Pelvis | Sit bone pain while cycling | Saddle

Sit bone Pain while cycling

Sit bone pain when cycling is a common problem that affects many cyclists. The main causes include a saddle that is too narrow or too soft and an unsuitable saddle shape that does not provide sufficient support. In addition, a lack of acclimatization to longer rides and shear forces generated by cycling can cause discomfort. Understanding these causes is crucial to finding targeted solutions and improving riding comfort. We have developed suitable solutions to remedy these problems, counteract them and enable pain-free cycling.

Causes of painful sit bones

Saddle too narrow

Saddle with a wrong shape

Saddle too soft

Familiarization of the sit bones

Shearing forces

Saddle to narrow

Cause - saddle too narrow

leads to discomfort to the sit bones and an increased pressure on the perineal area

SQlab Solution

Sit bone measurement to determine the individual saddle width

Saddle width

A saddle that takes the sit bone distance into account for the saddle width can effectively prevent sit bone pain. If the saddle is too narrow, the sit bones are often not sufficiently supported, which leads to the weight being unevenly distributed. This inadequate support puts strain on the sensitive areas around the sit bones, which can lead to pain and discomfort. An optimally wide saddle, on the other hand, ensures that the sit bones are correctly supported and the pressure is evenly distributed. >More about the sit bone measurement

Wrong saddle shape

Cause - wrong saddle shape

leads to an increased pressure in the perineal area

SQlab Solution

Step Saddle with an optimum pressure distribution in accordance with medical advice

Saddle Shape

Sit bone pain is often the result of an unsuitable saddle shape, which increases the pressure on the perineal area and causes the cyclist discomfort. Saddles that are too soft make this even worse, as they allow the sit bones to sink in and irritate the sensitive tissue after short rides. SQlab addresses these problems with a graduated saddle technology that distributes the pressure evenly across the sit bones. SQlab saddles combine optimum strength and shape to prevent the sit bones from sinking in and to protect the sensitive tissue. >More about the step saddle concept

Too soft saddle

Cause - too soft saddle

leads to sinking sit bones

SQlab Solution

SQlab saddle models in different saddle firmnesses adapted to riding duration and area of use

Sit bones get used to the load

Deep-seated muscles and tendones are stimulated by soft pads

The sit bones sink in so far, that sensitive soft tissue such as muscle and tendons are aggravated. After approx. 30 – 40 minutes a dull deep pressing pain sets in.

The sinking in of the sit bones also causes the perineal area in men and the lower positioned pubic bone arch in women to be subjected to higher pressure. Specifically, soft padding will effectively stop the blood flow. It is rare that the padding is so soft that the saddle shell causes the discomfort.

SQlab Solution

Soft saddles are generally only suitable for short distances!

Familiarization of the sit bones

Cause - missing familiarization

periosteum, muscle and tendon approaches react irritably

SQlab Solution

Regular trips with a saddle model adapted to the individual saddle width and driving characteristics

The sit bones are capable of getting used to a high pressure load and the discomfort will reduce. At the beginning of the season, or when switching to a new unfamiliar saddle shape, pain and discomfort in the sit bones is normal. Familiarization with a new saddle can take approx. 5 to 6 rides.

At least two days of rest should be scheduled between the initial rides to give the already sensitive muscles and tendons time to respond.

SQlab lists the hardness of the padding material on the saddle. We have developed a measurement unit called SQ Shore, which takes into account the combination of both cover and padding materials.

Shearing forces

Cause - Shearing forces

These are caused by the mutual load of the pedaling motion.

SQlab Solution

Orthopaedic TPE insert to absorb shear forces

Painful sit bones get used to the strain at first, which is quite normal especially in the spring after a long winter break or during the first test drives on the usually unfamiliar SQlab step saddle.

The pain originates at the periosteum. The pressure is less the problem, rather it is the shear forces caused by the pedaling motion. The slight but constant movement of the pelvis on the saddle provides painful shearing forces on the periosteum.

The SQlab active technology provides some relief as well as a chamois cream. The best solution are our new pads: The SQ-Pad 11 and SQ-Pad10. >More about SQ-Pad concept

The SQlab Solutions

When choosing the right bicycle saddle, two factors are crucial: firstly, the individual saddle width, ensuring that the sit bones are fully supported, and secondly, the optimal saddle firmness. A saddle that's too soft allows the sit bones to sink in, potentially irritating deeper, sensitive tissues such as muscles and tendon attachments. The right combination of saddle width and firmness is key to a comfortable and healthy cycling experience, preventing pain and enhancing performance.