Soft saddles are meant for short distances.  If your saddle has a lot of cushioning or poor quality padding this may actually be causing the problem.  As you ride further and are seated for longer – it usually takes around 30 to 45mins – a soft saddle allows your body too sink too far.  This means structures like your tailbone that are not meant to make contact with the saddle will.

This sinking is more likely to lead to tailbone issues for upright riders with a straight back, weight will be transferred directly down and as the soft padding becomes compressed the tailbone comes into contact with the saddle and begins to take weight.

Another outcome of spending longer on the bike can also be a tired and collapsing body position.  If you are not maintaining a flat lower back but tucking under or rounding this changes the mechanics of where your tailbone will be situated.  Again, like the sinking into the soft padding, this collapsing of your body shape allows the tailbone to make contact with the saddle.

Finally the width and shape of your saddle has a role to play.  Your sit bones need a good flat platform for contact directly underneath them.  If your saddle is too narrow and has a rounded shape that allows your sit bones to “fall” off the edges, the structure of your seat will be much closer to your tail bone.

Saddle Set Up – how your saddle is set up effects your ability to sit on it.  Make some adjustments to see if you can help resolve your issue.  Firstly check that your saddle is level and not nose up.  Please read…  Saddle Position – Height, Tilt and Reach

Handlebar Height – If you ride in a very upright position please consider lowering your handlebars at the handlebar stem.  Start with a small lowering of around 1cm to tilt your body slightly forward, therefore giving your tailbone more room.

Saddle Shape – what is known as a channel will definitely help alleviate tailbone issues.  This is a central depression running from the back to the front of the saddle.  The very rear shape of the saddle can also play a role.  An inverted V shape gives space to your tailbone.  Also having the correct width so that your sit bones are the bones that are taking weight.

Saddle Padding – soft, well padded saddles suit short distances.  If you have increased your riding time and started to experience tailbone problems this may be because you are sinking too far into your saddle, usually around 30-45 minutes into the ride.  A saddle with a flatter surface and less padding or gel padding is a better choice for endurance riding.

Core Strength – the stronger your core is the better your body position will be over time on the bike. it is really important to check in with your body position and make adjustments to maintain a good ‘A’ shape.

To follow is a short list of suggestions that you can choose to explore or ignore.  For weight transfer issues that cause pressure, bruising or discomfort:

• Be very mindful of your body position and shifting it when riding
• Improve the strength of your core muscles and legs
• Lose weight; get bags or packs off your back and acknowledge that if you are over weight this will be adding to your problem
• Let a small amount of air out of your tyres on bumpy surfaces this allows the tyre to absorb some of the impact 
• Get up out of your saddle (stand on your pedals) when going over bumps, dips or uneven surfaces
• Choose shorter rides
• Choose rides with varying terrain which will change your bodies experience during the ride