Best bike saddles for women and people with a vulva: Fit, comfort and pain-free riding while bikepacking

You can have the best and coolest bike, but if you're not sitting comfortably, it won't be fun to ride, unless you have a really high pain tolerance. It's not just about discomfort: a poor saddle choice can also damage your skin and increase the risk of infections while cycle touring.

The wrong saddle can cause numbness, and if its position isn't right for you, it can lead to even worse issues like knee pain, muscular problems, hip pain, and back pain. Riding with the right saddle fit can significantly improve your happiness on the bike - trust me! I also found that my pedaling strength improved a lot once I found the right saddle for myself.

Most saddles used to be designed for people with a penis. Luckily, more and more saddles for people with vulvas are now available. The anatomy is quite different. Not only do we not have anything external between our legs, but our sit bone width is usually wider, and the overall structure of our hips and pelvis differs. Did you know that sit bone width is often about 1 to 1.5 cm wider?

People with a vulva also tend to have shorter urinary tracts, which increases the risk of UTIs. A saddle that constantly rubs can further increase the chance of infection. If you want to learn more about how to prevent infections, we have another article for you here: Bikepacking and vaginal health: Top tips for comfortable multi-day rides.

Additionally, our skin can be more sensitive to chafing, as it is generally thinner. Understanding these anatomical differences can really help when finding the right saddle fit.

When choosing the right saddle, there are a few key features that can make a huge difference in comfort, especially for riders with a vulva.

Width (how to choose the right one)

The most important factor is saddle width. Your saddle should support your sit bones, not the soft tissue in between. If it's too narrow, your sit bones won't be properly supported and more pressure will be placed on sensitive areas. If it's too wide, it can cause chafing. A good starting point is to measure your sit bone width and choose a saddle that matches it. You can either measure it yourself or get a professional saddle mapping at a bike fitter.

Cut-out vs no cut-out ("relief channel")

Many saddles come with a central cut-out or channel designed to relieve pressure on the vulva. For many riders, this can significantly improve comfort and reduce numbness. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, as some people find that the edges of the cut-out create pressure points. It's worth trying both options to see what works best for your body.

Padding (why less can be more)

It might seem logical that more padding equals more comfort, but that's often not the case. Very soft saddles can actually increase friction and pressure over longer rides, as your sit bones sink in and more weight shifts to soft tissue. Firmer saddles tend to provide better support and stability, especially for bikepacking and long-distance cycling. There are even brands, like everve, offering systems that combine a specific saddle with unpadded bibs.

Shape (flat vs. curved nose)

Saddles come in different shapes, and the right one often depends on your riding style and flexibility. Flatter saddles allow for more movement and are often preferred by riders who shift positions frequently. More curved saddles can provide a more "locked-in" feeling, which some people find supportive and stable.

Nose design (short vs. long)

The length and shape of the saddle nose can also impact comfort. Short-nose saddles reduce pressure at the front and can be a great option if you experience discomfort or numbness in that area. Longer noses can offer more control and are sometimes preferred for certain riding styles.

Even the best saddle won't feel right if it's not properly adjusted. I've experimented quite a bit with my saddle position, and it made a big difference.

I remember going on a bikepacking trip on the Montañas Vacías route with a new bike, and my saddle was just a couple of millimeters too high. It caused Achilles pain and later even knee pain.

Saddle tilt

Saddle tilt is one of the most important (and often overlooked) adjustments. A saddle that tilts too far upward can put excessive pressure on the vulva and pelvic bone, while a saddle that tilts too far downward can cause you to slide forward. A neutral, level position is usually the best starting point.

Height adjustment

If your saddle is too high, your hips may rock side to side, leading to friction and chafing. If it's too low, you might put more pressure on the saddle and reduce pedaling efficiency. A properly adjusted saddle height allows for a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Fore/aft positioning

This refers to how far forward or backward your saddle is positioned. If it's too far forward, you may feel increased pressure on your hands and the front of the saddle. Too far back, and it can strain your lower back and reduce control.

It's easy to assume that discomfort means you need a new saddle, but often the issue lies in the setup. Taking the time to fine-tune your position (or even getting a professional bike fit) can make a huge difference.

One saddle fits all? Not necessarily. I usually switch between my gravel bike and my hardtail mountain bike, and the geometry is very different. On the gravel bike, I lean much more forward, while on the MTB I sit more upright, which puts more pressure on my pubic bone and sit bones.

I also tend to ride rougher terrain on the MTB, and the vibration from rocky ground adds more pressure on my pelvic area and skin. If you're bike touring, chances are high that you'll spend many hours in the saddle over multiple days. In those cases, I would always prioritize comfort over performance.

I find this to be one of the trickiest parts, as you can't easily test multiple saddles over time and then just return them. Problems often only show after several days of riding and under real-life conditions.

A good place to start is your local bike shop. Many offer test saddles, sit bone measurements, or even saddle mapping to help narrow down your options. If that's not available, ask friends or fellow riders if you can try their saddles.

When testing a saddle, try to ride in conditions similar to your usual riding style. Distance, terrain, and position all matter. Give your body a few rides to adjust, but don't ignore persistent discomfort, numbness, or pain.

Another idea is to buy second-hand saddles instead of new ones if you want to save money while testing different options.

I considered this for a long time but always thought, "This is way too expensive!" Getting a custom saddle, however, might solve your issues once and for all.

After one of my more recent trips through Croatia, I experienced such intense pain that I couldn't handle it anymore and finally decided to invest in a custom 3D-printed saddle. I found Posedla (not sponsored, just my personal experience), and since they offer a happiness guarantee, I gave it a try.

The process takes a while, so keep that in mind. You receive a home kit to measure your anatomy, send them a photo of the result, and answer a few questions about your riding style. It takes about 4 - 5 weeks to receive your saddle.

But after my first 50 km test ride, I was amazed. No pain, no chafing, just a great feeling on the bike.

I then took it on a bikepacking trip through Lesotho on rough terrain and it still worked perfectly. This truly upgraded my bikepacking experience.

There are several other brands offering custom saddles as well, so it's worth exploring your options. After years of discomfort, this turned out to be a very worthwhile investment for me.

Your choice of bibs, skin care, and the use of chamois cream can also significantly impact your comfort. I found my favorite strapless bike shorts years ago and have stuck with them ever since (Rapha Women's Core Shorts).

Using chamois cream can also help a lot. I personally avoid petroleum- or silicone-based creams. There are some great natural alternatives, like Sweet Cheeks Butt Butter from New Zealand or Island Smooth Ride from Mallorca.

If you want more detailed tips on hygiene and vulva care, check out my other article: Bikepacking and vaginal health: Top tips for comfortable multi-day rides.

Avoid following trends or choosing based on looks. It's not about having a fancy brand. Even a cheap saddle can work perfectly for you. It's a very individual topic.

One big mistake I made was ignoring my discomfort for too long. I kept telling myself, "That's just the way it is," and continued riding in pain. Don't make that mistake. If you're uncomfortable, something in your setup needs to change.

Finding the right saddle can feel like a long and frustrating process, but it's absolutely worth it. Comfort on the bike isn't a luxury, it's essential if you want to truly enjoy your rides and avoid long-term issues.

Everyone's body is different. Take the time to experiment, listen to your body, and don't settle for discomfort. Once you find the right setup, it can completely transform your riding experience.

Happy riding!
Franziska