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Read time: 5min.
By Coach Yan Busset
Your Butt Will Thank You: Find the Right Saddle for You
Choosing the right saddle is even more personal than picking running shoes. After all, we all have different feet, but our butts? Completely unique! What works for your training buddy might not work for you, so trial and error is part of the process. But once you find the right one, it can change your riding experience completely.
Exploring Saddle Models
If you ride a road bike, the type of saddle you need will be different from a triathlon bike, where the position is more forward and aerodynamic. In this article, we’ll focus more on TT saddles, but the same principles of adjustment apply across all types.
Not all saddles are created equal. The best one for you depends on your discipline, riding style, and anatomy. Split-nose saddles are a popular choice for triathletes because they reduce pressure on the perineal area when in the aero position. Some riders still prefer traditional designs, but the key is testing different models to figure out what shape and padding work best for your body.
Like I mentioned earlier, saddle choice is highly personal, but after working with many athletes, I’ve noticed some clear trends. While no single saddle works for everyone, certain models consistently deliver great results for a large number of riders. This helps narrow down the options and makes choosing one easier.
Dash Saddles are my personal favorite. I use them on all my TT bikes because they provide excellent comfort for long aero-position rides. They’re lightweight and ergonomically shaped to reduce pressure and improve performance. Have also a look at Dash saddle+ seatpost combos , these badboys are sick , super slick but pricy.
Gebiomized, a German company, originally specialized in bike-fitting technology and developed a saddle pressure-mapping system. By analyzing thousands of athletes, they designed saddles optimized for real-world comfort. When I tested one, I barely noticed the switch from my Dash saddle, a great sign that the fit was right. Many of my athletes have had great success with Gebiomized saddles too.
ISM was a pioneer in the split-nose saddle concept, revolutionizing saddle design by reducing perineal pressure and improving blood flow. Over the years, ISM has remained a go-to brand for triathletes struggling with discomfort on traditional saddles.
While every athlete needs to find what works best for them, these brands have consistently delivered solid results. If you're unsure where to start, these are some of the best options worth considering.
Fizik has also entered into triathlon saddle market with the Transiro and now the Transiro 3D printed model. This saddle features cutting-edge 3D printing technology for adaptive cushioning, offering a balance between support and pressure relief. The classic Transiro saddle has been present in many default builds of the best seller Canyon Speedmax. One of its standout features is its grippy surface, which helps riders stay stable in the aero position, preventing unnecessary sliding.
Positioning Matters More Than You Think
Sometimes, discomfort isn’t caused by the saddle itself but by poor positioning. Here’s what to check:
Saddle Height: There are some formulas, like Lemond’s formula, which suggests multiplying your inseam by 0.883 to estimate saddle height from the bottom bracket. While this can give a rough starting point, it has a large margin of error and shouldn't be treated as an exact measurement. Instead, saddle height should be adjusted based on positioning factors like cleat placement and overall comfort.
Cleat placement also affects saddle height. If your cleats are positioned further forward, it increases leg extension, meaning the saddle might need to be lowered slightly. Conversely, if the cleats are further back in a mid-foot position (which I personally recommend), the saddle may need to be raised slightly to maintain proper biomechanics.
Chamois Thickness: If your training bibs have a thick chamois compared to your race-day trisuit, your saddle height may need adjusting. A thinner trisuit means you might need to raise your saddle slightly to keep the same fit.
Crank Length: Shorter cranks may require a slightly higher saddle, while longer cranks might need a lower saddle to maintain proper leg extension and prevent strain.
The best way to fine-tune your position is through gradual adjustments, checking for excessive hip rocking and ensuring smooth pedaling. Small changes can make a big difference in comfort and efficiency, so take your time to find the right setup.
Saddle Tilt: Some TT saddles already have a slight tilt, so check before making adjustments. One of the biggest beginner mistakes is tilting the saddle too far forward. While this might feel great at first by reducing pressure, it often leads to sliding forward, putting extra strain on your hands and shoulders, and constantly needing to readjust your position, which is super annoying and inefficient. A small downward tilt (1–2 degrees) can help, but too much is counterproductive.
This issue becomes even more obvious when you see some Pro Tour riders go to extreme measures to stay in place. Some have experimented with anti-slip materials, and one even tried sandpaper, let’s just say that didn’t end well, and their ability to have descendants might have been compromised, if you know what I mean!
Saddle Positioning Front to Back: On a triathlon bike, the saddle is usually positioned further forward than on a road bike to improve comfort and efficiency in the aero position. However, moving the saddle forward also affects saddle height. If you shift the saddle forward, you’ll likely need to raise it slightly to keep proper leg extension and avoid knee overload.
A Simple Test Protocol for Comparing Saddles
If you’re trying to decide between two saddles, a structured test protocol can help you compare them objectively instead of just going by gut feeling. To make sure the comparison is fair, always test under identical conditions,same bike, same crank length, same outfit, and same gear setup.
Set Up on a Turbo Trainer: Install each saddle and adjust it in a controlled environment.
Ride at Different Cadences: Do an easy ride on the trainer, varying your cadence to check if you feel stable or if there’s excessive movement.
Test Over Several Outdoor Rides: Use each saddle for a couple of weeks in outdoor real-world conditions, keeping notes on how it feels.
Rate Comfort & Stability: Track things like pressure points, numbness, or discomfort after each ride.
Compare Data: At the end of your test, compare comfort ratings and stability notes to make a more informed decision.
By following this simple process, you’ll be able to compare saddles fairly, making sure you're not just relying on a quick first impression.
The Magic of Chamois Cream (Trust Me on This One)
Now that you’ve tested saddles and dialed in your position, let’s talk about a secret weapon that can make a world of difference: chamois cream. If you’re not using it yet, you’re either very lucky or very unaware of the discomfort you’re about to experience on long rides.
Chamois cream is a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding saddle sores, chafing, and those weird hot spots that sneak up after a few hours in the saddle. It’s like chain lube for your seat area, skip it, and things will start to wear down fast. Trust me, you don’t want to find out the hard way!
Finding Your Perfect Saddle is a Game of Patience
Finding the right saddle takes time, but once you dial in your position, it should feel so natural that you forget it’s even there. That’s the goal, the perfect saddle should disappear beneath you, letting you focus on the ride, not the discomfort.
Take your time, test, adjust, and ride happy!
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