Balancing Performance and Protection: The Saddle That Changed Everything
by Els Visse, BiSaddle
A doctor’s perspective: Why I Trust BiSaddle for performance and protection
As both a doctor and an athlete, I’ve always approached cycling with a dual lens—performance and health. I’ve talked with patients, fellow riders, and even myself struggle with saddle-related discomfort that not only impacts training but can lead to long-term physical issues. That’s why I don’t take saddle choice lightly. For me, discovering BiSaddle wasn’t just a game-changer—it was a solution I didn’t realize I had been searching for all along.
A common problem in the cycling community
Let’s talk about something most cyclists don’t like to talk about: saddle discomfort. In my clinical experience, saddle-related injuries and chronic pain are among the most underreported issues in the endurance community. Cyclists often normalize numbness, chafing, soft tissue damage, and even more serious conditions like pudendal nerve compression. As a doctor, I’ve talked to athletes with complaints ranging from recurring saddle sores to pelvic floor dysfunction and erectile dysfunction. Many of these issues trace back to one common denominator: an improperly fitted saddle.
The challenge is that traditional saddles come in fixed widths and shapes, forcing your body to conform to the saddle rather than the other way around. And while custom orthotics and proper bike fitting are common in the world of foot and knee health, adjustable saddles have lagged behind—until now.
That’s where BiSaddle comes in.
How I discovered BiSaddle
My journey with BiSaddle started during a particularly intense training cycle. I was logging heavy mileage on my triathlon bike, and despite being in excellent shape and having a high-end setup, I noticed subtle issues—discomfort during longer rides, post-ride soreness, and even some abscesses. As someone who prides myself on a proactive approach to health, I started searching for answers. I tried different saddle models and expensive upgrades. Some helped temporarily, but none felt like a long-term solution.
Then I found BiSaddle. What stood out to me immediately was the design. Unlike traditional saddles, BiSaddle offers full adjustability in width and shape. The idea is simple but revolutionary: you can fine-tune the saddle to match your unique anatomy, rather than settling for a factory-set shape.
My first ride with BiSaddle
I'll admit—I was skeptical. Could a saddle that came in parts really provide the support and performance I needed? The setup process was surprisingly straightforward. BiSaddle provides clear instructions, and as a physician with a decent understanding of biomechanics, I enjoyed the process of fine-tuning the saddle to my sit bone width and pelvic angle.
The result? Immediate relief.
I noticed a difference within the first 20 minutes of my ride. Pressure points were gone. I felt balanced, stable, and powerful. And most importantly—no numbness. My first long-distance ride with the BiSaddle was not only more comfortable, but I found I could ride longer without shifting my position or subconsciously adjusting to relieve pressure.
The science behind the saddle
From a medical standpoint, what sets BiSaddle apart is its respect for anatomical variability. Everybody is different. Men and women have different pelvic structures. Even within the same gender, sit bone width, soft tissue distribution, and riding posture all vary drastically. A saddle that works for one person may cause injury to another.
BiSaddle’s adjustability allows it to accommodate this variability. Riders can adjust the nose width, rear width and even the angle and tilt of each side independently. This means better blood flow, less compression on nerves and soft tissue, and reduced risk of chronic injury.
A tool for athlete and professionals
As an athlete, I want performance. As a doctor, I demand protection. BiSaddle offers both. The saddle's cutout and relief zones are intelligently designed, offering support where it’s needed and freedom where it’s crucial. I can ride aggressive positions during races or long training days and still feel protected. And when I switch back into professional mode and talk to other athletes about their physical symptoms, I can confidently recommend a product that I’ve tested and validated myself.
I’ve also come to appreciate BiSaddle's commitment to continuous improvement. They actively gather rider feedback, update their models, and offer different rail materials and saddle top options depending on your needs—whether that’s performance, weight, or endurance.
A word of advice to fellow riders
If you’re experiencing discomfort on your bike, don’t ignore it. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. The solution might not be a new bike or more padding—it might just be a better saddle. One that fits you! As a doctor, I can’t stress this enough: protecting the pelvic floor, maintaining circulation, and supporting proper posture are critical to both short-term performance and long-term health. You only get one body—don’t compromise it for your bike setup. And if you’re a coach, a fitter, or a healthcare professional who works with athletes, I highly encourage you to learn more about BiSaddle. The ability to fine-tune a saddle’s fit opens a whole new world of possibilities for injury prevention and optimized performance. So whether you’re a cyclist chasing a PR, a triathlete pushing through Ironman distances, or a weekend rider just wanting to enjoy the road without pain—I strongly recommend giving BiSaddle a try. Because the right saddle doesn’t just support your ride. It supports your body, your goals, and your longevity in the sport.
Best wishes,
Els Visser