Hmm...I'm pretty sure the bolts aren't hitting me. My Terry Tri Gel saddle that is on the bike now, has a cut-out...and while I can SEE the bolts clearly...I don't think they even come close to touching me. I guarantee that I'd FEEL bolts poking into my privates...LOL But I will take the vertical clearance into consideration in my saddle search...thanks for the tip!