Why is my bike seat so uncomfortable?

This was an old video I did a while back for a different channel. I think it fits better here.

The most common bike fit complaint I hear is about seats. Some riders just assume that the pain they're experiencing is normal, and are surprised and relieved to know that it's not and there's something we can do to fix it.

Problem-Solving Programs:

Solve Saddle Pain

NEW BIKE? Get the right size:

SOLVE KNEE PAIN on the Bike:

Here's a Playlist on...

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[djdanellec]

Watched about 10 different YouTube videos after experiencing saddle pain on my new bike. By far the most well explained and concise video I've seen. Thank you!

[ziksy]

I could ride any bike as a kid and not have any problem. Yesterday I bought a bike after years of not having ridden one. Now my ass hurts lol

[hamuraabi]

You have no idea how happy I am to watch this video. I ride for 30 miles a day and I am getting sores and discomfort all the time, I tried different fitting and different saddles. The interesting thing is when I ride with my hybrid bike I don't get this discomfort, its only in my road bike and the only conclusion I came with was it must be my handle bar position and your video just confirmed it scientifically. Most other videos I watched talked about saddle without mentioning handlebar.
I'm grateful for this information ... keep up the great channel!

[deermeadowhomes]

Finally, someone who knows what there talking about. I have been a cyclist for most of my life. The last 12 years I have struggled with blood in my urine after long rides. I think this video may help me. Thanks!

[johndee]

One of the best explanations to saddle soreness that I can find. Thank you.

[ismartv]

This video helped me solve the problem. I bought a wheel extender and IMMEDIATELY senced a big relief. Even the guy in the store was telling me it couldn't have anything with the pain in the butt. He was wrong. Thank you, SIR!

[whitebeardcycles]

Thank you, at long last. I've found someone who can explain why I've been through no less than 9 saddles (with varying mild successes and failures). I began to think it was me expecting too much from a saddle. All this despite 2 bike fits which have always felt like they only cured some of my problem. I have researched loads and only your channel most recently and now seem to be getting the answers I've been searching for, all to do now is put it into practice, I hope!

[massimilianovolpi]

Extremely useful and competent.
The Explanation take into consideration Aspects that usually are not being taken into consideration.

[cathalkeane-breslin]

God must have sent you! I've genuinely been looking for so long for decent information on this complex side of things and you are spot on in every single one of your videos!!

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Keep up the amazing work

[elysiumfire]

When we sit in a chair in the normal position, we are not just resting on the pelvis, we are also resting on the back of the thighs, which distributes the the downward pressure of our upper-body's mass weight and spreads it out. When we are cycling, we can no longer distribute the downward mass pressure along our thighs, as our thighs have nothing to rest on...in fact, they are working very hard. The only other place where we can distribute some of the upper-body's downward mass pressure is at the handlebars, which is why our shoulders and arms and hands get fatigued.

However, the trick is to direct the downward mass pressure towards our legs in the most optimal way, thereby utilising gravity as well as our muscles to move us forward. Optimal sitting position would have our body's centre of gravity directly over the the centre of the pedal crank shaft which should, in theory, bring a near equalisation of pressure to the pelvis, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Needless to say, but the heavier one is, the more problematic seat discomfort might be. Losing weight will help a great deal.

[fuzzypancake]

Holy moly!!! I was looking for some video out of frustration but accidentally learned how to actually properly sit on a bike. Unexpected but awesome!! 😁

[jjjkkk]

Great explanation of anatomy relative to bike. Never considered handlebar reach but makes sense.

[nessamarie]

I just bought an exercise bike and I ordered a new seat this morning. I rode it for 5 minutes and it was too painful. I am 5’1”. This was extremely insightful! Thank you.

[joselarrarte]

I have seen every video relating to seat position on you tube and this is just the real perfect one! Love the clear pelvic, spine and arms images you are using to represent the body and the different outcomes based on position; so clever. Very well done!!!

[carmaela]

The best video illustrating all this...short and sweet and to the point, clear explanation. Thank you.

[iwontreplybacklol]

Best on bike saddle theory Ive seen yet
Demystifyied a lot! Thanks.

[BalajiSampath]

Even after many years few videos makes absolute sense. This would list top among them.

[sinaimay]

I know I’m years later but dude! This is exactly what I needed

[donovanvaz]

Hi whilst the lack of yellow and red is a good thing, the red line suggests another issue i.e. a greater degree of lateral movement left to right and forward and backward. Which in itself can lead to other issues away from the saddle (knee pain, hip pain etc).

[WatchfulPL]

I absolutely love the visual explanation a real masterpiece of effort put in to explain such intricate details thanks