Why are Indoor Cycling Bikes So Uncomfortable?

Indoor cycling can be uncomfortable, especially for beginners. Most riders understandably blame the saddle, but ensuring the bike is correctly adjusted can also make a big difference, especially if you're riding intensively. Cycling can also be very uncomfortable for beginners and it can take several classes or a good few rides before you'll start feeling more at ease. 
 

Why are bike seats shaped like that?

Photo by Dó Castle

We generally use the phrase bicycle seat when discussing recumbent bikes. These are stationary bikes where the rider sits closer to the ground and pedals from a reclined position. Recumbent bike seats support a rider's entire weight. Upright bike saddles, however, aren't fully weight bearing, sharing distribution with two pedals and two contact points on the handlebars. 

The front point of a saddle is called the nose. Its narrow edges prevent a rider's thighs from rubbing against the saddle during pedalling. The rear of the saddle then widens out to support the sit bones, the two rounded bones extending from the bottom of the pelvis. The handlebars and pedals share the rest of the rider's weight.

The width and position of the sits bones are important in ensuring a comfortable saddle. Females have wider sits bones than men, so saddles designed for women will be shorter and broader. Although, some women prefer using a man's saddle and vice versa. This highlights why bike seats can be so uncomfortable, especially for riders exercising at the gym or in a studio. You can't just switch the saddle out like you can if it's your own bike.

Saddles do vary in shape and size. The most suitable for you will depend on several factors: the terrain you're riding over (if outdoors), the distance between your sit bones, the intensity of your pedalling, your gender (as mentioned), and the amount of riding you do.

Personal preference plays a significant role, too. While manufacturers might label saddles as being made for one thing and ideal for another, it's really down to the individual rider. What's perfect for one person isn't ideal for someone else.

Firmer and longer saddles are often preferred by those opting for prolonged or intense riding sessions. Wider saddles are usually more suited for slower or shorter training sessions.

You shouldn't assume that a wider or padded saddle will help. Softer saddles can put more pressure on the sensitive soft tissues, making them very uncomfortable. Conversely, a more rigid saddle may be more comfortable. Saddles much wider than your sit bones can be awkward and painful. Equally, if one is too narrow, it will also be uncomfortable.

Outdoor cyclists can change their saddle. Specialist stores can help with this; you'll even find some that will map a rider's sit bones to ensure a more comfortable fit. Some stores will also let you test drive a saddle for a few weeks to be sure it's the right style.

The electricity-generating RE:GEN has a universal post so you can swap the saddle for a different one if you're uncomfortable. Other bikes may allow you to do this, too.

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Unfortunately, you will most likely have to deal with the uncomfortable saddle in indoor cycling classes or at the gym. Often this discomfort is temporary. Indoor cycling classes are intense, and you may need several sessions to get used to the riding style.

If you are struggling, it's worth mentioning to the instructor before the class or asking them how best to improve your experience. We'll also include a few suggestions below that may help.

Are Bike Seats Universal? 

Most bike seats are universal. If you remove the seat, you should see two rails on the bike onto which the seat or saddle attaches. The standard saddle rail is 44mm, and you'll find that most manufacturers make seats to this specification. However, we'd encourage you to double-check before purchasing a new one because while most saddles are universal, there can sometimes be differences between specific models. 

How to Make an Exercise Bike Seat More Comfortable (or Road Bike)

Manufacturers can treat us as if we are all the same shape and height so never assume the stationary bike's factory-setting position will suit you.

• Adjusting the saddle can help. Try moving it up or down. The information should be in the bike's instruction manual, or ask your instructor if you're in a class. One quick way to adjust it to your height is to stand next to the bike and raise or lower the saddle to align with your hip. Next, sit on the saddle with the pedal in its furthermost downward or '6 o'clock' position. You should be able to place your foot on it with the leg almost straight but with a slight bend in the knee.
  
  
• Check the angle of your saddle. Too far forward and you'll put too much pressure on your wrists and you'll slide forwards. Too far back, all the soft tissue in your *ahem* most private and sensitive area will start feeling very tender.
  
  
• Your tailbone shouldn't be touching the seat so adjust accordingly.
  
  
• Position your handlebars either level with or slightly higher than the saddle. Handlebars that are too high put added weight on the sit bones.
  
  
• Padded shorts can help make indoor bikes more comfortable and may be better than padding the saddle. Cycling shorts also reduce chafing and friction by creating a smooth barrier between the skin and the saddle. Bib shorts worn by road cyclists can be used in indoor cycling classes or at home but if you're self-conscious, add sports shorts over the top. Just remember that some cycling shorts will only reduce chafing if you're riding commando.
  
  
• Chamois cream is used to reduce chafing. It's popular with road cyclists but can also be used by indoor cyclists. Add a small amount either directly to the skin or directly onto your cycling shorts.
  
  
• Noseless or no-pressure bike seats are also available. ZD Net has an article about them, in which they refer to a study where noseless saddles were used to reduce the amount of pressure men felt when riding. The study is worth mentioning just for the title -  'cutting off the nose to save the penis'.  There's also a female-friendly no-pressure bike seat, with the saddle's central part missing. This could also help in the short term if you have a trapped nerve or temporary medical issues. They're not especially attractive as a saddle and some people have reported that they miss having the saddle's nose for control, but if you're really struggling with comfort then it could be worth researching. 
  
  
• The more you ride, the less saddle soreness you should experience. Think of it like breaking in a new pair of shoes. It's something discussed on a lot of forums. You may need to persevere for a little while. However, don't ignore discomfort entirely, as it may be a sign that something isn't right.
  
  
• An indoor bike with a universal post means you can change the saddle. Take time to research and test the different saddle types and sizes. Measure your sitz bones to ensure you're buying the correct size.
  
  
• Include standing intervals when you ride. This not only relieves some of the pressure on your sit bones, but it will also increase blood flow. It's a great way to imitate the hill climbs you'd be doing on a road bike and get a little ab workout as you cycle.
  
  
• You can buy padded seat covers for your at-home bike. Some riders swear by them. It's down to personal choice, but padded seats can pressure the soft tissue between the sits bones more. In the short term, it can be a welcome respite. If you've been struggling with discomfort for some time and have exhausted all other avenues, a padded or gel seat may be worth a shot.
  
  
• The question of male vs female bike seats is an interesting one. Women tend to have a wider saddle with a shorter nose. The differences are to account for the male and female anatomy. Unisex saddles are relatively common, especially on rented outdoor bikes or indoor bikes in gyms, etc.

Why are stationary bike saddles so uncomfortable?

· Beginners assume that a saddle is the same as a seat.

· Beginners may not have racked up enough time in the saddle to get used to it.

· Incorrect saddle height, width or angle may put additional pressure on the sit bones.

· No saddle is universally comfortable. Riders should find the most suitable saddle, which may mean swapping one saddle for another.

· Too much friction between the saddle and the leg can create chafing and sores.

· Not enough time standing up and out of the saddle during classes to relieve pressure.

· Women using male saddles and vice versa but also…

· Riders assuming that gender design will solve all discomfort issues

· Too little or too much padding for an individual's need.

· Not wearing appropriate clothing

· Not using chamois cream

If you haven't already worked it out, there are a lot of variables for why a saddle or bike seat may be uncomfortable. Try some of the advice above, but contact a medical professional to rule out other possible issues if soreness or pain continues without a reasonable explanation.

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