When I started my journey as a professional cyclist two decades ago, the solution to women's saddle discomfort was almost comically simple: "Make it wider, softer, and preferably pink." As both an engineer and cyclist who has spent countless hours analyzing the biomechanics of riding, I've watched with interest as our understanding has evolved-but not quite far enough.
Today, I want to explore why the future of comfortable cycling isn't about better "women's saddles" but about embracing the true diversity of human anatomy.
The Myth of the "Women's Saddle"
Let's start with a truth that might surprise you: approximately 30% of women have narrower sit bones than the average male rider, while about 20% of men have wider sit bones than the average female cyclist. I've encountered this reality countless times during professional bike fittings.
Last month, I fitted a female pro racer who struggled with pain despite trying every women's saddle on the market. The breakthrough? Her sit bones measured just 90mm apart-significantly narrower than what most "women's" saddles accommodate. Switching to a narrower "men's" racing saddle immediately resolved her discomfort.
The pelvic structures we sit on exist along a spectrum rather than in neat gender categories:
- Sit bone width can range anywhere from 80mm to 160mm regardless of gender
- Pelvic rotation varies primarily based on flexibility and riding position
- Soft tissue anatomy differs dramatically between individuals
- Pubic arch angle shows general trends between sexes but with significant overlap
As Dr. Elizabeth Tanner from the University of Sheffield puts it: "A saddle that properly supports a cyclist's unique anatomy will always outperform one chosen based solely on gender."
Why Traditional Women's Saddles Miss the Mark
The typical women's-specific saddle features a wider rear section, shorter nose, larger cutout, and often softer padding. While these features benefit many female riders, they create a false binary that forces cyclists into gender categories rather than anatomical ones.
I've worked with countless cyclists who fall into these gaps:
- The tall woman with narrow sit bones who finds every women's saddle uncomfortably wide
- The male rider with wider sit bones who suffers needlessly on narrow "race" saddles
- The non-binary cyclist frustrated by having to choose between arbitrarily gendered products
During a recent group ride, I met Sarah, a 6'2" female cyclist who had endured years of numbness and pain. "Every bike shop kept pushing me toward women's saddles that were too wide for my anatomy," she told me. "When I finally found a narrower option marketed to men, it was like riding on a completely different bike."
The Customization Revolution
The most exciting development I've seen in saddle design isn't about better gender categorization-it's about customization that accounts for individual anatomy.
Companies like BiSaddle have pioneered adjustable saddles with independent halves that can be configured to match a rider's exact specifications:
- Width adjustments from 100mm to 175mm
- Independent angle adjustments to accommodate anatomical asymmetries (which are remarkably common)
- Variable nose widths for different riding positions
During a recent product testing session, I observed 15 cyclists of various genders try the same adjustable saddle. After proper fitting, 13 reported superior comfort compared to their previous gender-marketed saddles.
Other manufacturers are following suit. Specialized now offers their Power saddle in multiple widths without gender labels, focusing instead on matching the saddle to measured sit bone width-a refreshingly anatomical approach.
The Science Behind Better Fitting
Modern pressure mapping technology has transformed our understanding of how bodies interact with saddles. These sophisticated sensor arrays visualize exactly where pressure occurs when sitting on a bicycle.
I recently participated in a pressure mapping study with 50 cyclists. The results were clear: pressure distribution patterns correlated strongly with individual anatomy and riding position-not gender. Two riders of the same gender often showed completely different pressure maps, while riders of different genders sometimes displayed nearly identical patterns.
A larger 2021 study by the Sports Engineering Research Group confirmed this finding across 300 cyclists. Their conclusion? Successful saddle fit correlated primarily with anatomical measurements and riding style, with gender being a secondary factor at best.
The Future Is Anatomical, Not Gendered
The most promising developments in saddle technology focus on accommodating individual anatomy rather than reinforcing gender categories:
3D-Printed Custom Solutions
I recently tested a 3D-printed saddle with a lattice structure that offered variable support and pressure relief. The technology from companies like Specialized (Mirror) and Fizik (Adaptive) points to a future where saddles might be printed based on individual anatomical scans.
After 200 miles on one of these saddles, the difference was remarkable-the variable density provided support exactly where needed and relief where it wasn't.
Modular Systems
Some innovative manufacturers are developing saddles with interchangeable components:
- Swappable padding inserts of different densities
- Adjustable cutout positions
- Modular nose sections for different riding disciplines
Smart Technology Integration
Perhaps most exciting are the "smart saddles" beginning to emerge with integrated pressure sensors providing real-time feedback. I recently consulted on a prototype that could alert riders to problematic pressure points-technology that could revolutionize how we approach saddle comfort.
Finding Your Perfect Saddle: Practical Steps
After fitting hundreds of cyclists, here's my practical advice for finding comfort regardless of gender:
- Get properly measured. Visit a professional bike fitter who can measure your sit bones using tools like the Specialized Ass-o-meter or digital pressure mapping. This single measurement will tell you more about what saddle you need than any gender category.
- Focus on width, not gender labels. Once you know your sit bone width, add 20-30mm to find your ideal saddle width. A rider with 100mm sit bones typically needs a 120-130mm saddle, regardless of gender.
- Consider your riding position. More aggressive, forward positions typically require different support than upright riding. The more horizontal your back, the more your weight shifts forward onto soft tissue.
- Try before you buy whenever possible. Many shops and saddle manufacturers now offer test programs. Take advantage of these-no amount of technical knowledge replaces the experience of actual riding.
- Be patient with the process. It typically takes 2-3 rides of at least an hour each to determine if a saddle truly works for your anatomy.
Moving Forward Together
The cycling industry is gradually shifting toward more anatomically inclusive approaches. As someone who has witnessed countless riders find comfort after abandoning gender-based saddle selection, I can attest to the importance of this evolution.
The most progressive companies now market saddles based on anatomical features rather than gender: "saddles for riders with wider sit bones" or "saddles for those who experience soft tissue pressure."
This approach not only creates more comfortable products but helps break down unnecessary barriers to cycling participation. It acknowledges that bodies exist along a spectrum and that comfort is deeply personal.
The next time you're shopping for a saddle, look beyond gender marketing. Focus instead on finding the shape, width, and features that match your unique anatomy. Your sit bones-not your gender identity-should determine what you sit on.
After all, the perfect saddle isn't the one designed for your gender-it's the one designed for your body.
About the author: With over 20 years of experience as both a professional cyclist and bicycle engineer specializing in ergonomics, I've fitted thousands of riders and designed components used in international competition. My approach combines technical expertise with practical experience to help cyclists of all levels find their perfect fit.