Have you ever cut a ride short because your backside couldn't take it anymore? You're not alone. While most cyclists obsess over frame geometry and component weights, the humble saddle often gets overlooked - until it starts causing pain.
In today's racing-obsessed cycling culture, narrow saddles dominate the market. But what if the key to comfortable miles isn't going narrower, but wider? The 160mm saddle, once considered standard, might be the unsung hero your rides have been missing.
The Rise and Fall of the Wide Saddle
Back when cycling was more about transportation than competition, saddles were built for comfort first. The classic Brooks B17, at 175mm wide, was the gold standard for decades. Then racing changed everything:
- The 1980s: Road racing popularity surged, bringing demands for lighter gear
- The 1990s: Cut-out designs allowed narrower saddles to reduce pressure points
- 2000s-present: The "narrower is faster" mentality took over completely
Who Got Left Behind?
This narrow saddle revolution worked great for racers in aggressive positions. But for many riders, it created new problems:
- Commuters with upright riding positions
- Women with naturally wider sit bones
- Gravel and touring riders logging long hours
- E-bike riders who actually enjoy sitting comfortably
The Science Behind Saddle Width
Contrary to popular belief, width matters more than padding when it comes to comfort. Your sit bones need proper support, and when they don't get it:
The pressure shifts from your bones to soft tissue, leading to:
- Numbness (the kind that makes you walk funny after rides)
- Chafing and saddle sores
- Reduced blood flow (yes, that kind too)
The 160mm Sweet Spot
For many riders, 160mm hits the Goldilocks zone:
- Wide enough to support sit bones properly
- Narrow enough to avoid thigh chafing
- Versatile for multiple riding positions
Who Should Try a 160mm Saddle?
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to go wider:
- You constantly shift positions searching for relief
- You get numb within the first hour of riding
- Your current saddle feels like a balance beam
- You ride an e-bike or hybrid in an upright position
Remember: Comfort equals speed when you can ride longer without pain. The pros might need razor-thin saddles, but for most of us, a little extra width could mean a lot more enjoyment on the bike.
So before you suffer through another painful ride, ask yourself: is it really you that needs to toughen up, or is your saddle just too narrow for your needs?