You already know that cycling is a great sport and also an environmentally friendly means of travel in times of increased traffic congestion. However, for many cyclists, riding is not without comfort problems. The source of pain radiating from the coccyx area usually originates elsewhere. For simplicity, these pains will be referred to as “coccyx pain” throughout the text. Regardless of the cause, pain can significantly impair both the enjoyment and efficiency of the ride. Below, we‘ll explain the most common causes of coccyx pain while cycling and offer solutions to effectively alleviate these problems.

There are several causes that can trigger pain in the coccyx, including falls on the buttocks (possible while cycling), tension in the pelvic floor as a result of childbirth, misalignments of the pelvis and spine, overloading while sitting, muscle tension (such as piriformis syndrome or general back pain), hormonal fluctuations, nerve irritations, periosteum inflammations, or rheumatic causes. If one or more of these preconditions are present, multifactorial, complex issues can also occur while cycling. These can be triggered by the following factors:

The wrong saddle
The bicycle saddle is one of the most common reasons for pain in the coccyx. A saddle that is too hard or with an ergonomically poor shape can exert pressure on the coccyx and cause pain. Direct mechanisms acting on the coccyx include pressure on the coccyx area caused by muscles, ligaments, and tendons radiating into the coccyx area and a backward rotation of the pelvis. Therefore, you should resist the temptation to buy the softest saddle you can find, as this causes other problems. A saddle that is too soft can cause the sit bones to sink too deeply and ultimately press on the hard supporting saddle shell – increasing pressure on the genital area. Often, the pelvis is rotated to relieve pressure, which can lead to stress on the coccyx. Therefore, gender-specific genital relief is particularly important.

The wrong seating position
A suboptimal seating position can lead to problems with the sit bones and coccyx. If your saddle is too wide or too narrow for your personal sit bone width, this can lead to uneven pressure distribution, resulting in poor riding posture and thus pain. Other issues often accompany the wrong seating position – causing not only coccyx pain but also back and knee pain and, in the worst case, damage to tendons and ligaments.

The wrong saddle height and tilt
Incorrectly adjusted saddle height or tilt can increase pressure on the coccyx. A saddle that is too high or too low can also impair pedaling motion and lead to misalignment, which can cause pain in the coccyx and knee. Additionally, incorrect saddle height can lead to problematic compensatory movements. For example, strong lateral hip movements can stress the coccyx. Therefore, you should ergonomically adjust your saddle height and saddle nose.

Fortunately, there are solutions for all these problems. Here are four helpful tips on how to avoid seating discomfort on the bike and pain in the coccyx:

The right saddle
The key to your relief is the correct ergonomic saddle. To avoid any form of pain, you should ensure that the saddle is suitable for your personal sit bone width and that the saddle is appropriate for your intended use. Not all saddles are the same: a road bike saddle and a mountain bike saddle are very different in shape and padding, requiring different features, such as a relieving cutout for sensitive genitalia or a short saddle nose for more legroom. If you are unsure which saddle is right for you, you can use the Ergon Saddle Selector to find the right saddle for you and your buttocks.

The optimal seating position
The correct adjustment of saddle, handlebars, and cockpit not only relieves your coccyx but also your shoulders, neck, and knees. The Ergon Fitting Boxes allow you to make all adjustments yourself in seven simple steps, guided by Ergon experts.

Cycling shorts, regular rest stops, and training
Especially on long rides, you should wear padded cycling shorts and take regular breaks to relieve your coccyx. Targeted exercises to strengthen the back muscles and stretching exercises can also help alleviate coccyx pain.

Attention: If you still have problems despite the right saddle and correct settings, especially if you have known pre-existing conditions, you should definitely consult your physiotherapist, doctor, or physician to ensure that you can cycle without negatively impacting your health.

As you can see, you don’t have to put up coccyx pain while cycling and the causes that exacerbate this issue can be mitigated with the measures mentioned above. This applies not only to seated problems and coccyx pain but to any kind of pain while riding. The experts at Ergon have developed a wide range of ergonomic products for athletes and recreational cyclists to enhance comfort and control: bike grips, seat posts, handlebar tapes, pedals, insoles, and much more. This way, you can keep your bike experience free from pain, achieve the best performance, and get the most fun out of every ride. Happy riding!