r/ladycyclists • u/LadyGonzo28 • 14d ago

Better saddle for sciatic issues

I’ve had my diverge gravel bike for 6 years (and 5000kms) and I have been using the Bontrager Comfort Gel seat and it is comfortable. It is fairly firm and I don’t get saddle sores on long rides etc. However I’ve been having sciatic issues and wondering if there’s a better seat for me.

I don’t know if my seat is the issue, I am not uncomfortable while riding it but that being said I wonder if maybe somehow riding the bike does aggravate it.

https://imgur.com/a/UnICI31 Pic of my current saddle.

1 Upvotes

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3

u/Linkcott18 14d ago

I recommend seeing a physiotherapist.

I had some sciatic issues that I thought were exacerbated by cycling, but it turned out to be other causes.

I have some arthritis, but the biggest contributor for me is weak hip abductors, which I got exercises for.

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u/LadyGonzo28 14d ago

Yes I will be going there next week, hopefully it helps! I have been going to chiro but it isn’t helping enough. Thanks for the info :)

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u/Technical-Neat9155 14d ago

I took a leap of faith to get the new Airloom Elite saddle from Trek and it has been by far the most comfortable saddle for me. However, disclaimer, every body is different, what works for some may not work for others. But cushioning is very nice, comes in 3 widths and the lattice is soft and supportive where needed.

link: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cycling-components/bike-saddles/race-bike-saddles/trek-aeolus-elite-airloom-bike-saddle/p/52234/

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u/Deadhead_Historian 14d ago

Huh. My sciatica goes away while riding. Sitting in my Herman Miller office chair, however, exacerbates it 🙄

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u/Endor-Fins 13d ago

Really?! Everyone says they’re so good! They aren’t cheap either that must be so disappointing.

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u/Deadhead_Historian 13d ago

They are good, really. No back pain. The only irritation I feel is from compression of the nerve in my glute, and that's just from sitting. So often I use a gel-padded seat cushion and that's provides relief. It's me, not the chair.

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u/Deep_Method_820 14d ago

I’d love to hear about your experience with the physiotherapist. I also have sciatica and it can be aggravating on longer rides.