sit bone distance=what saddle size?

[WrensMom]

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!

[Dok-torr]

Specialised do some women's specific saddles of various seat-bones distances. They have done alot of research around body geometry and might be a good place to start. Their Jet saddle has some good flex built in and comes in different widths. I bet your local bike shop (LBS) will accommodate you.

There are, of course, many many saddles out there that purport to be women's specific, but a market leader has to be agood statrting point?

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

(Me? I loved the look of my Fi'zik Poggio that came on my bike as it was red cream and gold...I was shallow enough/lucky to make it work for me!)

[Kano]

Great idea! I have some play doh around here that's not being used for anything....

I like your question, too. I have been wondering too, didn't even think to ask! I have a question about your measurement/technique though: did you measure the distance between dots, or center to center?

[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!

[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.

[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.

[kelownagirl]

Am I weird or did I measure it wrong? I seem to have sit bones that measure only 4" point to point??? That's only about 102 mm....

barb

[faroe78]

I'm pretty fat, and not sure if I could find my sit bones. Trust me, it's one fat bottom.
Susan

[Tuckervill]

When I was reading up on this a while back, I read a suggestion for finding your sit bones. Put your hands on the chair palm up and then sit on them...and you'll feel them.

Also, when I was looking at the Specialized fit kit thingy at the LBS, it showed that you should sit on it with your knees at more than a 90 degree angle. As in, sit on something low so your knees are nearer your chest. (A curb or stairs would probably work.) This will give your sit bones more prominence, I think. I also saw it suggested that you can use a sheet of carbon paper face down on a sheet of white paper. The Play-Do idea was a good one, too.

Yes, I was wondering if my sit bones could be found the first time I saw that Specialized pad...but my bike seat finds them every time. I probably should think about a new saddle, too.

Karen