Hello there,

Well my wife decided to join into mountain biking with me this year. We went out and bought her a Giant Iguana and she has been for a few rides so far. Still a bit limited due to Ontario weather, but the seat on it is a guy’s seat/saddle and she did experience some discomfort. Now I know when you’re new to cycling that is normal, but my question to you gals would be…. If I go out and buy her a women’s specific saddle right from the get go, will that feel and be a lot more comfortable in the long run for her? Sorry if this sounds dumb, but truly I have no idea if lady’s can or cannot adjust to the OEM saddle that comes on the bike. We were planning on doing a ride this weekend and thought I would surprise her with a nice WSD saddle to help her enjoyment of the sport.

But I truly just don’t know if it really at the end of the day, it makes that big of a difference.

Thanks
John

Yes, she can adjust to the OEM saddle. I certainly did, rode one on the mtb for years and am still riding one on the road.

and Yes, a women's saddle probably is better. Women need a slightly shorter saddle, a little wider on the front, and the cut out or gel padding (if you get that) should be closer to the front of the saddle.

I would caution you not to get a saddle too wide in the back. Many women's saddles are WAY too wide for mtn biking and in my opinion, too wide for anything but a beach cruiser. AND... If you haven't invested in high quality shorts, I would spend my money on that before I got a new saddle.

Yes, she can adjust to the OEM saddle. I certainly did, rode one on the mtb for years and am still riding one on the road.

and Yes, a women's saddle probably is better. Women need a slightly shorter saddle, a little wider on the front, and the cut out or gel padding (if you get that) should be closer to the front of the saddle.

I would caution you not to get a saddle too wide in the back. Many women's saddles are WAY too wide for mtn biking and in my opinion, too wide for anything but a beach cruiser. AND... If you haven't invested in high quality shorts, I would spend my money on that before I got a new saddle.

I agree - the right women's saddle might be nicer, but if you get one that's too big and wide it will prevent her from easily sliding back behind it on descents and that certainly won't help her confidence. Personally I've owned one women's saddle, but like my mens WTB saddle better.

Thanks for your post. My wife actually just bought some Lady's MTB shorts. I think the new shorts with a bit more saddle time, will make for a better ride.

Appriciate the post back.

John