Finding your perfect saddle is like discovering a secret handshake with your bike - suddenly, everything just clicks.
As a cycling engineer who's spent decades fitting riders of all body types to their ideal bikes, I've noticed a curious pattern: we often overlook what might be the most versatile saddle width in the industry. Today, I'm shining a spotlight on the unsung hero of the saddle world - the 160mm width.
Why Saddle Width Matters More Than You Think
When cyclists visit my workshop complaining of discomfort, the conversation inevitably turns to saddle width. Most have tried the extremes: either racing-inspired narrow perches (under 140mm) that leave them numb after an hour, or comfort-oriented thrones (over 170mm) that cause chafing and restricted movement.
But here's what many don't realize: your ideal saddle width isn't determined by your gender or riding style alone - it's primarily about your sit bones.
Your ischial tuberosities (the technical term for those sit bones) need proper support to distribute pressure away from sensitive soft tissues. When I measure clients with my fitting tools, I'm constantly surprised by how many fall into what I call the "forgotten middle" - riders whose anatomy is perfectly suited to that 160mm sweet spot.
The Anatomy Lesson You Never Got
Let me share something fascinating from my fitting database of over 3,000 cyclists: sit bone width varies enormously regardless of gender. While industry averages suggest men typically measure between 107-115mm and women between 115-130mm, the reality is far more diverse.
In my experience:
- About 22% of all riders fall into an "intermediate zone" that doesn't align with traditional gender-based recommendations
- Nearly a third of my male clients have measurements that would traditionally steer them toward "women's" saddles
- More than a quarter of female clients measure in ranges typically associated with "men's" models
This is precisely why the 160mm width is so valuable - it provides sufficient support for moderately wide sit bones without causing the friction issues that plague truly wide saddles.
A Brief History of How We Got Here
I remember the dark ages of saddle fitting all too well. When I started in this industry in the 1990s, saddles were essentially one-size-fits-all affairs - usually narrow, rock-hard platforms that prioritized weight savings over comfort.
The revolution began around the turn of the millennium. I was among the first fitters to use Bontrager's sit bone measuring device when it appeared in bike shops. Suddenly, we had data to work with! But initially, the response was limited - typically just "narrow" or "wide" options.
The 160mm width started gaining traction around 2010-2015, coinciding with two important developments:
- Women's participation in performance cycling grew dramatically
- The industry finally acknowledged that anatomy doesn't follow strict gender lines
I'll never forget fitting a professional male mountain biker in 2015 who was suffering terrible saddle discomfort. His measurements indicated he needed a saddle width traditionally marketed to women. When I suggested a 160mm Specialized Power saddle, he was skeptical but desperate. Two weeks later, he called to say it had transformed his riding experience.
That's when I realized: this "middle ground" width wasn't just filling a gap in the market - it was actively breaking down false assumptions about who needs what equipment.
The Technical Innovation Happening at 160mm
What's particularly exciting to me as an engineer is how the 160mm platform has become a hotbed for innovation. This width provides manufacturers enough real estate to implement advanced comfort features while maintaining performance characteristics.
Some of my favorite technical developments include:
3D-Printed Structures
I recently tested the Specialized Power Mirror with its 3D-printed lattice structure. The 160mm version demonstrates perfectly how this technology creates variable support zones - firmer under sit bones, more compliant in pressure-sensitive areas.
Sophisticated Carbon Layups
The Selle Italia SLR Boost exemplifies how carbon fiber can be strategically layered across a 160mm platform to create specific flex patterns. I've mapped the deflection using pressure sensors, and the engineering is remarkable - it's firm where you need support but allows just enough vertical compliance.
Split-Nose Designs
The 160mm width works beautifully with pressure-relief channels and split-nose designs. I've observed with my pressure mapping equipment that this width allows for better weight distribution when using these anatomical features.
Beyond the Binary: Why This Width Matters for Inclusivity
Throughout my career, I've fitted thousands of riders who don't fit neatly into traditional categories - not just in terms of gender, but body proportions, flexibility, and riding styles.
The 160mm saddle has become my go-to recommendation for:
- Riders transitioning between disciplines (the width works for road, gravel, and moderate MTB use)
- Those with average-to-slightly-wider sit bones regardless of gender
- Athletes who ride in multiple positions (the width accommodates slight position shifts)
- Cyclists recovering from injuries who need balanced support
I recently worked with a non-binary cyclist who expressed frustration with being forced to choose between men's and women's saddles. When I suggested focusing on measurements rather than marketing, and fitted them to a 160mm model, their relief was palpable - both physically on the bike and emotionally at having their needs recognized.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Is 160mm Right for You?
Before you rush out to buy a new saddle, remember this width isn't magic for everyone. Here's my quick guide to determining if a 160mm saddle might work for you:
Consider a 160mm saddle if:
- You find narrow racing saddles create pressure points but wide comfort saddles cause chafing
- You ride in a moderately aggressive position (not super upright nor extremely aerodynamic)
- Your sit bone measurement falls between 100-130mm (remember, saddles should be wider than your sit bone width)
- You switch between different types of riding regularly
You might need something different if:
- You have particularly narrow or wide sit bones (outside the 100-130mm range)
- You ride in an extremely aggressive aero position (consider narrower)
- You remain very upright on your bike (consider wider)
- You experience specific medical issues requiring specialized saddle features
What's Next: The Future of Saddle Design
As someone who's been involved in product development, I'm excited about where saddle technology is heading. The 160mm platform is likely to see even more innovation:
I'm currently testing prototype saddles with pressure-mapping sensors built directly into the saddle structure. Imagine receiving real-time feedback about your position through your cycling computer!
Several manufacturers are exploring modular designs that would allow width adjustability around that 160mm sweet spot. I've seen early versions that use interchangeable wings or adjustable shells.
The sustainability angle is also promising. I recently consulted on a project using recycled ocean plastic to create saddle shells with specifically engineered flex patterns across the 160mm width.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Perch
After decades in this industry, I've learned that the perfect saddle creates a paradox: when it's right, you forget it's there. The 160mm width has helped countless riders in my workshop achieve that elusive comfort.
If you're still searching for saddle nirvana, don't get too caught up in marketing categories. Instead:
- Get a proper sit bone measurement (most good bike shops offer this)
- Consider your riding position and style
- Be willing to try options that might fall outside traditional gender categories
- Give each new saddle adequate break-in time (at least 10 rides)
Remember that saddle comfort is deeply personal. The 160mm width may be the Goldilocks solution for many, but ultimately, the best saddle is the one that disappears beneath you, letting you focus on the joy of the ride rather than discomfort.
Have you tried a 160mm saddle? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
With over 20 years of experience as a bicycle engineer and professional bike fitter, I've helped thousands of cyclists find their perfect saddle match. My engineering background and hands-on approach have made me a recognized expert in cycling ergonomics and equipment optimization.