Are you sitting comfortably?
How do I find the right size bike saddle? That’s a question we’re asked a lot at 99 Bikes. While we recommend you visit one of our stores to have your sit bones measured with a specialist Body Geometry Saddle Fit System, if that’s not possible here we offer some handy advice on how you can find the right size saddle from the comfort of your own home. All you’ll need is some basic tools!
Bike saddle sizing is based around our Ischial Tuberosity or ‘sit bones’ as they’re more commonly known. Modern bike saddles are designed to support the sit bones, not soft tissue. While people come in all different shapes and sizes, so do saddles. It’s important to take this logic into account when deciding on a saddle as well as size.
So how do you measure your own sit bones at home? First you’ll need a flat surface, a piece of corrugated cardboard large enough to sit on, a pen and a ruler or tape measure.
Step 1. Lay the cardboard on a solid, flat surface such as a chair or stool. Ensure that it is high enough so your knees are bent at roughly 90 degrees.
Step 2. Sit in an upright position on the piece of card so you can feel contact with your sit bones. Remain seated for a minute or so and apply a firm downward pressure if possible.
Step 3. Find the centre point of the impressions on the card and mark them with a pen.
Step 4. Measure the distance between the two points with a ruler or tape measure.
Step 5. Once you have the measurement, as a general rule of thumb you add 20mm and should have your saddle size. Select one of the saddles from our range of in stock saddles here. If you’re not sure, take a look at our sizing suggestion chart below.
It’s important to remember that every body is different. If you fall outside the recommended range or are still unsure we recommend visiting one of our stores or contacting us. Saddles that don’t properly support sit bones or feature shapes and materials that reduce soft tissue pressure can compress nerves and limit blood flow, creating pain and real medical issues, so it’s something worth ensuring is right to ensure you get the most out of every bike ride!
