How to choose your bike saddle: length, width and trends among the pros, we explain

Introduction

Choosing the right saddle should not be overlooked. Comfort, efficiency and performance largely depend on this often underestimated part of the bike. A well-suited saddle helps reduce pain, improve your position on the bike and optimise power.
This article guides you in selecting the right length, width and cover, while giving you an overview of the trends seen among professional teams.

Length and width: finding the right balance

Above all, the saddle must follow the shape of your pelvis, because it is the sit bones (the small bones under your buttocks) that support your weight when you are seated. If the saddle is too narrow or too wide, the weight shifts onto sensitive areas such as the perineum, which can quickly become uncomfortable. Today, manufacturers offer several widths to suit different body shapes. For many cyclists, a slightly wider saddle, between 143 and 155 mm, allows the sit bones to rest properly while leaving enough freedom of movement. Models with a central cut-out are also becoming widespread, as they relieve the perineum and promote better circulation, making long rides much more pleasant.

As for length, modern models tend to be getting shorter. A shorter saddle limits excessive pressure on the nose, which encourages a more natural and more efficient position on the bike. Even if this choice may be surprising at first, trying it over a few rides reveals a new balance between comfort and freedom of movement.

The cover: comfort and performance

The choice of a saddle's cover plays an essential role in the rider's comfort and performance, directly influencing pressure distribution, grip and durability.
The current technology is 3D printing, and it represents a major step forward. It makes it possible to create a complex honeycomb structure that adapts perfectly to the rider's morphology and movements. This tailor-made design ensures optimal pressure distribution on the sit bones, limiting discomfort points and offering ideal support on long rides.

Trends among the professionals

In the professional peloton, the choice of saddle has become a genuine performance lever. In 2025, the riders of the UAE team, including Tadej Pogacar, are opting for shorter models, around 265 mm, and wider ones, between 140 and 150 mm. As for the cover, 3D printing is gradually establishing itself as a benchmark

This trend is not limited to a single team. Jonas Vingegaard, recent winner of the Vuelta, and Ben Healy at EF Education-Easypost also use compact saddles, about 250 mm long and 140 mm wide. The same goes for Remco Evenepoel, who favours this shorter and more stable shape, as well as 3D printing.

Conclusion

For amateur cyclists, the ideal is still to turn to an experienced specialist in order to test different configurations and find the saddle that best matches their morphology and riding style. Tools such as the Ass-o-meter DSD (Retül-Fit Specialized) make it possible to measure sit bone width precisely and refine the choice of saddle.

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