Ever noticed that the wider saddles-the infamous 160mm breeds-are quietly showing up everywhere, from gravel adventures to long-haul endurance rides? For years, these “wide” saddles were whispered about in shops as if they were for someone else: commuters, casual riders, maybe women, but never the serious cyclist. That’s changing-and fast. Today’s cycling world is finally opening its mind to why 160mm saddles aren’t just about comfort. They’re at the heart of a sea change in how we think about performance, fit, and our own anatomy.
Let’s be honest: when choosing a new saddle, most of us stuck to what the pros ride-narrow, firm, and usually between 130mm to 145mm wide. But here’s the catch: human anatomy doesn’t fall into one neat box. Many of us naturally need more width to ride pain-free, and that’s not a sign we’re doing anything wrong-it’s a sign the industry took too long to catch up.
Breaking Out of the Narrow Mindset
Tradition loomed large in saddle design. For decades, manufacturers based “racing” saddles around the proportions of young male pro cyclists. If your body type didn’t match, tough luck. But a wave of real-world research and bike fitting data turned that old belief on its head:
- Adult men’s sit bones span roughly 95-145mm; women’s often 120-160+mm.
- Nearly half of all cyclists-regardless of gender-actually need a saddle wider than what’s typically found stock on bikes.
- Endurance and ultra-event riders on 160mm saddles report measurably fewer saddle sores and soft-tissue injuries, according to pressure mapping studies.
The message? Wider saddles are simply the right tool for many bodies. They’re not a “guilty secret.” They’re the starting point for comfort-and, surprisingly, for long-haul speed too.
Why Comfort Has Become a Performance Issue
Let’s dismantle another myth: that wide saddles slow you down or are only for beginners. In fact, choosing the right width (often around 160mm) has become a badge of savvy riding. Here’s why:
- Pressure mapping shows narrower saddles push riders off their sit bones and onto soft tissue, causing numbness, nerve issues, and chronic pain.
- Supporting your body’s bone structure, not your nerves or blood vessels, dramatically increases time in the saddle and reduces fatigue. That’s performance, plain and simple.
- Pro women’s teams moved to 155-160mm saddles years ago, and men’s squads are following suit for training camps and cobbled classics.
As more athletes share their success stories, the “only fast is narrow” dogma is finally losing ground.
From Gendered Marketing to Personalized Fit
Once, brands sold 160mm saddles almost exclusively as “women’s options.” But the science doesn’t support a strict gender divide. Anatomical diversity rules the day-so modern saddle brands offer a full range of widths for every rider, and the market for men switching to wider saddles is growing fast.
This shift isn't just about comfort. It's a signal that inclusivity and individual fit matter more than outdated labels ever did. If a 160mm saddle matches your sit bones, that's a win-period.
The Next Era: Customization and Adjustability
One of the most promising trends is the rise of true personalization:
- Adjustable-width saddles like BiSaddle allow you to set your width anywhere between ~100-175mm, adapting as your body or style changes.
- 3D-printed and pressure-mapped fits let fitters identify your exact pressure zones and match you with a perfect saddle instead of a “close enough” guess.
- Brands now encourage you to find your fit with in-store sit bone measurements or even personalized design-the era of one-size-fits-all is fading fast.
The result? Riders are finally experiencing what it means to have a saddle truly built for them, not just for a generic “average” cyclist.
Why 160mm Matters for Everyone
The 160mm saddle is more than equipment; it’s a symbol. It means comfort is no longer a luxury or afterthought-it’s a fundamental part of performance. Riders of every experience level are discovering that the right fit leads to more miles, fewer aches, and, frankly, a lot more joy on the bike.
If you’re questioning your own saddle choice, don’t be shy about looking into a wider option. Schedule a professional sit bone measurement or pressure mapping session; you may be surprised at what works best for you. Forget the number on the label-the real measure of a saddle is how it lets you ride.