Saddle advice - 10 days later and still coccyx pain

[TheWho]

I realise there is a varied opinion in saddles. A lot of articles from bike sites say harder is comfiest and seat height is more important than softness. However there are literally tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon saying wide padded saddles are great.

I'm hoping to use my hard tail emtb as part of a slow recovery from long-term health problems, mainly used for gravel, mud and rocky paths. Probably rides of 1-2 hours. I am mainly sat down because standing tires me. The emtb is doing nearly all the work. I don't have a bike shop nearby that lends out saddles.

What types of saddle should I be looking at first (narrow/wide, soft/hard, flat/curved, solid/cut out, long/short, foam/gel/etc., cheap/expensive) and what kind of saddle set up should I be using (e.g. height, tilt, etc.)?

Last ride has left me in coccyx pain for 10 days and the pain is still very noticeable. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Unfortunately, this is a question that only trial and error can often answer, as saddle choice is such a personal preference.
You will get recommendations for "comfortable" saddles, but what's comfy for one person will be dreadful for another.
The best thing to try, is to identify what area's of the saddle are causing discomfort and try to choose a saddle that caters to that.

There are a few different factors to take into account when choosing a saddle, one of the main things is saddle width to suit your sit bone width, which can be a huge factor in saddle comfort. If your current saddle is too wide or narrow you won't be sitting on your sit bones, rather the soft tissue of your bum which will quickly become uncomfortable.
You can get your sit bones measured at a good shop to give you the most accurate reading and saddle width or you can do a diy approach yourself to get a ball park estimation.

Saddles with raised rears and drop nose can be more comfortable, but again it's preference, some will prefer a flatter saddle.
Perineum cut out's can also aid in comfort if you're getting pain there.

Soft saddle padding isn't always the most comfortable, with better saddles having dynamic foams in different places of the saddle.

If you're not wearing a good quality padded short that would be a first must to increase comfort.

As for set up, a neutral, level saddle in the middle of fore and aft is the best place to start. You can then adjust from there. Saddle tilt plays a big part in comfort, so experiment there.
Setting a saddle correctly is hugely involved and mainly done for roadies to get the best performance. For mtb, as long as it's comfy it's normally good enough.


A few saddles that often come up are
WTB volt
Specialized mimic
SDG bel air
Ergon e-mtb
Charge spoon.
Sqlab 60x

​

I've tried a few different saddles now and haven't found one that I'm 100% happy with
I'm currently on a WTB Volt which gives me around 2 hours before becoming uncomfortable.
I'm considering an SQlab saddle with active ergolux, these pivot up and down with your leg movement to help increase comfort, but they are expensive and there is no guarantee it helps for every one.

Also bear in mind that spending 2 hours+ on even the best saddle may start to become uncomfortable if you are not regularly riding. More saddle time should see an increase in comfort as your bum adjusts and toughens to the abuse.

 

[TheWho]

There are a few different factors to take into account when choosing a saddle, one of the main things is saddle width to suit your sit bone width, which can be a huge factor in saddle comfort.

Thanks for all your advice, that's really helpful. In terms of saddle width I've been looking and I'm not seeing saddles in multiple sizes. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong shops, but I'm not getting X saddle in 3 width options.

I'll have a search for the ones you've mentioned and have a look, see where that takes me.

 

[ipe]

Measuring your sits bones is a good place to start. That will help you determine a width that will fit you best. There are you tube videos on how to do it.
After that it is, unfortunately, trial and error. I tried many saddles and ended I with an Sqlab 611 (non active). They look "odd" but feel right. They're on all my bikes now and I wouldn't have it any other way. All that said, your butt is probably different from mine and what works for me, maybe won't for you.
OP, your post mentioned coccyx pain. I can honestly say I've never experienced that from riding, nor heard of anyone experiencing that issue. That said, I know it's really awful so I hope you recover quickly. One thing that could help is seeing a shop that has a fitting specialist on staff. I'm not sure what body position could/would cause coccyx pain, but a fit specialist should be able to help. Good luck

 

[Polar]

As other says the only way to find the best saddle for your body is to try different types but that's pretty impossible. I haven't tried other but at least for me Ergon SM E-Mountain with the rear lip gave me much more support and comfort than stock saddle. Costly but worth it.

 

[Desmopilot]

I've found Ergon saddles to be of huge help to me. I recently tried the the Ergon Core line of saddles which were a huge improvement. The E-mtb version was comfy, but I didn't like the pronounced lip at the back so I switched to the standard SMC core version. Still very comfy and the reduced rear lip allows me to move for and back easily.

 

[Mikerb]

Another factor not mentioned in the posts a bove is general cockpit fit and specifically how much of you body weight is on your hands compared to how much is on your saddle. In general the more upright your stance on the bike when seated the more of your weight is being support by the saddle. Perhaps adjustments to your cockpit fit could improve that balance which I would guess on an EMTB to be 60/40%....60% on the saddle.

 

[TheWho]

Thanks Mike. Because of my health conditions I'm probably more 70/30 so a lot rests on the saddle

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Sqlabs Ethos is all about ergonomics, they put a huge amount of R&D into their products and while they won't suit everyone I value their insight.
They are one of the few (perhaps the only) company that offer saddles in width sizes in 1cm increments, from 12cm up to 18cm and beyond.
Most other companies offer narrow, medium and wide. For the majority of people that maybe fine, but if you're struggling to find a saddle that truly fits well it could be just what you are after.

I got this from their website which you may find helpful.

SQlab GmbH Online Shop | Coccyx pain | Ergonomic bike equipment

Coccyx Pain on the bike saddle is caused by a soft or too narrow saddle. Therefore it is important to determine the saddle width.

www.sq-lab.com

I'm on the fence of trying one (Specifically the 602 ergolux 2.1, if anyone has one and would like to share their opinion on it) I have Sqlab bars and rate them highly, from what I've read the quality is top-notch.

Ergon are another company that get great reviews and a lot of praise.
It's a rabbit hole you can fall into, then spend a lot of money getting out. That's why I suggest sticking with your current saddle until you're certain on what the problems are and what features you think may best resolve them in a saddle.

 

[Paulquattro]

Welcome
I can’t add anymore than above
Happy hunting

 

[BikeBert]

I ride on the SQlab 6OX active saddle, selected in a width that matches my sit bones. Although it's firm, it offers exceptional comfort, emphasizing the importance of personalized fit and ergonomic design.

Additionally SQlab saddle, with its raised seat surface, is ideally designed for uphill riding, while also enhancing pedal performance on flat terrain.

 

[steve_sordy]

To measure your own sit-bone width start with some corrugated cardboard. The thicker and coarser the better, but even the micro flute will work.

If you have a wooden chair, then great, otherwise find a flattish surface to sit on so that your feet are flat on the floor. If the seat is high put a block under your feet so that your thighs are as horizontal as possible. Put the cardboard on the flat surface and sit on it for ten seconds or so. When you get off you will see two depressions; draw a circle around the depressions.

Mark the centre of each circle and measure the distance between them. That is your sit bone width. Add 15 -25mm to that distance and buy a saddle that has a shoulder width in the range. My sit bone width is 130mm and I bought a saddle with 150mm width. My previous saddle had a 130mm shoulder width, which is why it was hurting me!!

Or you can follow the less intuitive wrist method from WTB, as promoted by Rachel Atherton. (I was surprised to find that it worked for me too).

Fit Right System

WTB has a range of saddles of various widths and types of padding. Yiu will find all that on the website.

 

[RustyIron]

Thanks for all your advice, that's really helpful. In terms of saddle width I've been looking and I'm not seeing saddles in multiple sizes. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong shops,

Yup. If they're not addressing the width, then that store is not for you. Like others have suggested, go to YouTube to find out how to measure your sit bones.

The brand that I've been happiest with is WTB. I've used a LOT of their saddles, but I'm currently running a Volt Medium. My last bike was rockin' an SQLabls 6OX when I sold it. That saddle worked really nicely, despite its odd shape.

 

[Sander23]

Tbh I struggle with this to.
I've got a ergon smc core. It's a very nice saddle for 2-3 hours ( at max) after that. It's soft and flexible, takes on bumps very well. After 3 hours that's usually after 70 km I can't stand the pain on my sitbones.
I've messed with angle height for aft, but can't find a good position.

Im 178cm with an inseam of 81.5 cm, accoring to all those saddle height calculator online my saddle should be heightened with 3cm wich is alot but it feels so wrong an unstable when the trails get tricky sometimes.

 

[Gavalar]

I realise there is a varied opinion in saddles. A lot of articles from bike sites say harder is comfiest and seat height is more important than softness. However there are literally tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon saying wide padded saddles are great.

I'm hoping to use my hard tail emtb as part of a slow recovery from long-term health problems, mainly used for gravel, mud and rocky paths. Probably rides of 1-2 hours. I am mainly sat down because standing tires me. The emtb is doing nearly all the work. I don't have a bike shop nearby that lends out saddles.

What types of saddle should I be looking at first (narrow/wide, soft/hard, flat/curved, solid/cut out, long/short, foam/gel/etc., cheap/expensive) and what kind of saddle set up should I be using (e.g. height, tilt, etc.)?

Last ride has left me in coccyx pain for 10 days and the pain is still very noticeable. Any help would be much appreciated.

I think the first thing you need to consider isn't the brand put a proper measurement of your sit bones, only then will you be able to start and narrow down your options.

 

[mtbexpress585]

Just going to mention that I wear padded shorts with a cushion right on my sit bones which helps a lot. I ride on WTB Volt which I've found comfortable-ish, but haven't had a chance to try very many saddles.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

What padded shorts are people using? I'm due a new pair and open to suggestions.

 

[RustyIron]

What padded shorts are people using? I'm due a new pair and open to suggestions.

As I'm neither a roadie nor an exotic male dancer, so I shy away from padded shorts and stick with separate liners and shorts. The added layer of fabric lessens movement against your skin.

The all-time best liners are Patagonia Dirt Roamer. Zoic are good, too. Liners are kind of like tires--you might be tempted to run them as long as possible. Really, you'll be happier if you get get rid of them before they're in tatters. Don't cheap-out on liners. Your back side and your junk will thank you.

 

[steve_sordy]

I buy Endura padded liners. Have done for years.

Padded Liner II - Black

Buy Padded Liner II - Black online with Endura.

www.endurasport.com

 

[irie]

What padded shorts are people using? I'm due a new pair and open to suggestions.

I wear padded liner shorts under shorts in hot weather and under trousers in cold weather. Tried Endura undershorts which didn't fit me very well, then bought (expensive) Assos Trail Tactica HP T3 liner shorts which still fit perfectly and show absolutely no signs of wear after over a year's use.

Edit: Have Assos size Large - am 5'10"/1.78m, 12st2lb/169lb/77kg, 34" waist.

Edit2: ride about 3 times a week so they've had a lot of use.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Cheers guys, yes liners is what I'm after, I see now padded shorts are a different thing.
I currently have some Altura liners, but after many washes they aren't so effective as they used to be.

 

[Osman]

SDG Bel Air V3 Max is the more comfortable version.

 

[Christurbo]

I won’t add to any comments RE brand / style of saddle. Also bike fit. Type of saddle is very subjective and will be trial and error, seems the guys above have you covered.

My response won’t be very popular, but here it goes. Firstly great news you are putting steps in to improve your health.

The problem most people will have when getting into biking is that their bodies are not primed for it. This includes low impact road / gravel cycling. Your skeletal muscles, ligaments and tendons are not used to sitting in an odd position for 2 hours at a time. Which will result in various aches, pains and perceivable injuries.

My advice has always been to start ‘off’ the bike. Start basic strength based exercises which can be just body weight to start with. Air squats, press ups, some form of adapted pulling exercises (or even deadlifts). Then do core work. I love the Russian Twist with a 9kg medicine ball (but you will start with body weight) as this will strengthen your core and is tailor made for MTBing as you move your body position to follow the trail / get the most grip. This will slowly build your skeletal strength and will allow it to endure your riding with ease.

Also, 1-2hrs at a time without working your way up to it is asking for a stress based injury. Start with just 20mins then build Upton the by 10% increments and see how you feel and adapt.

Also, it goes without saying, the beauty of MTBing IS being out of the saddle. This increases strength but also takes the pressure off your lower back and surrounding area. You should try to incorporate it periodically, building up the length of time out the saddle as time goes on.

Anyway …. You can of course ignore me and try to buy yourself out of the problem, but trust me, it won’t give you the results you want.

Chris.

 

[irie]

I won’t add to any comments RE brand / style of saddle. Also bike fit. Type of saddle is very subjective and will be trial and error, seems the guys above have you covered.

My response won’t be very popular, but here it goes. Firstly great news you are putting steps in to improve your health.

The problem most people will have when getting into biking is that their bodies are not primed for it. This includes low impact road / gravel cycling. Your skeletal muscles, ligaments and tendons are not used to sitting in an odd position for 2 hours at a time. Which will result in various aches, pains and perceivable injuries.

My advice has always been to start ‘off’ the bike. Start basic strength based exercises which can be just body weight to start with. Air squats, press ups, some form of adapted pulling exercises (or even deadlifts). Then do core work. I love the Russian Twist with a 9kg medicine ball (but you will start with body weight) as this will strengthen your core and is tailor made for MTBing as you move your body position to follow the trail / get the most grip. This will slowly build your skeletal strength and will allow it to endure your riding with ease.

Also, 1-2hrs at a time without working your way up to it is asking for a stress based injury. Start with just 20mins then build Upton the by 10% increments and see how you feel and adapt.

Also, it goes without saying, the beauty of MTBing IS being out of the saddle. This increases strength but also takes the pressure off your lower back and surrounding area. You should try to incorporate it periodically, building up the length of time out the saddle as time goes on.

Anyway …. You can of course ignore me and try to buy yourself out of the problem, but trust me, it won’t give you the results you want.

Chris.

Because you have failed to question and therefore address TheWho's "health problems" ...

"I'm hoping to use my hard tail emtb as part of a slow recovery from long-term health problems, mainly used for gravel, mud and rocky paths. Probably rides of 1-2 hours. I am mainly sat down because standing tires me."

... your advice is probably inappropriate and could exacerbate whatever that "health problem" is.

Apologies for being so blunt.

 

[Downhillr]

I realise there is a varied opinion in saddles. A lot of articles from bike sites say harder is comfiest and seat height is more important than softness. However there are literally tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon saying wide padded saddles are great.

I'm hoping to use my hard tail emtb as part of a slow recovery from long-term health problems, mainly used for gravel, mud and rocky paths. Probably rides of 1-2 hours. I am mainly sat down because standing tires me. The emtb is doing nearly all the work. I don't have a bike shop nearby that lends out saddles.

What types of saddle should I be looking at first (narrow/wide, soft/hard, flat/curved, solid/cut out, long/short, foam/gel/etc., cheap/expensive) and what kind of saddle set up should I be using (e.g. height, tilt, etc.)?

Last ride has left me in coccyx pain for 10 days and the pain is still very noticeable. Any help would be much appreciated.

Ergon has done a good job with saddles designed for different styles of riding and anatomies. I’ve used brands like WTF, Sella over the years and gravitated back to Ergon for road & mtb.

SM E-Mountain Core

The CORE 3D® saddle for E-MTB riders. Utilizing CORE 3D® comfort is dramatically enhanced while your lower back is relieved. The rear ramp supports the rider better in steep up-hill-riding situations when seated and also improves your riding skills: To achieve the best possible traction your...

ergonbike.shop

 

[irie]

On the basis of the very little info so far from TheWho it seems unlikely that a saddle can solve the coccyx issue. Just sayin'.

 

[Jirkovo]

i have this and so far so good, I've been riding it for 2 years

 

[TheWho]

After doing the WTB measurements online I'm probably going to go for the WTB Koda as it's a cheaper starting point. If that doesn't work I'll try SQLabs.

Thank you everyone for your varied advice and helpful information. I'll try slow and build up and see how it goes.

It's a secondhand Cube and it's got an old worn Suchi saddle that's only available on Ali Express, so hopefully the WTB will be an improvement!

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Just as a heads-up, I'd also use the corrugated cardboard method to measure your sit bones.

I have unusually narrow sit bones and the WTB wrist measurement system was way off for me personally.

WTB make good saddles, I'm currently swapping between the volt and rocket to see which I prefer, though I suspect I'll try an SQlabs or Ergon sooner or later.

 

[ipe]

I'd also use the corrugated cardboard method to measure your sit bones.

This. Do this. It's cheap, easy, and works every time. The actual SQLab measuring tool is a variation of this.