Good Read: The Illustrated Guide to Bicycle Seats: Why the Common Bicycle Seat Hurts and What You Can Do About It

Good Read: The Illustrated Guide to Bicycle Seats: Why the Common Bicycle Seat Hurts and What You Can Do About It

By Joshua Cohen

Self-published, 2012, 20 pages

$10.99 USD, $10.84 CAD

Reviewed by Rob Brownie

If you ever wanted to get your hands on a concise and well-researched book on the ins and outs of butt pain and bike seat design, this short read is just for you. A biomechanical engineer and physical therapist by trade, Joshua Cohen is an expert in sports research and product design. The clearly illustrated guide is divided neatly into three sections covering pelvic anatomy, seat design and how to choose a saddle that fits your body and riding style.

As every cyclist knows, you distribute your weight on a bike through your feet, hands and sit bones. But if you ride in a more upright position chances are that most of your weight rests on that tender area known as your perineum. Nerves and blood vessels can be compressed on a poorly fitted seat, leading to numbness, pain and even injury if contact is prolonged.

The key, Cohen said, is to select a saddle with a larger contact surface for your pelvic base to rest on. While differences in male and female anatomy need to be considered, it is your particular pelvic geometry that really matters. Consider this book a must for dedicated riders, but also bike sellers and builders.