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news | May 27, 2026

How wide should my saddle be?

Saddle width is approximate to sit bone spacing + 2cm. With leather saddles like a Rivet, you definitely want to add that 2cm, because you do not want to be sitting on the metal frame of the saddle. You want to be seated between the edges of the frame. What if the saddle's more than 2cm wider than sit bone spacing?

Is a wider saddle better?

Wider saddles tend to be more comfortable so are good for long rides or leisurely riders where extra weight from more materials isn't an issue. Thinner saddles tend to be better for short efforts – such as racing – where comfort isn't dispensed with entirely but is compromised in favour of other factors.

How much wider than sit bones should saddle be?

For this reason, width of the saddle (or the part of the saddle the sit bones are leaned on) should be at least two cm (one cm to each side) greater than the width of the part of the sit bones that are leaned on it.

Is my saddle too wide or too narrow?

If the angles of the points are too narrow, the points will dig into the horse's muscles and most likely, the middle of the saddle will not come in even contact with your horse's back. If the points are too wide, the saddle will sit low in front, putting pressure on top of the withers or the back.

How do I know if my bike saddle is too wide?

Saddle width is vital as it is one part of the bicycle that determines your riding position. Also, if you feel like your sit bones are being pushed apart or slide to the front part of the saddle, it is most likely that it is too wide for you.

40 related questions found

What happens if saddle is too wide?

When a saddle is too wide in the front, it can sink down over the withers. This takes the saddle out of balance by making the pommel lower than the cantle, which in turn carries more pressure over the front of the tree (at the withers/shoulders) than a saddle with a properly sized tree.

How do you tell if a saddle is too narrow for a horse?

Place the saddle on the horse's bare back (no pad). There should be two to three fingers space between the top of the wither and the gullet of the saddle. If you can fit your whole hand (vertically) between the bottom of the gullet and the wither, the tree is probably too narrow.

Where should sit bones be on saddle?

The optimal saddle width guarantees that the sit bones lie completely flat on the saddle. This is the only way in which pressure is relieved on the sensitive area in men and on the pubic arch in women and ensures more efficiency. A saddle should fit like a pair of shoes!

What size saddle for 110mm sit bones?

According to this, a 110mm sit-bone width should see you on a 155mm saddle if you sit upright, or a 143mm saddle if you go more aero. Art's Cyclery suggests measuring your sit-bone width then adding 25-30mm to get the right saddle width.

How wide are my sit bones?

Measuring sit bone width

Sit with your feet tilted up long enough to leave a good impression. Stand and find the two deepest indentions your sit bones left behind and mark them both with a point. Measure from one point to the other with your measuring tape in millimeters. Add 20-25mm to determine your saddle size.

Why do my sit bones hurt when cycling?

Too much padding is a bad thing: When you pedal, your sit bones are seeking a surface to press into, and if you have a lot of padding, you may actually be putting more pressure on sensitive tissues, not less. Different saddles: It's actually a great idea to mix up your saddles if you ride different bikes.

Should I tilt my saddle forward?

Saddle adjusted correctly? Your saddle should be at a neutral angle, so you're sitting on the middle portion, not sliding forwards on the nose or backwards off the rear of the saddle. The best way to achieve this is to use a spirit level.

What size saddle for 130mm sit bones?

Many suggest adding about 20mm, as signified by the Road Bike Bros above, which would then land you on the ideal saddle. For example, if your sit bones measured 130mm, you add 20mm and voila, a 150mm saddle width will fit perfectly!

Does my horse need a wide tree?

My saddle is pinching, I need a wider Tree.

If the bar angle is too wide for the horse, it will pinch at the contact point. If your horse has a narrow “A” shape, the saddle may be too wide.

How tight should a horse saddle be?

The cinch should be tight enough so that the saddle doesn't slip sideways, but not tight enough to pinch the horse. Tighten the cinch gradually in small increments to prevent your horse from becoming girthy and being aggressive while tacking up. Position the saddle slightly forward of where it will rest.

What size saddle do I need for a 15 hand horse?

Seat sizes 15 to 17 inches — Best for junior riders or smaller adults. Seat sizes 17 and 17.5 inches — Most popular size for average height and weight adults. Seat sizes 18 and 19 inches — Best for larger adult riders or tall riders.

Why do I keep sliding forward on my saddle?

Women riders will generally want as little weight as possible on the saddle, and many men find the upward tilt uncomfortable. Of more frequent concern are downward-tilted saddles. These cause the rider to constantly slide forward, or brace themselves with their arms as long as they're in the saddle.

How do you set a saddle position?

Move your saddle down 1 to 2cm at a time until this back and forth stops. Conversely, if it's easy to pedal smoothly, try going up a few centimetres at a time until you have to start reaching for the pedals. Once you're reaching, start edging your saddle back down until you find yourself in an ideal starting height.

Why do I slip forward on my bike saddle?

A likely cause is that your saddle is too far forward on its rails - causing your weight to be biased forward onto your hands, as well as your sit bones to be sliding forward on the saddle.

How do you pad your bum when cycling?

You apply chamois cream directly to the pad in your shorts and to your perineum before riding and, although it might initially feel a little strange and squishy, its effectiveness in preventing saddle soreness is almost miraculous. It reduces friction, hydrates the skin and prevents cracking.

How long does it take to adjust to a bike seat?

Start by using the seat no more than one hour each day. It may take a few weeks to get used to the unaccustomed seat pressures. Unless you are a seasoned horseback, motorcycle, or bicycle rider, you should build up to saddle sitting gradually.

How do you ride a bike without hurting your butt?

Let's review!

  1. Stand on the pedals once in a while (or at least shift your position on the seat).
  2. Adjust the tilt of your saddle.
  3. 3 Grease Up.
  4. Try a different style underwear.
  5. Adjust your bike.
  6. Get a pair of real bike shorts (and ditch the underwear altogether)
  7. Lose weight... Eat less, ride more.
  8. Change your saddle.