Bike Seat Pain: Identifying Problems and Solutions

Since 2005, states all across the country have seen a 46% increase in the number of people who commute by bicycle. But whether you bike for recreation, are a serious competitive cyclist, or rely on your bike to get you to and from work every day, it's important that your bike rides don't leave you sore in the saddle. If you're experiencing physical pressure, pain, and numbness after riding your bicycle for any length of time, your bike seat may be to blame. Most of us know that comfortable bike seats are key, but because every rider has different needs, it can be difficult to discern what kind of bike seats may work best for you (and which ones may end up being a pain in the rear). For many cyclists, leather bike saddles work best, but others may prefer options with more cushioning. We've put together a short guide that may help you determine what sort of bicycle saddle problems may be causing your pain, as well as potential solutions to alleviate it.

Problem #1: Front Saddle Pain

If you're experiencing pain in the areas towards the front of your seat, this may be due to a tilted saddle. You may find relief by adjusting the tilt down by even just a degree or two. This pain could also be caused by the nose of your saddle. You may potentially need to look at bike seats that are shorter or that have a downward hook. Finally, if you're experiencing thigh chafing, you should look at narrower saddles; your current seat is probably too wide for your body.

Problem #2: Rear Saddle Pain

Rear saddle pain isn't always caused by your seat. If you aren't used to cycling, aren't wearing bicycle shorts, or have forgotten to occasionally stand up while riding, these can all be culprits, too. But if those aren't a possibility, it could be that your current seat isn't a proper fit for your sit bones. You should have your sit bones measured to ensure your saddle fits well, especially if you just made a guess on the width before.

Problem #3: Mid-Saddle Pain

Soft tissue area pain can convince anyone not to go cycling for a long time to come. If you're experiencing discomfort in these areas, you may benefit from a seat with a cut-out, which can help to reduce pressure in these areas. More aggressive riding positions often call for full cut-outs, whereas some cyclists may just need a channel to ease pressure. Some cyclists also opt to have their saddle a tiny bit off-center to reduce soft tissue pain and provide better support. But ideally, you'll want to look at bike seats that keep the problem from happening in the first place.