Are you sitting comfortably?

Bike fitter James Thomas explains the causes of saddle discomfort and what you can do about them

- Simon von Bromley

While a tender undercarriage can suck the joy out of riding your bike, there are so many variables at play that finding the 'right' saddle can be a minefield. According to bike-fit expert James Thomas (known as Bikefit James in the world of YouTube), the problem is complicated by the fact that, in many cases, saddle discomfort isn't always caused by your saddle.

So, how is the issue created? Why are there so many different types and shapes of bike saddle? And won't a more heavily padded one solve all of your problems?

In this feature, we'll answer all of those questions, reveal what Thomas thinks are "the two killers" when it comes to saddle discomfort - and, most importantly, what you can do if you're having issues.

Does anyone feel totally happy with their perch?

Before we dig into the specifics of saddle design and bike fit, it's important to understand how comfortable riders are supposed to be on their bikes. After all, many experienced cyclists might simply say "It's never going to be comfortable, so you just need to get used to it" - essentially, some variation of "toughen up".

Thomas, though, disagrees with that sentiment. He says your interaction with the saddle "shouldn't be the loudest part of your awareness", which means you shouldn't be constantly thinking about it while riding. Likewise, "It shouldn't be painful, by any stretch of the imagination". He does acknowledge that "comfort quite often has a time value attached to it", though. Riding for six hours is a different ballgame to riding for one or two, after all. But even then, Thomas is clear that your interaction with your bike's saddle "shouldn't be that uncomfortable at all". So, if it is, you might have some issues worth exploring.

Why are there so many different types?