun. A proper bike saddle fit—ideally as part of a comprehensive bike fit—can transform your riding experience. Don't settle for pain. Reach out to The Bike Tailor to find your perfect match.
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