mtb women seat

[Kleineboerin]

Hi everyone

 

I know there might be a possibility that the topic of women saddles have been discussed before, so I hope I am not annoying anyone with my post. I just bought myself a merida big nine 300. I am a complete novice and still need to learn a lot. My question is for all the female mtb riders out there. Would you think the stock standard saddle is good enough for now? Any advice of what other good women specific saddles there is out there?

 

Thanks in advance

 

[NixM]

Completely personal choice. What works for one perineum may not work for another. I have a healthy collection of womens saddles to prove it.

 

Don't go out and buy anything top of the range straight off, just because its expensive doesn't mean its going to be more comfortable.

[Tjokkits]

first your butt needs to get used to riding, any saddle will hurt it for a newby.  after a few weeks, if sore after 30-40km, start trying other saddles.  many manufacturers now have test saddles available

[David Marshall]

Setting up the saddle is also critical.  A couple of mm out can mean the difference between a good and a hell ride.  

 

If anyone is interested I have a brand new WTB Speed She saddle for R450 plus postage.

[Thor Buttox]

Saddle width is very important. If you can get someone to measure your pelvic bones (eg the Assometer at our LBS) it is very useful. The measure your wrist and take a guess approach does not work for all people, much like the Body Mass Index calc! Most bikes come with a very narrow saddle but an extra 10mm either way has made a big difference to me.

[Kleineboerin]

Thanks alot for all the advice. Really do appreciate alot.

[RocknRolla]

What TB said.

 

My wife has gone through the motions of getting the correct saddle, the only two that actually worked for her is Specialized saddles.

 

I am by no means a Specialized fanboy, but after about 6 years of trying all manner of female specific saddles, the wife got her ass o metered, at a concept store and saddle bought accordinly, and she has never looked back.

[NordicElf]

Also don't rule out the difference a good quality pair of shorts makes! And what everyone else said about saddles and fit

[MarickH]

Congrats on the bike! 

 

If this is your first time riding MTB, expect some discomfort the first few times you ride. However, if you still feel a lot of pain or discomfort a day or so after riding, a few weeks from now, consider buying a different saddle.

 

Cycling shouldn't be painful. Yes, you will be uncomfortable after a long ride, but you shouldn't be in pain.

 

I bought a Giant Liv Contact Forward saddle for R350 and it completely changed how I felt about my bike. I am no longer in pain for days after a long ride and after getting the saddle position right, I am a much happier rider.

 

Most bikes come out with mens saddles, which aren't wide enough for female sit bones. I rode a hired bike over the weekend with a mens saddle, and it was terrible. I was still in pain after two days. The right saddle makes a huge difference.

 

Added to that, bike setup and the right shorts are also essential to the equation.