Bike Fit - Saddle Height

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

On my other post about Back-to-Back Century Rides, one of you ladies in particular mentioned I should get a good bike fit in soon. Well, I'm really thinking that's a GREAT idea.

I've been having saddle issues with my tender bits ever since I changed the saddle that came with the SexyBeast (Fizik HP torture device). I got a fitting when I purchased my bike, but I think the Carbon Butterfly I replaced the Fizik with is a bit taller. Not to be too graphic, but by the end of a longer ride, it feels like parts are rubbing raw against the hairs. Also.. where the saddle meets my sitz bones/back of the upper thigh (you know that magic spot), I get quite tender - - just like a newbie... but after nearly every ride. You'd think my rear would be "toughened up" by now.

I know the professional fitting is always a good idea - esp after some equipment changes, but do these symptoms sound exactly like a saddle height issue (mostly) ? It may just be a cm, but could it hurt you that much?

We have a guy in town that uses some very expensive pro-like computer deal (retul system) with video and reflective sticker things to correct fit issues and riding position... its just really expensive to use him. He's also a biking coach.. I think the fitting with him is like $200-250. I don't know if my problem requires his services though. I'm cash-poor at the moment (just paid some evil taxes for April 15 - lol). I could just use my lbs when I take her in for her new bike "break-in" mileage adjustments..

Does it sound like saddle height simplicity?

Thanks in advance!!

[Andrea]

I've been through at least 15 saddles in my quest to find the right one, and I've had to made height adjustments with every single one.
I have been professionally fit to my bike, so in order to not mess things up, I measure distance from the bottom bracket up the seat tube to the top of the saddle. That way, when I put a different saddle on, I can adjust height as needed according to that measurement. Once the height is correct, I ride around to get the fore/aft set up comfortably. Occasionally I'll have to go up or down a mm (1 millimeter can make a huge difference!) in order to make it feel perfect since some saddles have a little more "sag" or "squish" than others.

I generally have a good feeling as to what position my body should be in when I ride, so I adjust the saddle to support that position rather than adjusting my position to be where the saddle is.

[Presto]

Also.. where the saddle meets my sitz bones/back of the upper thigh (you know that magic spot), I get quite tender - - just like a newbie... but after nearly every ride. You'd think my rear would be "toughened up" by now.


Saddle is too pear shaped.

Best way to check if height is a part of the problem is to move it and see if the problem goes away.