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View Full Version : New Seat Post, New Saddle?



orcoz
08-13-2008, 02:19 PM
Hi all!
OK, here's the deal. After a good, solid year of riding, I finally went to a professional to get my bike fit fine tuned.
Needless to say it was the BEST thing I've ever done. No more knee problems, and I feel great on my bike.
EXCEPT, now my saddle is incredibly uncomfortable. I've ridden 1000+ miles in it (SSM Glamour Aspide), so I'm thinking hmmmm......... now by mile 9 my girlie parts are saying "OW!!"
The person who fit my bike did say he didn't like my seat post as it wasn't "Microadjustable" and he couldn't get it in just the right spot. His recommendation was to get a new seat post before buying anything else.
Great, I go to my LBS and say "I need a microadjustable seat post" and they looked at me sideways and said "but yours is!" hmmph.
So I stop into yet another shop. They're a bit more knowedgeable, but still were going to have to call around. No word yet, so I'm not optimistic.
So now I'm wondering, who do I talk to to get a seat post?
And then, in all my shopping, I'm thinking, maybe I should get a new saddle? I'm curious about the Aspide with the cutout - do you really notice a difference? My sit bones measure 130mm, so I'm kinda narrow.
Any insight from anyone?? THanks all!!

Andrea
08-13-2008, 03:06 PM
First, about the micro-adjustable thing. Micro-adjustable just means that the tilt of the seatpost isn't limited to positions locked in place by groves between the seatpost and the clamp. Thompson seatposts are micro-adjustable, but there are a lot of others out there.
Here's a Thompson:
http://www.lhthomson.com/images/machined_master.jpg

One that's not micro-adjustable will have ridges/grooves where the Thompson has two smooth surfaces w/the degree measurements. You can purchase one anywhere on the internet as long as you know what size you need.

As for the saddle, start with something alittle wider than your measurement (135-145mm range). Then, since you had soft tissue pain, get one with a cutout. You'll likely have to try a few (or 10) on before you find one that's perfect.

orcoz
08-13-2008, 03:37 PM
Finally!! Thank you so much for explaining what microadjustable is! This makes so much sense now, and it's a bit eye-opening to see so many bike stores don't know what it is!
Mine is definitely not micro-adjustable.
Ick - I really dislike saddle shopping. It took me so long to find this one (SSM), the thought of doing it again is depressing. (Well, not TOO depressing 'cause a new, comfy saddle is always nice!)

emily_in_nc
08-13-2008, 03:46 PM
My sitbones are 130mm center-to-center (not sure if your measurement is outside or center), and I had a major, chronic saddle sore and very sore "inner bones" (don't know the proper name, but they are NOT the sitbones, but bones farther in on the pelvis) from, I now know, riding a too-narrow saddle where my sitbones were perched too close to the edges (~140mm). I am now on a Terry Butterfly (160mm, I think) and doing great. I'd definitely recommend you stick with the 155 mm Specialized saddles or something in that width range rather than going much lower.

Good luck!

OakLeaf
08-13-2008, 04:13 PM
If the saddle worked for you before you changed your riding position, I don't know why it wouldn't continue to work for you once you get the tilt angle right.

My LBS suggested shimming the seatpost with a little piece of metal cut from a beer/pop can, as an alternative to buying a microadjustable seatpost. Of course there would be a lot of trial and error there.