Saddle Width: is it standard?

[VeloVT]

Are measurements by different saddle manufacturers standard? If I was measured for a 130 mm Specialized, am I a size 130mm in all other saddles? Are the measurements of men's and women's saddles different?

Or is it more like women's clothing...

oy. the saddle marketing people have succeeded in confusing everyone.

The saddle measurements (130mm, for instance), are not a "size", like S,M, or L, they are just a measurement of the width of the saddle. A "men's" 130mm saddle is the same width as a "women's" 130mm saddle (there aren't too many women's saddles this narrow, but there are a few, such as the Terry Damselfly). 130mm saddles from different manufacturers **should** all meaasure 130mm.

The Specialized device measures your sitbones and then attempts to put you on a saddle that is a bit wider (I think usually 5-10mm) than your sit bone width. I am guessing you probably measured less than 130mm, and according to Specialized that means you will be most comfortable on a saddle that is around 130mm. This is a good place to start, but I don't think it should be viewed as "your size" -- depending on both saddle shape and various quirks of individual anatomy, people who measure similarly on the Specialized device may be comfortable on very different saddles -- I have read here of people for whom the Specialized "formula" puts them on a saddle that is too wide, and also of people for whom the Specialized formula steers them toward a saddle that is too narrow...

So, it's a good measurement to know, but it may still take a fair amount of trial and error to find out what actually works for you in the real world.

[Ana]

You are so insightful

Thanks for the responses! I love having your brains to pick at

I'll definitely post if I find a wonderful saddle