sit bone distance=what saddle size?

[mimitabby]

So I found a way to measure the distance between my sit bones (rolled some play-doh thinly between 2 sheets of paper and sat--removing the play-doh left 2 dots where the bones were), and came up with 6.25 inches, which equals 158.75 mm. Ok, so what do I do with that measurement? I was looking at some of those Brooks saddles that some folks here had recommended, and they were listed as 177 mm. So does that work? I don't know how much extra room the bones need on either side, generally speaking. I'm sure that at least part of this saddle-finding adventure will involve just trying them out until I find "the one", but I need to have a jumping-off place, if you know what I mean.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Ah, Wren's mom, wish you were here; I'd let you try my saddle(s)
10 mm on either side of your sit bones isn't wasted geography; you ARE going to move around.

[WrensMom]

Kano--I went center-to-center. I don't know if that is the "correct" way to do it, but it seemed reasonable.

Mimi--Thanks for the offer--it would be great to be able to try saddles out without any hassles. So do you think that ~10 mm on either side is enough, or should I try to start with an even wider one?

[mimitabby]

WRen's mom, I think this saddle would fit you just fine, the b67 brooks.

[Fuji Girl]

I think w/ a 158mm distance between your sit bones, you should start with a Specialized Avatar or Alias or Jett (whichever one you like better) in a 155, a Selle Italia Lady (which is 160mm, I think), or perhaps a Terry Butterfly.

I've never tried a Brooks, and I don't think they're very attractive. Call me shallow, but I want my bike to look good. So if another saddle does it for me, I'm going with that one. I have the Specialized Avatar 155 and I'm very happy with it. However, go with what fits you - no matter how good your bike looks, you won't ride it unless it is comfortable!

[mimitabby]

I think w/ a 158mm distance between your sit bones, you should start with a Specialized Avatar or Alias or Jett (whichever one you like better) in a 155, a Selle Italia Lady (which is 160mm, I think), or perhaps a Terry Butterfly.

I've never tried a Brooks, and I don't think they're very attractive. Call me shallow, but I want my bike to look good. So if another saddle does it for me, I'm going with that one. I have the Specialized Avatar 155 and I'm very happy with it. However, go with what fits you - no matter how good your bike looks, you won't ride it unless it is comfortable!

Fugi Girl, I would never call you shallow, but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. To some of us, the gorgeous warm leather look of a brooks saddle
is a joy to behold!

[KnottedYet]

I just ordered a B67 Brooks. Love the idea of a 210 width. My Serfas is 180 width, which is just about the width of my sit bones. (outside edge to outside edge) So yes, each of my sitz is on the saddle, but only just barely. Not centered in the "middle" of each side of the saddle by a long shot! (a whole lot better than what my bike came with, however!) I ordered from www.wallbike.com and they give a 6 month trial period. I had a nice conversation with Bill, the owner. I was torn between 2 different saddles: B67 and B72. He told me to try one, and if I didn't love it to send it back and he'd send me the other.

gotta love a 6 month trial period!

My boss the bike goddess was appalled that I'd ordered a Brooks. But she has NO BUTT and little snake hips, so she has no idea what the wide-sitz folks have to deal with!

[mimitabby]

women with BUTTS UNITE!!!

[GLC1968]

I read an article that was posted on this site somewhere about saddle fit...and the basic rule was that your saddle should be at least as wide as the middle of your sit bones.

So if your middle to middle distance was 158mm your saddle needs to be at least this wide to properly support you. The reason for this is that if your saddle fits in between your sit bones, all the pressure will be on your soft tissue and pelvis and after extended periods of sitting, it could cut blood flow to important areas (there are key arteries and nerves running along our thighs between the sit bones).

I have the reverse problem...my sit bones measure narrower than 140mm and most of the 'women's specific' saddles are way too wide for me (my legs rub too much).

Another point of note: 158mm = approximately 6 1/4 inches. I believe that there are quite a few ladies Terry saddles that make this measurement.

[Pebble]

I've been checking out saddles recently. I think the LBS let me take about 4 or 5 home to try out in the end (not all at once). I measured 155 on their sit bone thingy & they say to get a 155mm saddle. Although looks to me like Specialized only make max width of 155mm.

I'm waiting for the Avatar Gel to arrive fingers crossed it will be the right saddle for me. If I need to go wider, I knw selle italia ldy is wider than that, and not sure about how many others.

I'm on a MTB though so don't want wider than necessary or real thick either.

If you have a good LBS they should let you try the saddles out & return if not suitable.