Of Butts, Widths and Pains?

Yes, the topic today includes butt width … and also speaks of some pains that might go with it. Is that the best way to start out the new year?  Hmm.

In cycling you should know the width of your butt … to know what size saddle you need. There are a variety of ways to measure for saddle width.  

I know, it is not really the width of your butt instead of is the width of your bones.  There are plenty of methods to do this. There are the high tech ones with force ‘plates’ and computers. There are official ones from various seat manufacturers.  There are the “at home” methods that include paper towels and/or cardboard. I am sure there are other options.  All work. In fact, I would propose that the most important part is the “attention to detail” of the person doing the measuring more than the method that you choose.  I will not recommend a method—that is up to you.

Saddle width matters. If you are uncomfortable with someone else measuring you for saddle width, you can certainly do it at home on your own. The important part is to do it—that does not mean the saddle will be comfy, but it is a good start. 

And an aside … once upon a time I was an ergonomist. I worked for a large industrial forest products company. Although I was assigned to a paper mill, this particular ergonomic job was not in the manufacturing area, but in the planning office. This department was getting new chairs. The chairs of choice were modular and had a few size options for back and seats. The manager of the department had a sense of humor. I was scheduled to visit the department to select sizes for each person prior to ordering—individual fit. Ergonomics at its best. The manager posted a sign in the department to communicate the process. His sign said, Conner is measuring your butts starting Monday at 1pm, sign up for a time slot below to get your butt measured. Yep, that is what it said. The department was predominantly middle age females. I was a 25 year old male. Yes, you can imagine the response. I was unaware of the sign until my phone starting ringing … off the hook. Yeah, there was a hook because the phone was still attached to the wall back then. I spent much time assuring each person that I was not actually measuring their butt. I was simply allowing them to sit in each option and we would decide what was best for them. The choice was confidential. Yeah, they did not trust that. It is what happened – trust (at least with me) was restored. I suspect they had lost trust with their manager years prior.  

Anyway, back to bikes. Saddle width is important. It is the same as above. Measuring for saddle width is measuring your bone width, but it occurs “second hand,” meaning that there is a tool that transfers your width so that it can be measured. It is a good start when selecting a saddle that is correct for you. You still need to ride, adjust and decide for yourself … it is a personal experience. Recently, there has been a move toward wider saddles. I did not say wide, just wider. Only a cyclist would recognize the difference. There is a difference. To non-cyclists, even the really wide ones are skinny.  

That was the long way to say that saddles are personal. When you find what works, use it. I know that some cyclists use different saddles on different types of bikes. That makes sense: If your body position is different, then you sit on the saddle differently. I use the same saddle on all my bikes and it works for me. Do what works for you. What you should not do is “cheap out” on saddles. Although sometimes possible, “making it work” is not the best option. Find a saddle that fits you well. One that is comfortable. If you do not notice it when you ride—perfect. You want the saddle to disappear beneath you. Take the time and effort (sometimes that is a lot) to find what works. Sometimes that means buying multiple saddles and riding each. The financial expenditure can grow. Your butt is worth it. Find the correct one and eBay the rest. You may be able to find a shop (or a buddy) that has some loaners to try. 

Once you find the correct saddle you are set for life. Not. I rode the same saddle for a very long time and then, one day, it was on longer comfortable. Surprise. Your body changes over time. Milage plays a role also. It is logical to think the more miles you put in, the more specific the needs of your saddle. But the opposite can also be true. For lower mileage cyclists, the saddle fit can also be particular as a result of being less accustomed to time in the saddle. More miles can condition you to be able to adapt to more saddle types, but it can also make you more sensitive to a particular saddle need. It is your body—you will have to figure it out.  

Width is not all. Width is one component. Ideal saddle fit combines saddle width, length, tilt, padding, shape, fore/aft and height, coupled with your specific anatomy. Yes, more than “just a few variables.” The adjustment of the saddle and its position on the bike in relation to you is radically important. Sometimes the process is fast, sometimes slow—often tedious. Better to go on a solo ride or a ride with a good friend as you make the micro-adjustments. This is also where your local bike shop can help. We have just a few touch points with our bike: feet, hands and butt. Each need to be comfortable for you to be efficient, and in that order (comfort being more important than efficiency). If your butt is not happy, you will not be happy.  You could test that theory, but it might be a pain in the butt.