Measuring Your Sit Bone Width for the Right Saddle Size
The most common cause of pain when cycling is the wrong saddle – and this isn't just limited to road bikes. Most of your body weight rests on the relatively small saddle surface while cycling. If this surface isn't properly adjusted to you and your riding style, if the saddle is too narrow, too wide, too hard, or too soft, and if it puts pressure on parts of your body that aren't designed for it, discomfort and pain are inevitable. Here, we show you how to find the right saddle for you and your bike. The first and most crucial step is to measure your sit bone width to determine the correct saddle size.
Why You Need a Specific Saddle
Whether you're exploring trails on a mountain bike or gravel bike in autumn, clocking up road miles on a road bike or trekking bike in summer, or riding your city e-bike to the shops all year round – the shape and size of your bike saddle determine whether you arrive at your destination exhausted and in pain or relaxed and pain-free. Each cycling discipline has specific requirements for your saddle. Your gender also plays a significant role in relieving pressure, as the saddle surface for men and women needs to be shaped differently to protect the sensitive genital and perineal areas. Other factors include your riding position and the necessary shock absorption. Ergon offers the right product for every use. However, you need to provide yourself with one number to ensure the saddle fits 100%: your sit bone width.
Sit Bone Measurement – How It Works
- There are three ways to measure your sit bones and thus determine the ideal saddle width:
- Calculation using a formula
- Professional sit bone measurement at a dealer or bike fitter
- At home with cardboard and a ruler.
All three methods provide beneficial results, although accuracy can vary. The following sections explain how each technique works and what you must pay special attention to.
Calculating Sit Bone Width
Based on a scientific study, the calculation is simple and requires no special tools. You need to know your height, weight, and hip circumference. Enter this data into the Ergon Saddle Selector, which will calculate your saddle width and save you the trouble of measuring the bike saddle by indicating the correct size. This method is not 100% accurate and can provide varying data if you have very wide or narrow sit bones.
Measuring Sit Bone Width at a Dealer
We recommend measuring your sit bone width by a dealer or bike fitter. Look for a dealer with an Ergon measuring stool. Simply sit on the measuring surface, and the Ergon 3D sit bone width measurement will provide a precise result. This way, you can quickly and easily get your measurements without prior knowledge or tools. You can then use these measurements to buy a suitable Ergon saddle on-site or enter the data into the Saddle Selector to choose your ideal saddle online.
Measuring Sit Bone Width Yourself
If you can't have your measurements taken at a dealer, there's a simple way to measure them yourself. You only need a piece of thick cardboard or another material to press into. Corrugated cardboard works exceptionally well. Find a flat, hard surface to place the cardboard on – a stool without a seat shape or a sturdy coffee table is a good option. Once you've found an optimal surface, sit in the middle of the cardboard and apply pressure, for example, by arching your back. You should feel the cardboard give way under your sit bones. When you stand up, you should see two indentations in the cardboard. Measure the distance between the centres of the indentations, and voilà – you've found your sit bone width.
This method sounds simple, but caution is advised. Ensure you measure correctly, especially if you're near the boundary of saddle sizes Small/Medium and Medium/Large, around 12 centimeters. If unsure, measure and compare the results several times, or visit a dealer to confirm your measurements.
Now you know how to measure your sit bone width for your bike saddle. Whether you want to ride a touring bike, triathlon bike, or MTB, the ergonomically suitable saddle is waiting for you at Ergon. To ensure you sit noticeably better on the bike, we also recommend installing the proper bike grips or the right bar tape. The entire seating position is crucial for the correct posture on the saddle. Therefore, you should also grip the handlebars correctly. This is particularly easy with ergonomic bike grips from Ergon or comfortable handlebar tape.
Equally important: find the optimal configuration of your seating position with a bike fitting or the Ergon Fitting Box, so you can always pedal ergonomically correctly.