Unisex

Difference between a men´s and a women´s bicycle saddle?

 distinction between a women's and a men's saddle is not necessary with a step saddle, because the decisive factor is the seat bone distance. The correct saddle width guarantees that the sit bones rest fully on the saddle. This is the only way to relieve the sensitive perineal area in men and the usually lower pubic arch in women.

 

The difference between men and women

The pelvis of man and woman differ mainly in the fact that a woman's pelvis must allow birth. For us however, the contact to the saddle is of interest – and here, the difference is less than often assumed.
The concept we developed to measure the distance between the seat bones provided us with interesting insights. There were no meaningful statistics about the sit bone distance relevant for the saddle so far. When researching the Internet on the subject of sit bones, you can find a lot about e.g. shepherd dogs, but almost nothing about humans. The statistics we have developed over the years show that the distance between the sit bones of men's between 6 cm and 16 cm and between 9 cm and 17 cm for women.

Why measure sit bones? 

The sit bones are used to support the body weight during normal sitting and can absorb high pressure, this should also be the case when cycling. The sit bones are the lowest point of our pelvis and transition from the ischial branches to the pubic branches. The left and right pubic branches meet at the pubic arch, where they form the pubic symphysis. Depending on the sitting position, the bearing surface extends from the large ischial tuberosities over the ischial branches and the pubic branches to the pubic arch.

The widely branching network of nerves and blood vessels of the perineal area extends from the anus over the genitals to the upper pubic arch. Laterally, it extends over the upper pubic rami. 

These can absorb light weight - but pressure reduction is urgently needed. 

 

Due tothe SQlab width concept, the main load of the body weight is placed on the sit bones when cycling. A uniform pressure reduction in the perineal area and the upper pubic bones is achieved via the lowered saddle nose of the SQlab step saddle concept. 

Anatomical explanation: pelvis and sitting bones 

The difference between bike sadlles for woman and a man

 

The anatomical difference, which has hardly been noticed so far, is that the pubic bone is usually much lower in a woman's pelvis, which often leads to unpleasant pressure points on the saddle nose.
There are therefore many women with a very small seat bone distance and many men with a very large distance.
A measurement of the sit bone distance at the SQlab specialist dealer facilitates the right saddle choice and saves unnecessary test rides. 
This results in the most important rule for more comfort and relief on the bicycle saddle: measure the sit bone distance!
Only by measuring the distance between the sit bones and calculating the optimum saddle width is it possible to guarantee that the sit bones rest fully on the saddle. With the additional lower saddle nose, the sensitive perineal area in men and the usually lower pubic arch in women can be relieved. 
Different saddles for women and men are no longer mandatory with the SQlab saddle concept! 

In 3 steps to the right bike saddle for woman and man

Here's what to consider:

1. Measure sit bones

2. Determine the correct saddle width 

3. Suitable saddle shape for relief