Where are your sit-bones supposed to hit on a bike seat?

Question

I got a new performance hybrid bike and the seat is a rather small ladies seat. My sit bones don't even touch the seat- they are right where the seat curves in on either side. Is this just how smallers seats work? I tried siting back further but that felt and looked very odd. Do I need a wider bigger seat, or is this how the seats on this kind of bike are supposed to be?

Answer 1

Your sit bones (ischial tuberosities), are supposed to be supported on the wings / wide part of the saddle. I would 1st see if moving the saddle forward woud get you into a comfortable position.

Women can also get women's specific saddles such as Terry brand.

Lastly, get the saddle that's appropriate for your riding style. The more upright your riding position, the wider the saddle. Truly wide saddles are for beach cruisers and 3 speeds with upright seating. Leaned partially forward like a hybrid/touring bike requires a medium width. If it is very narrow, it's for a racing bike. The reason for this is that the sit bones are curved. You use a different part of them for each seating anlge.

Answer 2

Bontrager makes seats that are specifically fit for people. You measure your sit bones by sitting on something and it shows you what size saddle to use. They put a lot of time and money into making saddles for people that are perfect sized and comfortable.

But, like anything in this world, it is all personal preference. I suggest trying different saddles until you find one that is comfortable and that fits for you. But you may want to look into getting measured for the inform saddles so you know about what size saddle to look for if the informs aren't for you. See the link below and that will give you more information on the inform saddle and will show you dealers so you can get measured.

Answer 3

towards the back of the seat where the seat is the biggest

Answer 4

Try and get your seat bones on the widest part of the seat, if your butt hangs over the back of the saddle  - so what? - If your legs chaff against the seat whilst pedaling then perhaps you need to reconsider saddle shape!

I'm sorry but I haven't found an exact science to this!  After lots of saddle testing,  . . . . . . I finally found one!!!!!!

I have then used the shape as a pattern for other saddle purchases.  Ok- I do ride a road bike and my weight is distributed across the bars , so a hard flat,narrow seat is best for me.

You are going to have to try a few out to find your match!!

Best of luck.

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