Everyone deserves a favorite saddle
Fit Right embodies ergonomic design and scientific testing to help riders enjoy their riding even more. Understanding that each rider is unique, Fit Right matches our specific products to your riding style. Leaning on decades of working with every kind of rider, Fit Right provides solutions to common complaints.
MAKING IT WORK
The human crotch was not meant to bear weight! BUT, we are going to sit on a saddle, right? So how do we do that? We have to find a structure that is able to support our mass, and that is bone. There is lots of scientific data to support that perineal (soft tissue) pressure is a bad idea; that it leads to genital numbness, erectile dysfunction, labial scarring etc. The goal of a bike seat is to support your mass on your bones, called your ischial tuberosities or sit bones. By isolating the pressure to the bone, we relieve the perineum and stay away from all the bad consequences.
PRESSURE MAPPING AND ENDLESS TESTING
We use pressure mapping extensively in developing our saddles to ensure sit bone support with the kind of rider we are developing the saddle for.
We also rely on working with thousands of riders over the years and have catalogued trends of how different riders ride their bikes. This has allowed us to see how different riders interact with the saddle differently. Factors like flexibility and stability play a role, as well as intended use of your bike.
SIT BONE WIDTH
WTB understands that every rider is unique, and this includes their sit bones. If the goal is to support those sit bones, we have to know the distance between them. This can vary from 90mm to 165mm (see chart). By understanding how far apart your bones are, we can find a saddle of the appropriate width to support both sit bones.
FLEXIBILITY AND STABILITY
Sit bone support is important, but it isn’t the only factor in choosing a saddle. Your unique flexibility and stability also play a role in how your pelvis interacts with the saddle. Understanding your flexibility during a standing flexion test will show what your pelvis and spine will do while riding. This can help determine what shape of saddle fits you best
Good flexibility
If you have good flexibility, you can tilt your pelvis forward and maintain a neutral spine for the duration of your ride.
Off the bike
Rotating with your pelvis...
On the bike
Spine is the same as off the bike!
Limited flexibility
If flexibility or stability is a challenge for you, then you tend to ride with your pelvis tilted backwards and your spine flexed.
Off the bike
Bending with your back...
On the bike
Spine is the same as off the bike!
CORE STABILITY
Having a stable core will help you maintain posture while you ride.
This isn't about how many sit-ups you can do. It's the connection between your torso and pelvis.
Having a strong core will reduce your hips from rocking, reduce strain on your low back, neck, and even lessen the pressure on your hands!
RIDE DURATION AND INTENSITY
The support and comfort required from your saddle depends on whether you’re out for a quick spin around town, or on an all-day epic adventure.
When you pedal hard, or intensely, your saddle pressures are considerably less than when you ride more easily, or in your comfort zone. Physics tells us that every force has an equal and opposite force – if we are pushing down hard on the pedals, there is an equal an opposite force elevating us off the saddle.
This means that on short, hard rides we don’t need thick cushioning, but on longer, easier rides cushioning becomes more important.
Intended usage
Should you have a different saddle for your different bikes? While finding the perfect saddle and using it on all your bikes is a great way to go, there can be some considerations with different experiences.
Riding in the drops on a road or gravel bike can cause more perineal pressure. Mobility while on, off, or around the saddle is important when mountain biking. With e-bikes, it’s nice to have an integrated handle to help carry the heavier bike.
Trusted on Every Trail
