Fizik Vitesse

[Andrea]

I just ordered a Vitesse, and it should be here early next week. My San Marco Glamour Aspide has given me a couple of very UN-glamourous saddle sores as of late :( Not really sure why, because was great when I first got it (other than a tiny bit of numbness if I sat in one position for too long).

So, I should have one or the other up for sale soon depending on how it works out!

[redrhodie]

Oh, no! I was so glad the last one was working out.

You know, I was thinking about you the other day when I was talking to a guy in the LBS about my saddle. He happened to mention that he punched holes in the sides of his Brooks, and laced it up from underneath (which is another way to tighten it up) when he ran out of tension bolt. I was thinking you should try that with your stretched out An Atomica.

http://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html

I found this website that shows some. They look pretty cool, too. Are you crafty? If not, maybe a cobbler could do it.

[xeney]

I love my Vitesse, Andrea. I ride Brooks saddles on everything except for my road bike and my mountain bike, and the Vitesse is perfect for me on the road bike. It's really narrow and hard compared to my old Terry Butterfly but much more comfortable for me. It completely eliminated the chafing problems I was having.

[Andrea]

Oh, no! I was so glad the last one was working out.

You know, I was thinking about you the other day when I was talking to a guy in the LBS about my saddle. He happened to mention that he punched holes in the sides of his Brooks, and laced it up from underneath (which is another way to tighten it up) when he ran out of tension bolt. I was thinking you should try that with your stretched out An Atomica.

http://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html

I found this website that shows some. They look pretty cool, too. Are you crafty? If not, maybe a cobbler could do it.
I actually did that! I'll have to post pics of it some day. It's pretty hideous, but it worked for a little while, then started to chafe along the cutout (again)

[Andrea]

I figure I'll keep reporting on my saddle experiences in case it helps anyone that's having the same problems...

I did 30 miles on the Vitesse yesterday, and I like it more than the SSM Glamour Aspide. The SSM was getting very flexible, which I know some people like. However, it was causing me to get a massive saddle sore where the skin was getting pinched with every pedal stroke between my thigh and the edge of the saddle. The Vitesse does not flex at all (though it has "wingflex" panels in the middle), has more rounded edges, and it's got a little bit more padding.

The only problem I can forsee is that it will cause some numbness. The SSM had a channel, which, honestly, didn't give much relief, especially when climbing or being in the drops for long periods of time. The Vitesse's padding seems to be softer down the middle, and it does have a little bit of a channel at the very back, so even though it looks like a soft tissue torture device, it's about the same as the SSM.

Right now, I'm just glad that yesterday's ride didn't make my saddle sores worse. I'll update if, like most others I've tried, this one works until it really starts to break in and soften up.

[Sheesh]

I have a Vitesse and have not noticed any breakdown or softening up. I've had it for at least two years and it's just as comfy as it was on day one. Of course, I don't put a ton of miles on my bike, but I did a metric century on it last summer and was just fine. Good luck! I hope the Vitesse works out for you!

[bikemama]

I've used the Vitesse for as long as I've been riding - about 12 years. I had it on my road and mountain bike. However, after two kids I've discovered that it no longer works for my soft tissue. I'm so sad to give it up!

Recently I've tried the Terry Zero X. It's great for soft tissue and not for the sit bones. Next up to try is the Terry Butterfly Ti.

Anyone able to compare the SSM Glamour Aspide Arrowhead with the Terry saddles? It's become apparent that I need a cut out to relieve the pressure!

[Andrea]

I didn't have the arrowhead aspide, just the channel version. I like the shape better than the terrys because it's not as wide in the nose. I had issues with all three terrys I tried (zero, butterfly, & falcon) because as the padding softened up some, it would squish into the cutout (closing it shut on the soft tissue), and out to the side (chasing groin chafing/saddlesores).

[Skierchickie]

Bikemama -we're going in opposite directions! I'm using the Vitesse now, before that I tried the Zero X, before that the Butterfly Ti, ..... With a smattering of WTB trial saddles mixed in. And a Damselfly before any of those. I'm not quite exactly happy, but the Vitesse is the best so far. Maybe the tri version next, and move this one to the tourer? I am intrigued by the Specialized Ruby (very very very flat), but not anxious to drop $145 or whatever it is to try one.

How is your Vitesse doing, Andrea? Which version is it? I've got the HP - I haven't seen the others in person. I know I really like the narrow nose - the first saddle that gives the old thunder thighs absolutely no chafing, but wish it was just a wee bit flatter in the back. Good luck!

[Andrea]

It's not perfect- I did two crits over the weekend where I rode hard in the drops for about an hour both days, and it caused what I have deemed "inter-labial chafing" (no idea if that's a real term!)

It's a little uncomfortable in the same area on normal rides, too, but since it doesn't flex like the SSM was flexing, it's allowed me to keep riding while the SSM sores are healing up.

I'm thinking about trying a Selle SMP out next because I may have found an online store that has a demo program where you "rent" the saddle for $20.00 for a week to try it out.

I am going to throw a party the day I can ride without thinking about my crotch hurting in some way.

[maddy13]

I bought a vitesse today, rode it home, and am taking it back tomorrow. Does it chafe the legs of anyone else?

[ehirsch83]

I usaed to have a Vitesse, it led to horrible horrible chafing and absesses. Oddly enough, I have the stock saddle that came on my bike has been te best saddle yet! The men's specialized toupe. It gets a little uncomfy after 3 hours, but not rubbing and chaffing like I used to experience. Plus no more puss filled things!( I know, a little too much info)

[Skierchickie]

Maddy13: Which Vitesse is it? I have the HP, and it is the first saddle I've ever had that did NOT chafe my legs. I've been wondering if the CP and the others are shaped differently, or just padded differently, or what.

Wow - Emily! Just......WOW!

I just found (in the last week and a half) that my shorts have probably been a lot of my problem. I finally have a pair that is just right. I wish I'd worn them mountain biking tonight (grumble, grumble). I always mistakenly assume that because I'm more upright, the shorts don't matter as much. Anyway, the Vitesse seems a lot better with the Shebeest SSS shorts. I'm going to need another pair.

[OakLeaf]

a lot better with the Shebeest SSS shorts. I'm going to need another pair.

Order two pairs, I did.

And I'm going to need another couple of pairs when I get back to Florida in the winter ;)

[Skierchickie]

I can't afford this forum! I'll have to get rid of some shorts so I can honestly say I only have one wearable pair.:p I'd better talk my boss into a huge promotion - wait - no! - then I'd never get out to ride!

[teawoman]

I'm currently trying the SSM Glamour Aspide. It doesn't aggravate the saddle sores I got from the stock saddle on my bike, and it does relieve some of the pressure on the girly bits, also a prob. with the stock saddle. But my sitbones are a bit sore. I'm still fiddly faddling with the adjustments and haven't gone for more than two hours: this weekend's 100k will be the test.

[maddy13]

Skierchickie, the only model my REI had in stock was the cp. Maybe the hp is better. Brought the selle italia slk and fizik aliante home today. Hopefully only one is going back to the shop tomorrow.

[pcs]

I'm looking to switch out the saddleon an old MTB turned into a road beater with drops and slicks. Nashbar has a Fizik Vitesse Sport that looks pretty good (e.g. about the right width and right price range)-- has anyone ridden on this saddle? I suspect it might be a bit different than the other models in this thread, but any advice would be great. Additionally Nashbar has a Selle San Marco Aspide Glamour Gel (no cutout, 2007 model)-- anyone with any experience on this model?

Thanks!

[VeloVT]

Just so no one is scared away from trying the Vitesse :D --

The Vitesse HP came stock on my bike. I did some 15-mile trainer rides (which I think tend to create more potential for saddle pressure than outside rides) and a few 20-30 mile outside rides with the Vitesse, and I thought it was pretty comfortable. No big complaints.

Ultimately I decided that I preferred the narrower width, wider nose, and pear shape of the Arione (which I had been riding previously). So while I didn't end up staying with the Vitesse, I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. In fact my boyfriend, who was riding a Specialized Alias that we both disliked, commented that it was much more comfortable than his saddle. It just didn't suit my riding style as well as the Arione.

Here's an interesting review of the Vitesse HP:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2007/reviews/fizik_vitesse

I suspect the HP may be firmer and flatter than the other Vitesse models. If you are OK without a cutout, I would say give it a try. It is entirely possible you will hate it, but it's also possible you won't -- I didn't :)!

[kadoozie]

Has anyone tried the hornless saddles?

[xeney]

I'm not sure which Vitesse I have. It's an older one, pre wingflex, but it does not have the gel padding. It is really a perfect saddle for me on a road bike. I originally chose it because it had the most fore-aft adjustability of any women's saddle I could find, and I needed more setback than I could get with any of the saddles I had, but I get zero chafing with the Vitesse and no pain anywhere (except my sit bones when it's been a while). I was afraid it would not fit me any more post childbirth, because it is quite narrow, but it seems fine so far.

As much as I'd love to put a Brooks on my new road bike for aesthetic purposes, I think I might wind up with another Vitesse. We'll see.

[Andrea]

Since my last post, I've tried a Koobi Xenon, SMP pro, and now an SMP glider. The Glider has been the best so far, but I'm still dealing with groin chafing... which, in the realm of saddle problems, is what I'd call the next-to-most-tolerable ailment, with most tolerable being general sitbone soreness and least tolerable being bumps & swelling (with everything else ranked somewhere in the middle). My hope is that the skin that's getting rubbed will just toughen up a little and I'll be OK. If not, then I'll pick something else at random...

I agree w/the comment that the Vitesse HP is good if you don't need a cutout. I thought it was very comfy on the backside and I didn't have thigh-rub. I just gotta have a cutout!

[Sandrider]

I have an 8-year-old Vitesse saddle which I have ridden over 1,000 miles on a MTB. Unfortunately it got damaged in winter storage and I am now in the market for another saddle. I bought the new Vitesse before reading the Cycling News review cited by Liza in this thread. The review was right on target based on how the new Vitesse HP feels to me. The two bumps seem too high or not in the right position compared to the old Vitesse. I find myself constantly shifting to find a comfortable position and my sit bones are always sore after using the new Vitesse HP. It feels much softer than the old Vitesse - don't know how much of a factor this in my discomfort. I don't have any other discomfort from the Vitesse HP, so the basic shape seems OK, but the bumps are not in where mine are!

Does anyone know what saddle most resembles the old Vitesse?

Alternatively, can anyone tell me what to look for in a saddle in terms of width based on how the Vitesse HP feels bump-wise? Any recommendations very welcome!

Thanks for the great discussion - very helpful.

Linda

[Skierchickie]

I should have listened to Liza! I hesitated to try the Arione, because it didn't LOOK like what I thought I needed. And, I sat on DH's (when he took it off his bike after about a week). I thought it was too narrow in back and too pear shaped. Suspected it would have to be surgically removed if I tried it.:(

Well, my new bike came with one. I thought I'd give it a shot before putting the Vitesse HP on. I must say, it seems to be at least as good, in different ways. Except for today, my sit bones have been quite pleased (I was beginning to wonder about the Vitesse). My soft tissue, not perfect, but not as bad as on most. The pear shape may be okay because of the wing flex thing - I'm not sure, but I'm not getting the usual chafing. I'm going to continue to try the Arione. 170 miles so far. Keeping the Vitesse close, though!

[xeney]

Bumping this because my beloved Vitesse is chafing in some sensitive areas and I think I need a cutout after all. Damn it, I loved this saddle, but I think I am built a little differently than I used to be. I don't want to make too many adjustments -- right now my bike feels great otherwise, no wrist pain, no back pain, no knee pain (all of which have been occasional problems in the past), and the saddle feels fine on my butt.

Has anyone found a saddle roughly similar to the Vitesse but with a cutout? The width, the length, the shape are all really good for me, and pre-childbirth this was my dream saddle. Help!

[Sandrider]

I rode on an old Vitesse [circa 2000] until it wore out. I tried the new Vitessse this year but found it very uncomfortable and not at all like my old beloved Vitesse. The bumps seemed to be farther apart than on the old model Vitesse. I now ride on a Specialized Ariel 130 and find it very comfortable - I use it mountain biking. I tried the same saddle in 143 [I think that is the right number] and did not like the experience.

I don't know if this is helpful to you because we are all different as this thread evidences!

Sandrider

[wavedancer]

Has anyone found a saddle roughly similar to the Vitesse but with a cutout? The width, the length, the shape are all really good for me, and pre-childbirth this was my dream saddle. Help!

I really liked my Vitesse, but found I needed a cutout over the sensitive spots. My DBF pulled back the leather cover, carved out an appropriate indentation, re-glued the cover. It worked great!

[Miranda]

I really liked my Vitesse, but found I needed a cutout over the sensitive spots. My DBF pulled back the leather cover, carved out an appropriate indentation, re-glued the cover. It worked great!

Hmm, wish I would have read this before I sent mine back as a return. That's a pretty smart BF you have... maybe you could loan him out via TE pm request... like a cyber saddle repair guy:p. He pops out of the pc and mods the saddle to request. I think it has potential:D.

I've thought that about a few saddles... if only I could just change "blank" about it.

Good for you!

[Andrea]

I really liked my Vitesse, but found I needed a cutout over the sensitive spots. My DBF pulled back the leather cover, carved out an appropriate indentation, re-glued the cover. It worked great!

Holy crap, I gotta try that... right now!

[wavedancer]

That's a pretty smart BF you have... maybe you could loan him out via TE pm request... like a cyber saddle repair guy:p. He pops out of the pc and mods the saddle to request. I think it has potential:D Good for you!

He is a pretty amazing "Mr. Fixit." I swear he can take anything apart and put it back together better than it ever was! He also can talk anyone through fixing just about anything. Maybe the cyber repair idea has potential. :)

[Andrea]

Hey wavedancer-

I peeled my vitesse and made a b*tchin cutout! Now I need to re-attach the cover. How did your BF go about doing that? I was thinking that I could get some kind of adhesive from a store that sells upholstery supplies, but I'm not sure where to find one...

BTW- I'm taking photos as I go so if it works out, I'll put up a how-to on my blog.

[wavedancer]

We used a contact cement. I've found that the gel is a little easier to work with, but any contact cement should work. Good luck and show us your pictures!

DAP Weldwood gel (http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?BrandID=47&SubcatID=8)

[Andrea]

Done!!! Click on the link in my sig. to go to my blog & see the photos!

Now I just have to ride it. For all I know, it could be worse than before :confused:

[wavedancer]

This is Wavedancers DBF (Dopey Boy Friend?) Nice job on the cutout, Andrea. I did Linda's a bit differently, by just sanding a groove in the padding. It wasn't as thick as on your saddle. I've done three for myself and there are some pics in my new Cycling album at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/brian_nystrom-reg

[Andrea]

This is Wavedancers DBF (Dopey Boy Friend?) Nice job on the cutout, Andrea. I did Linda's a bit differently, by just sanding a groove in the padding. It wasn't as thick as on your saddle. I've done three for myself and there are some pics in my new Cycling album at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/brian_nystrom-reg

Very cool! I modeled my cutout after the one in the Selle Italia Lady SLR. Yours looks nice & smooth, though- definitely more of a "stock" look than mine.

[xeney]

I am interested to hear how your modified Vitesse works for you, Andrea!

For me, I think I just needed to stick with it for a few more rides. I've had two rides since I posted and no further problems. It also seems to depend partly on my shorts. The Shebeest SSS in small gave me trouble, the same shorts in medium caused no trouble at all (although they are a bit too big in the legs). I have one pair of Pearl Izumis that are fine, another with a different chamois that are awful. So I think I can stick with the Vitesse.

I am glad, because I bought a second one for my new Soma. I am going to try to ride a Brooks on that bike, and then the extra Vitesse will go on my mountain bike. (I currently ride a Selle Royal Viper on that one, which is shaped somewhat like the Vitesse but is too squishy. Otherwise it's a rather nice saddle.)

[Andrea]

I went for a 4 hour ride on Sunday and found it to be pretty comfortable. The cutout edge caused a little irritation in the side-taint area like others have, but I'm wondering if a different chamois would alleviate that. I'm gonna give it a try for a while... I'll check back with a final verdict on another day!