BiSaddle Instructions
BiSaddle quick setup guide video. More detailed set up instructions are below.
BiSaddle ShapeShifter Detailed Setup
Step 1. Before removing your old saddle, record two measurements
1a. Saddle height from the top of the saddle to the center of the bottom bracket.
1b. Widest area of saddle to center of handlebars.
saddle height close-up view
saddle width close-up view
handlebar close-up view
Step 2. Measure Your Sit Bones
Obtaining a width measurement for your sit bones (ischial tuberosities) can be useful for establishing a rear saddle width. Most bicycle shops have tools to measure your sit bones, but you can also get a measurement at home using very simple tools and just a few minutes of your time.
Place a piece of clean cardboard on to a hard surface. While sitting pull yourself firmly down on to it. This will leave impressions of your sitbones in the cardboard.Be sure to sit upright and do not wear thick padded clothing.
Use a dark colored crayon to rub across the surface of the cardboard (using the side of the crayon with paper sleeve removed)– this will reveal your sit bone indentations. Mark the center of each indentation.
Use a ruler or tape measure to determine the distance(in millimeters) between the center of the sit bones.Write this number down because you will use it to set the rear width of your saddle.
Consider your riding style and add 0-4cm to your sit bone measurement
Step 3. Setting Up BiSaddle Width
Every BiSaddle leaves our factory with a neutral position that works well for a variety of people. If you’re new to BiSaddle and not sure what you want or need, try this setting first. If you have experience with another saddle and know of specific measurements that you’d like, feel free to adjust to those settings.
REAR ADJUSTMENT: In general, most people prefer a rear width of BiSaddle that’s equal or slightly greater (1cm – 4cm) than their sit bone measurement.To make the adjustment, loosen rear bolts on the underside of BiSaddle and use your sit bone measurement to establish the proper width. The width of the widest point of your BiSaddle should match the width you recorded when measuring your sit bones. Tighten bolts after adjustment is made. Keep surfaces symmetrical unless asymmetry is needed. Using your sit bone measurement to adjust the rear width is meant to be a starting point for achieving comfort. You may find a slightly more narrow or wide saddle adjustment is most comfortable for you.
FRONT ADJUSTMENT: The front width of your BiSaddle is largely up to personal preference. A wider front typically results in better blood flow and/or reduction of genital numbness. If it’s too wide, however, it can cause rubbing or chafing of your inner thighs. We suggest that you set the front of the seat as wide as possible without chafing.
How To adjust width: Loosen (but don’t remove) bottom bolts using the supplied Allen wrench. Adjust the seating surfaces to your desired width, and re-tighten bolts. Double check that both sides are symmetrical and tighten to 3 Nm. Fine tuning adjustments can be made on the trail. We recommend adding the supplied allen wrench to your tool bag. MAX BiSaddle bolt torque is 26 inch/lb or 3Nm.
Note: Do NOT adjust/loosen the nose bolt in the chassis - it secures the rails!
Rear Adjustment: Adjust rear width to match your sit bone measurement. Remember to add your riding position. Measure to the widest point of your BiSaddle and tighten bolts to 3Nm.
Front Adjustment: Start wide and reduce width until the saddle no longer rubs on your inner thigh.
Step 4. Installing BiSaddle on Your Bike
Fore-aft: To set the fore-aft adjustment, replicate your old seat measurement from the widest point of the saddle to the center of the stem clamp.
Height: Install BiSaddle and lightly tighten your seat post bolts, while still allowing for some movement and adjustments. Set the saddle height to match your previous seat height.
Tilt: Most cyclists prefer a seat that is level to their bike or slightly tilted downwards. When setting the tilt of your seat be sure your bike is on level ground and use a level to set the seat to your desired tilt.Small adjustments to tilt can often help you achieve ultimate comfort.
DOUBLE CHECK THAT ALL BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED PROPERLY BEFORE RIDING YOUR BIKE!
RAIL TORQUE SPECS: Carbon Rails: 6-10 Nm,6-8 Nm for 2-bolt, 9-10 Nm for single bolt
MAX BiSaddle bolt torque is 26 inch/lb or 3 Nm.
Do NOT adjust/loosen the nose bolt in the chassis - it secures the rails!
Bring the supplied Allen wrench along with any other necessary tools on your first few rides, as some small adjustments may be necessary to get the position 100% dialed in. Often times a small adjustment in height, tilt, or fore-aft can make a big difference in comfort. Also feel free to experiment with the saddle width, always making sure to carefully adjust it and properly tighten the bolts before riding again.
Step A. Optional Profile Wedges
Wedges are an optional add-on to your BiSaddle purchase. They are available here. These can be installed between the base of the saddle and the two saddle surface pads to change the shape across the saddle top. Making it either more flat, or more rounded. Note: Only use wedges if you are unable to get comfortable with a standard BiSaddle setup.
Wedge Screws: Longer screws are needed for the wedges and are included in the wedge kit.
SRT Rounding wedge: front bolts 14 mm, rear bolts 20 mm.
SRT Flattening wedge: front bolts 18 mm, rear bolts 20 mm.
EXT Rounding wedge: front bolts 14 mm, rear bolts 20 mm.
EXT Flattening wedge: front bolts 16 mm, rear bolts 20 mm.
There are no absolute rules that dictate who should use wedges. In general people with good flexibility and forward hip rotation tend to prefer a flatter saddle. People who aren’t as flexible and/or to struggle with saddle sores tend to prefer a more rounded saddle. We suggest you start with no wedges, and add them if you run into a specific problem.
Additional Instruction:
2 hole front surface nut adjustment:
Your BiSaddle may be equipped with a 2 hole front adjustment nut. You can determine if you have the 2 hole nut by removing the front bolt and looking under your BiSaddle. To adjust the front of your saddle more wide or more narrow it may be necessary to remove the front bolt and re-install it into the desired nut hole.
Optional rear bracket:
The rear bracket is optional and is only compatible with the flex frame. It will not work with the full carbon fiber frame. The rear bracket can be used to hold your bike onto a race transition bar or used to hold a water bottle or tool bag. To install the rear bracket you should place the supplied nut into the base of the frame and insert the bolt from the rear of the frame and tighten.
Removing or Changing your BiSaddle Padding/Surfaces
After riding, adjusting, and re-riding your BiSaddle, it may be desirable to try different surfaces to get fully comfortable. Alternate surfaces are available here.
All BiSaddle base frames and surfaces are interchangeable. This means you can replace your surfaces without changing the base. To remove the surfaces, all 4 adjustment bolts will need to be removed from the bottom side of the base frame. Once all the bolts are removed, you can proceed to install the new surfaces on to the frame and re-install the bolts. Please make sure the bolts are tightened before riding.
Bolt sizes for surfaces
SRT 1.0, Saint, Saint Pro 3D, Hurricane, Hurricane Pro 3D
Front adjustment bolts: 14mm
Rear Adjustment bolts: 16mm
Stealth, Bonneville, Sprint
Front adjustment bolts: 12mm
Rear adjustment bolts: 16mm
TROUBLESHOOTING:
Surfaces are moving while riding: If after long rides you find that the surface shave moved, then reposition them to your desired width and tighten bolts down beyond 3 Nm and re-ride. Tighten bolts until the surfaces stop moving.
Asymmetry: Some cyclists may need the saddle surfaces asymmetrical to get comfortable. This means one side may be adjusted differently than the other to provide comfort for those with hip alignment issues or injuries.
Sit bones rolling off the inside or outside of saddle: If your sit bones are rolling off the inside of the saddle surface, then try adjusting the rear width of your saddle a little narrower. If your sit bones are rolling off the outside of your saddle surface, then try adjusting the rear width of your saddle a little wider. Note: You may also want to try lowering your saddle height. If your saddle is too high and your legs are over extended, then your body will be forced to roll side to side to stay on your pedals.
Tailbone pain: Try adjusting the rear width to a wider position to allow room for the tailbone.
Making contact with flex frame base: If while riding you are making contact with the flex frame base, then try a wedge to raise the surfaces. If after trying the wedges you are still making contact with the frame, then contact us to discuss the option of trying a rigid carbon fiber frame.
Race transition mounting problems: BiSaddle is considered a noseless saddle, which can make it difficult to keep your bike on the transition bar when held by the nose. We recommend using a zip tie or velcro strap to hold your bike on to a race transition bar.
BiSaddle seems confusing: Don’t give up. Your ultimate custom fit saddle may be just a small adjustment away. Try learning a little more from our videos at bisaddle.com/pages/instruction or call us to see if you qualify for a free saddle surface trade.
Unable to get comfortable: If you have tried multiple widths and wedges and still cannot get comfortable, then please call us for further troubleshooting at (877) 397-2165. When adjusting your BiSaddle, Always let comfort be your guide!
WARRANTY:Your BiSaddle comes with a 1 year warranty on the surface padding and a lifetime warranty on the base frame against manufacturer defects and only applies to the original owner. Wear and tear is not considered a defect. Please contact us if you feel there is a defect with your BiSaddle. hello@bisaddle.com or (877) 397-2165