The saddle is kind of flexible, so I don't think it will be too wide. Another great thing about it is it comes with a detailed manual about how it should be adjusted, including how to determine height, fore/aft, tilt, rotation and tension.
As for it looking like a torture device....well, I guess what you're visualizing is an actual possiblity. Someone on this forum had one close up on her (ouch). Mine have been awesome, so when I look at them, I see nothing but miles of comfort.

