Hammer

Female Long Distance Bicycle Saddle?

Julie asked: I am having trouble with pain in my butt from my current bicycle saddle. I should clarify that I am not new to the sport of cycling and am actually pretty experienced. I have some great bike shorts, and I have logged several hundred miles in the saddle, so I should be "broken in" by now. I am aware that every person's geometry is different, and that saddles are very individual -- but was hoping for some general recommendations from female cyclists specifically to see what you could have to offer. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

Our Answer

Jenny....congratulations on NOT being a new cyclist....we're sure you should be very proud of yourself....as for your saddle requirements....I can tell you that a NUMBER of women have reported excellent results when changing over to a Brooks style saddle.

The Brooks series of saddles feature a female specific version that will help you in many ways and is constructed of leather. Leather makes an extremely durable, beautiful and comfortable bicycle saddle but you should be warned that many riders report that the saddle takes a few miles to "break in" to their butt while others report comfort from the first ride.

I know of one woman that does the Randoneering events and rides several hundred miles in a short period of time and all she will use is her Brooks B17. These saddles have almost a cult like following and there must be a reason. Be sure to let us know how it works out if you decide to try it but with a gajillion happy women running around on these saddles....you know it has to be good.

Brooks B17 IMPERIAL Saddle BLACK Leather B 17 w Cutout
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US $119.99

Brooks B 17 Standard Honey Brand New In Box
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US $150.00

Brooks B17 Champion Standard Saddle Black Leather B 17
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US $89.99

Brooks B 17 Titanium Racing Green Leather Saddle
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US $102.50

Brooks B17 IMPERIAL NARROW Saddle BLACK Leather B 17
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US $139.99

Brooks B 17 Special Green with Brass Rails Bike Saddle
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US $134.96

4 Comments »

larry e rated this:

if you haven;t been riding long, it may a matter of butt conditioning
that is, possibly no saddle is going to work until the thing gets ‘calloused’
or it could be adjustment
is the pointy part parallel to the ground?
under no circumstances should it be pointing up [tilted back]

terry saddles are supposed to be pretty good, designed for women and all that

i’d be surprised if it;s the saddle per se..

—
i agree with the brooks saddle idea
they are SHOCKINGLY comfortable
but i’m a guy and have no saddle issues to begin with
—

wle.

# 20 July 2009 at 6:31 am

Bob A rated this:

It’s hard to suggest a saddle everyone is different, sometimes narrower is better. You can play with the adjustments seat tilt etc. Have you tried cycling shorts ?

# 22 July 2009 at 9:34 pm

daddylonglegs2003 rated this:

Get a Brooks leather saddle – the are classics that bike tour riders swear by and so do I as a bike commuter and a couple centuries per year. They may be deceiving because they appear to be hard leather but they form to you over time and they are the best!

You can get them at many good bike shops or on-line. I actually found decent prices on ebay for new ones.

# 23 July 2009 at 9:47 am

Max Cruise rated this:

If you purchased your Terry saddle direct from Terry, they have an exchange policy. This enables riders to keep experimenting with different saddles until the best one is found.
When I purchased my tandem about 9 years ago I went through 7 different saddles until I found the best one for my anatomy.
But when I start a riding season I keep the old Spenco saddle pad packed it the rack pack. That pad is about 20 years old. It has saved my backside on many rides over the years.

# 26 July 2009 at 1:36 pm