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My wife would like to ride more, but gets extreme discomfort from any of the generic ladies saddles she's tried. The issue is with her (technical terminology) frontal squishy bits.
I've tried shorter stem, higher bars, tilting the saddle down a bit, but doesn't seem to help. Note she's a very occasional cyclist so has the saddle too low so she can put her feet down, takes all her weight through the saddle rather than through the legs on bumps etc - I know but she's not going to do what I suggest!
The trouble is she's not going to progress and gain confidence to get a better position or be more confident without riding more, and won't ride more because of discomfort. Chicken and egg, but if I can improve the saddle situation it would be a start.
Suggestions?
Watching with interest as my wife has similar issues.
Considering one of the "noseless" ISM saddles for her although they're not cheap. E.g.
My girlfriend found the following helped (this was on a small wheeled, sit up and beg style bike):
Put the handlebars up - this stopped her leaning forward and putting pressure on her vagina.
Put the seat down a bit so her knee was a bit more bent than you might normally think is good for pedalling efficiency - this stopped pressure on vagina when at the bottom of each pedal stroke.
Also had good results with Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow saddles with a couple of girls who've had this issue. They're pretty cheap and just seem to work. If you get one second hand you can sell it for the same £££ if it isn't right so shouldn't cost you much at all
yup, same here. We have tried a number of different ladies saddles, stems, bars etc, nothing quite so extreme as above. I think that she doesn't really want to come cycling with me, but cannot bring herself to tell me..#edit# she currently has the Selle Italia Lady Diva saddle. I think also that a good pair of padded shorts would resolve the issue as said below, but she doesn't like the idea of spending moeny on something which may not be used as she wont spend the time getting used to it.
Does she wear padded cycling shorts? If not I’d suggest starting there rather than trying loads of different saddles.
My wife had similar issues, exacerbated by those hideous gel/'comfort' saddles.
I bought her a Madison Strata which she thought looked really uncomfortable, but within the space of about 15 minutes was mega impressed. Even if she hasn't ridden for ages she just gets slightly sore sit bones, which is exactly what I'd expect with any saddle tbh.
She'd highly recommend it.
Get her good quality padded shorts and a dropper post.
Padded shorts for riding comfort and a dropper so she can have the saddle in the correct position when pedaling but drop down to put her feet down when needed. This is the main function of my wife's dropper as she doesn't ride gnarr but likes to plant her feet when she stops without having to jump off the saddle.
For reference, she uses a WTB pure in a wide size (148mm from memory) with dhb padded shorts under her baggies.
I remember reading an article a while ago about how the idea of having different men's and women's saddles is silly as we all have very different shaped bums and different width sit bones with plenty of overlap between the average range of women and men.
Tbh it will be the same problem as most people have finding a comfortable saddle, trying lots of different shapes out and seeing what works for her.
A decent set of padded shorts always helps and if there is too much pressure on her bits then try a saddle with a cutout
I may have a Selle Italia Ladies saddle at home if your wife would like to try it FOC. DM me or email neilallard77 at gmail dot com, i will have a look when i get in after work.
We had the same problem, she thought that it was just part of riding. We tried lots of different saddles including the Sella Italia Diva saddle which works for some but not for us.
In the end we got a Selle SMP TRK which has a curved nose and it solved the problem.
Recommended and she can now do long rides with no pain.
Just looked we only paid £33 for it now they are £55 that next day delivery website everyone get their stuff from.
Hope this helps.
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...a dropper so she can have the saddle in the correct position when pedaling but drop down to put her feet down when needed. This is the main function of my wife’s dropper as she doesn’t ride gnarr but likes to plant her feet when she stops without having to jump off the saddle
This is a very underrated use of a dropper post, but very applicable in this situation - my OH uses hers similarly.
She has padded shorts - I think helped a little but not enough.
I had looked at the ISM saddles and they get great reviews. I did show her, however she's quite self conscious and said she's not riding a bike with that on!
Lots of love for the Selle Italia saddles, I'll look into those. Neila thats a really kind offer, I may take you up on that. Do you know what model it is?
The Selle Italia Diva saddle didn't solve the problem for my wife, hence now looking as the ISM ones.
I've tried loads of different saddles in the quest to find "the one" . My latest one is the Specialized Power Comp Mimic Saddle -so far I'm really impressed and mbr review gave it 10/10.
Ignoring your comment about the unacceptable aesthetics of the ISM saddles, I got my other half the ISM touring which has the most plentiful space for undercarriages I've ever seen. She had a go of a road/TT ISM saddle I had beforehand which are brutally hard.
There was an article about the lack of women's saddles and the troubles some female pros have had in the recent special issue of Rouleur (101 I think).
I remember reading an article a while ago about how the idea of having different men’s and women’s saddles is silly as we all have very different shaped bums and different width sit bones with plenty of overlap between the average range of women and men.
I'm inclined to agree. FWIW OH and I both use Brooks Cambium (not renowned for being soft!), hers is not a ladies version. Only difference is the width. They are comfortable enough given the caveats of correct saddle height and adjustment and padded shorts.
Specialized do a saddle fitting thing where they use a pressure pad to measure width of sit bones and then recommend the right width saddle. I use a charge ladle on road and MTB, although I don’t think they’re made anymore.
Selle Italia Diva saddle didn’t solve the problem for my wife
Without stating the obvious, there are different Selle Italia female targeted saddles (and different models/names for them in different years).
The Lady Gel Flow now comes in two widths (135 and 160). It's flat and generously padded.
The Diva Gel Flow has a dropped nose, less padding and is 152mm wide
I think Katie's now riding "mens" SlR superflow which are the same dimensions - 145mm - and cutout that the older design of Diva saddle used to have (on advice of Selle Italia). It seems slightly firmer padding than the old 'diva' branded ones but is identical shape. Bigger cutout than either of the two current female specific selle saddles.
Riding position does make a difference - she rides a different wider saddle (I think the Lady Gel Flow) on her commute/brompton than on the road/mountain bikes.
Weight should be on her sit bones not on her delicate bits
Bringing the saddle forweard and tipping it nose down might help Higher bars will also help
+1 on getting measured/saddle fit.
Mrs_oab happend on the Giant women's saddle that her Liv Lust came with. It's been the best match for her of the 5+ saddles we've tried.
Thankfully her gravel bike came with e exactly the same saddle!
It does that thing of having a deep recess instead of a cutout, because like your wife OP she is self conscious about 'wierd' saddles.
Our local bike shop has a Gadget From Specialized which measures your sit-bones which in turn can help narrow down your options.
However, as everyone is a different shape it might not be a definitive solution.
I've tried a few different saddles and always end back at Charge Spoons.
Point of anatomical order chaps outside is the vulva, if the lady in question is putting pressure on her vagina something is very wrong indeed.
If there's resistance to sitting on a measuring device in a shop for seat width. Tinfoil on a carpeted stair in the middle of a staircase. The victim sits on this and then raises her feet. Measure the ensuing dents centre to centre to get a saddle width.
A female I worked with previously had an intimate piercing and a Cobb V-Flow worked very well for them.
Get the best padded shorts you can. I picked up some super expensive ones (can't remember what they were sorry) discounted on CRC. I found it was best for them to be smaller on you than larger too so go down a size rather than up.
What bike has she got? I find a lot of modern bikes just too long in the top tube to ever get comfortable.
Selle Italia saddles were best for me but Spesh ones ok too. Definitely need one with a cutout.
Before everyone gets too excited with £200 Cobb saddles and £100 shorts, we're talking a gentle pedal round the country park here! On a Specialized ladies MTB which was £250 about 15 years ago!
But some great advice thanks. Considering Selle SMP TRK or Selle Diva Gel at the mo. I'll measure her sit bones when she gets home from work - although we live in a bungalow so no bottom step for tin foil.
A gentle pedal round the country park which leaves her in extreme discomfort.
Maybe she'd be better trying a scooter?
Seriously, I used to know a woman who reported the same. In the end she had to admit cycling just wasn't for her. It was only on road stuff too on a hybrid.
Hope you find a solution.
Having always ridden none women's specific, I finally succumbed last year (when spending a lot of time stationery on the turbo).
There was a thread somewhere on here and I took a punt on the recommendations and got a Selle Italia Diva (gel flow)
I thought it may be too wide for sit bones but it's spot on (do measure this). The downward rounded nose and importantly the cut out make a massive difference.
If it's nerve pressure 'pinching' it could be saddle is too wide or too padded, more isn't always good!
+1 for decent chamois (and cream)
It may not be epic days and days of touring but if in discomfort, it will be not at all. Worth the investment, it's more likely to be more than a one off
@40mog, I've checked the spares box and have a Selle Italia X2 Ldy Flow in scruffy white if you're interested.
Specialized do a saddle fitting thing where they use a pressure pad to measure width of sit bones and then recommend the right width saddle.
My Missus had this done at the Specialized Store in Chester. Her saddle cost about £60 if I recall, and has made a huge difference to comfort. They do a no quibble return policy as well (or did at that time at least).
Another shout out for Selle Italia Lady gel flow here too - on both of Mrs Velocipedes bikes (road and mtb)
Simply get her to sit on a ton of seats in a shop. Any descent shop should help and most should have a loan set that you rent and they credit when you buy one.
Make sure the seat fits the sit bones or she's resting on the delicate part.
Seats with large cut outs work.
Tip the nose forward.
So many bad set ups out there but just buying seats with no idea how wide her sit bones are for example is just throwing money away.
Same results as Mrs outandabout here. My wife has never got on with bike sales until she got a Liv one on a complete bike.
I think you can buy them separately, or of your in Sheffield them in sure it could be loaned for a few days
My wife has tried a few saddles, she’s decided that a charge spoon, or something similarly shaped is all that works.
Everyone is different of course, although I happen to agree with her.
Neither of us can sit on the flatter style of saddle.
If the vulva is being squashed she needs the saddle either slid forward/ tilted forward/ lower down.
Or a combination.
Adjust one thing at a time.
My wife ended up getting an inline post for her cx bike, which made it far better for her.
It’s a vicious circle, if she’s in pain she wont be able to ride long enough to toughen her bum up to ever ride any distance.
Specialized Power Comp Mimic Saddle
Mrs anagallis has one of these on her road bike after issues. She loves it, local concept store were happy to loan one out for a few weeks to try.
Mrs Eddiethegent here...
Get measured
Good shorts/padded knickers
Weight not fully on saddle... use legs too
Sit on sit bones not your super important soft bits
Chamois cream
Join velovixen cycling chat on Facebook .... they’re always talking about lady bits
It’s worth paying ++ to feel supported
Saddles different for everyone but short nose, swept up back shape works for my fussy ass
Enjoy!
My good lady has had success with an ISM saddle on her road bike after trying numerous others. On her MTB she gets on with the Liv Lust saddle as per Mrs MattOAB. She has similar issues to the OP.
We have spent £100s on this including all the saddles on mentioned above. We've done 3 bike fits including the bloke who used to sort out Sky and British Cycling. So here is the short version!
I set Mrs W up based on 40 years of cycling experience (high level road racing, touring MTB, track etc) Tried saddles recommended by others. Had problems with the "bits" so newer bike people said get bike fit. She did. Worse! They try to get a race fit because she is fit, flexible, young and on a good bike. Comfort and enjoying your ride didn't compute. We ended going back to the position I started her with.
Lesson 1 - Use a bike fit or on-line position assessment as a guide not a religion.
Lesson 2 - What works on a 30 min ride doesn't work after 30 miles so be prepared to make minor adjustments on the hoof. But make sure they are minor and give time to let things settle
Lesson 3 - Proper shorts with Chamois cream are essential. No other underwear. Fit is vastly different so be prepared to try loads. Not mens in the appropriate size!
Lesson 4 - Get a saddle fit. Padded saddles are rubbish. Shape is all. Mrs W ended up with a Specialised Mimic.
Lesson 5 - ride the largest volume tyres you can. When we fitted 32mm Conti 5000s it was a revelation in additional comfort over 28mm Gatorskins
Lesson 6 - use proper SPD type pedals so when the position is right she doesn't slip out of it
Lesson 7 - It takes time. Mrs W is now giving me hell. She's faster than me up hill, she complains that I didn't force her to ride for the first 15 years of our marriage.
Private message us if you want to sort a chat Mrs W. The bit above is right. Feeling that you can talk to someone who understands is really helpful. Good look whatever you do.
This is a very regular topic of conversation on mtbChix&Trail. Selle Italia Gel/Diva (which is what I have in various forms) and Specialized Power Comp Mimic Saddle (which pre COVID at least you could loan for 30 days) both regularly come out on top.
Definitely a decent chamois and chamois cream.
My Mum went through loads of saddles and it wasn’t until she combined it with some Rapha shorts and chamois cream (having both now tried a few we think the Chamois Butt’r is best) could she ride more than 20 miles. Your OH at the moment will only ride for 25 mins round the park occasionally - it’s too painful to do more or more frequently. Invest in the right short + chamois combo (Castelli are often a good option as they have a thicker pad) and she might actually want to cycle further!
Sooooo, interesting topic and I'll put in my twopenn'orth based on years of cycling and many different saddles.
Very interesting article a while ago about ladies' pubic bones, hip socket placement and the effect on the protuberance of the vulva and labia, basically are you an innie or an outie.
This will affect how different saddles feel and why one might work for one person and not another.
In my experience,
Spesh Power saddle - awesome for MTB comfort when I'm in and out of the saddle or more upright on the long slogs, no good on the road bike purely due to the plastic at the side of the cutout applying weird pressure on extended rides.
Charge ladle - again great for MTB, poor for road due to soft tissue pressure.
WTB diva - amazing saddle for everything.
Spesh Aldia Sport - great for upright commuter.
Spesh Lithia Comp gel - amazing road bike saddle that is my absolute favourite for road even though it looks a little bulky. Forgotten chamois cream a couple of times when in a rush and it made no difference.
Hope that helps.
My wife finally admitted that a 'good' saddle was needed for a her road bike and we ended up with a Spesh Lithia Comp gel after a few other options failed. She winced at the price, but she found it made a huge difference to her.
Haven't read the whole thread but from my ex-wifes experience would definitely recommend the ISM Adamo style. They Transformed her cycling (and she rides A LOT). She even runs one with all the padding removed (just the bare plastic shell) which she says is just as comfy!
Havwe you tried pushing the saddle all the way forward yet? Nose down and all the way forward will prompt her to sit on the sit bones not the squidgy bits. Thats what she needs. No saddle will matter if she continues to put the weight on the wrong areas
My OH has been through this as well and we've probably spent well into four figures all in all on bloody saddles !
Most get returned or sold on tbh so the actual outlay isn't that large.
She's had two bike fits and one saddle fit as she does half ironman things and 100K bike rides so needs to be comfy.
Outside she had settled on the Specialised Lithia Comp as mentioned a few posts up. Look very bulky and 'comfy' to me but she loves them for riding outside.
Unfortunately with Covid and winter she's been doing a lot of turbo riding and the saddles that were very comfy are not when indoors. Most odd but it's her bits that hurt not mine so will take her word for it.
Can't actually remember what saddles she has now but the 2 Specialised ones will be for sale if anybody is interested 😉 (Great condition, no damage and not really that well used as she settled on them just before Covid)
ended up with a Spesh Lithia Comp gel after a few other options failed. She winced at the price, but she found it made a huge difference to her.
A quick look at some of the carbon and unobtanium garnished saddles elsewhere would have helped reassure her that it's not too dear for a saddle. Those Cobb ones as an example.
Have a word @tjagain. Have you actually tried that? Surely it would put the saddle in such an uncomfortable position as to be unrideable. I know that having my saddle tipped forward just slides me forward, it doesn't make me balance on my sit bones more!
No I haven't tried it. I'm a bloke and I agree with you for me - however thats what cured the issue for Mrs TJ. Saddle right forward and nose slightly down. Mens and womens bits a pelvises are different shapes. I know other women thats worked for.
My wife will now only ride a bike that has a selle italia diva fitted. Same complaints as the op and completely fixed now. She has a bought a spare to keep in stock just in case they stop making them!
If anyone fancies doing a swap, please send me a message.
We've got a Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow saddle that hasn't been a success for MrsB. Would consider a swap for one of the saddles mentioned in this thread as having been successful for some.
Hi @Kip I occasionally get asked for nose down on our hire bike saddles by our female clients, some weird chaps also ask for nose up! It's a rare request though only once or twice a year for the last 10.
I bought my other half a Zefal saddle (wasn't expensive) with a long cutout. She won't ride a bike without it now!
https://www.amazon.com/Zefal-5628-Journey-Seat/dp/B00FN4N9EC
The closest I can find to it (looks better quality) is this BBB saddle https://bbbcycling.com/uk_en/bsd-13-multidensity
Well @tjagain and @sandwich you live and learn. I have short arms and a tilted forward saddle slides me forward and places all my weight on my hands and wrists. However I am a shorty with a wrecked neck so my bars are pretty much level with my seat anyway regardless of the bike I ride.
As far as I've found over the years, it's the cutout that makes the difference. If it's a full one like the Spesh then it's way better than a covered one like the Charge.
If @40mpg is local to Devon then their lady is welcome to try a variety of the ones I have on my bikes.
We went through this process, bought loads of saddles and nothing felt comfortable for my wife. In the end, I saw a rather substantial muddy fox saddle on sale for not much so tried that and it’s been perfect, day long rides with no real issues. It’s like sitting on an arm chair 🙂
My daughter (7 yo) was having similar issues, getting very sore, often accompanied by bleeding. All the usual high quality kids brands didn’t help at all, in the end I got her a Royal Gel from Selle Royal. From the moment it was fitted, soreness has not been mentioned again, and she does about 35 miles a week on the trails, sometimes a fair bit more.
Note she’s a very occasional cyclist so has the saddle too low so she can put her feet down, takes all her weight through the saddle rather than through the legs on bumps etc – I know but she’s not going to do what I suggest!
The trouble is she’s not going to progress and gain confidence to get a better position or be more confident without riding more, and won’t ride more because of discomfort.
Few of us take instruction from partners well - but it sounds like a coaching session or two (perhaps with a female coach?) would make quite a difference - and if they are used to dealing with beginners will probably help her set up the bike too. Even just the confidence to lift the weight off whilst riding for a minute makes a bad saddle bearable (keep in mind that if she’s knackered keeping up with you, that just having the energy to standup on the peddles is exhausting!).
Pain comes in different forms: You said she has padded shorts - she doesn’t wear pants under them does she? It appears to me women are more inclined to - and I think that is counter productive. Similarly I think many treat chamois cream like foundation rather than butter icing! There was some research that BC women’s team did which was suggesting that hair removal may be bad for protection/comfort.
https://www.philburtinnovation.co.uk/saddle-health-assessment/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI_g8N3Ll_E
Actual woman here, who does a reasonable amount of both MTB and road biking 😊
I find the Specialized women-specific saddles really suit me, plus decent padded shorts and pointing the nose of the saddle down. By “pointing down”, I mean slightly off horizontal, not a massive slope. Whenever I’ve had a go on a man’s bike I feel like the saddle is sloping backwards. Saddle position often needs to be significantly different for a woman.
If it’s a particularly long ride, then I wear two pairs of padded shorts!
Plus, getting a professional bike fit is well worth it.
