TLDR: Saddle sores are not a badge of honour. They’re a warning sign that your bike fit is off. The right saddle width, tilt, and setup can eliminate pain, boost power, and keep you riding longer. A professional bike fit makes all the difference.
Why saddle sores are not normal
Too many cyclists finish rides with a sore bottom, numb hands, or an aching back. They assume it is part of the sport. It is not. Saddle sores are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong with your setup.
Your saddle is not just a seat. It is the foundation of your cycling power. Get it wrong, and you fight your bike every kilometre. Get it right, and every pedal stroke feels smoother, stronger, and more efficient.
The myth of one-size-fits-all saddles
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a saddle by guesswork. Many riders still believe a simple hip bone measurement is enough. The truth? The human body is more complex. Small differences in anatomy, core strength, and posture change everything.
If your saddle is too narrow, you overload soft tissue and risk nerve compression. Too wide, and your hips cannot rotate freely, costing you power. Saddle sores are often the first red flag.
Saddle width: the foundation of comfort and power
Men and women have different sit bone widths. Men typically fall between 100–140mm, women between 110–160mm. But even within those ranges, personal variation is huge. That’s why the right width matters.
When your sit bones connect properly with your saddle, your pelvis stays stable. This stability allows for stronger, more efficient power transfer. Without it, you rock side to side, waste energy, and create friction that leads to saddle sores.
Saddle tilt: the overlooked factor
Tilt is where many riders go wrong. A saddle angled too far forward makes you slide towards your bars, dumping pressure onto your hands, neck, and shoulders. Too far back, and you restrict your hips. Both scenarios waste energy and cause pain.
The right tilt keeps you centered and balanced. You should feel supported without constantly shifting or sliding. This not only prevents saddle sores but also improves overall posture on the bike.
Professional fitting: precision over guesswork
A comprehensive bike fit goes far beyond eyeballing measurements. It involves:
- Measuring sit bone width with pressure mapping
- Testing stability while pedalling under load
- Adjusting height, setback, and tilt for harmony
- Fine-tuning based on your unique posture and goals
Every rider’s body tells a different story. A professional fit ensures your saddle matches your anatomy, not the other way around.
Do power saddles really work?
You’ve probably seen “power saddles” marketed as instant solutions. Some feature relief channels, special foams, or carbon reinforcement. While these can help, they’re not magic. A power saddle fitted incorrectly will still cause saddle sores.
Think of saddles like shoes: the right pair for you might not work for someone else. A bike fit ensures any saddle, power or classic, supports you properly.
Long-distance comfort: why it matters
If you are training for long events like the Ride Joburg cycle challenge or multi-day rides, comfort becomes even more critical. Small issues multiply over hours in the saddle. Many endurance riders prefer leather models like Brooks, which mould to the rider’s shape and last for years.
Long rides demand:
• Even pressure distribution
• Stable pelvic support
• A slightly softer feel than race saddles
• The right width for changing positions over time
Aero and time trial positions
Time trial and triathlon riders face a different challenge. With hips rotated forward, standard saddles no longer work. That’s why TT saddles are shorter and shaped differently. They reduce perineal pressure while still allowing powerful pedalling in an aerodynamic position.
The real cost of ignoring saddle sores
Every ride with discomfort chips away at your performance, motivation, and long-term health. Left unchecked, saddle sores can lead to infections, nerve issues, and chronic pain. Many riders waste money on endless saddle swaps instead of investing once in a proper fit.
The Cycle-Fit Guarantee
We guarantee your fit will let you ride longer, faster, and more comfortably. If after six weeks you’re still hitting limits due to your position, we’ll refund your investment. Train smarter, ride longer. Or it’s free.
Ready to enjoy riding again?
Cycling should feel like freedom, not a fight against your saddle. Stop accepting pain as normal. Book your professional saddle fit today and discover how small adjustments can unlock your power, protect your body, and keep you riding stronger for longer.
FAQ
Are saddle sores unavoidable for cyclists?
No. While they are common, they are not inevitable. With the right saddle fit and bike setup, you can eliminate them.
Will a new saddle fix my problem?
Not always. Swapping saddles without a fit is guesswork. The issue often comes from width, tilt, or height, not the saddle model itself.
How long does it take to adapt to a new saddle?
Most riders adjust within 2–3 weeks. If pain continues, your fit likely needs tweaking.
Do women need different saddles than men?
Not always. Some women ride comfortably on men’s saddles and vice versa. What matters most is matching sit bone width and pelvic stability.
Can I do a fit at home?
You can make small adjustments yourself, but a professional fit uses tools like pressure mapping to provide precise results.
