What causes saddle pain and how can we prevent it?

Most of the body weight rests on the saddle while cycling, this frequently leads to saddle problems and discomfort. It can cause numbness and pain near the sit-bones, and soft tissue areas on both men and women. Friction is another factor that can cause additional discomfort issues.

Terry makes the difference

Question: Do women and men need different saddles?

Yes! One of the most reasonable gender-specific products are bicycle saddles.

The greatest difference between women and men is without doubt the genital- and seating-zone. Most of the body weight rests on the saddle while cycling, this frequently leads to saddle problems and discomfort.

Numerous products are developed specifically for women and men. Examples are underwear, shorts, jerseys, shoes, helmets, gloves and backpacks. Bicycle saddles are offered with different and partially ergonomic concepts. Many of them ignore the obvious difference between women and men due to marketing reasons.

Since 1994 Terry has been a pioneer in developing ergonomic saddles to stop seating discomfort for women and men.

Terry saddles for women and men. The graphic shows genital and perineal contact zones of women and men.

Women-specific pressure relief in the front of the saddle

The women’s saddle has a wide relief channel towards the front. This provides excellent relief for the soft tissue in the genital area.

100 % Women
Sensitive genital region

In women, the pubic bone is lower than in men. This puts significant strain on the external genitalia when sitting on conventional saddles.

Men-specific pressure relief in the back of the saddle

The men’s saddle has a relief channel towards the back. This relieves pressure on the perineal area.

100 % Men
Sensitive perineal area

In men, the urethra and erectile tissue in the perineal region cannot move and so are subject to uncomfortable strain. The anterior genitalia are mobile and can move to avoid pressure.

The 3-Zone-Comfort-Principle

Pressure created by the upper body weight distributes in a way that seat discomfort diminishes, and the comfort of your saddle effectively increases.

  1. Pronounced relief channel: Maximum pressure relief in the urogenital area
  2. Further pressure relief: Gentle transition with minimal pressure points
  3. Dynamic loading: Optimal pressure distribution in any situation

Step-free seating without a tilting movement

Cyclists change their seating position depending on the stress level and riding duration, to biomechanically optimize pedaling and reduce the saddle pressure intuitively.

As a result, the step-free Terry saddles are designed for dynamic seating. The unique step-free, anatomical shape follows the natural position of the sit-bones while in their movement pattern. It ensures an optimal pressure distribution in every seating position.

Terry: Step-free seating with a relief channel for optimal pressure distribution when changing the seating position.
Step-Concept: Disturbing tilting movement = High pressure while moving on the saddle.

The Terry Expert Team

  • Hedda zu Putlitz Physiotherapist
  • Dr. Kim Alexander Tofaute Sports Scientist and Ergonomist
  • Dr. med. Uwe Niekerken Urologist

Terry saddles are developed using the latest sensor pressure measuring technologies in collaboration with our expert team comprised of Dr. med. Uwe Niekerken (Urologist), Hedda zu Putlitz (Physiotherapist) and Dr. Kim Tofaute (Sports Scientist and Ergonomist) in our Terry ergonomic laboratory.

The saddle is the central sensory interface between man and machine. The difference between women and men, especially in the urogenital area, requires specific saddle ergonomics. Dr. Kim Tofaute

The Precision Fit Saddle

Terry’s Race, Sports, Fitness and Touring saddles are offered in several saddle widths.

From an ergonomic point of view, there are two important factors: The distance between the sit-bones and the individual sitting position.

To be more precise, the sit-bone (pubic bones) as well as soft tissue area width surrounding the sit-bones that touch the saddle is crucial while riding. Due to the anatomic shape of the pelvic bones, the distance in this area decreases when a person stretches forward.

Women’s Saddles

  • RaceComfort Arteria Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • SportComfort Exera Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • FitnessComfort Figura Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • TouringComfort Fisio Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • CityComfort Anatomica Series

    One Size
    The application and the fairly upright seating position do not require different saddle widths.

Männersattel

  • RaceComfort Arteria Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • SportComfort Exera Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • FitnessComfort Figura Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • TouringComfort Fisio Series

    Standard
    9–12 cm
    Max
    12–15 cm

  • CityComfort Anatomica Series

    One Size
    The application and the fairly upright seating position do not require different saddle widths.

Sit-Bone Measurement: The precision fit saddle

Terry‘s Race-, Sport-, Fitness- and Touring saddles are offered in two saddle widths to fit your individual sit-bone width. This is the only way, we can ensure that the 3-Zone-Comfort Principle works perfectly.

To determine the appropriate seat width, Terry recommends the innovative, digital seat width measuring for all brands by Ergon.