Ruby vs Toupe?

[vness]

Hi all... is anyone using a Toupe instead of a Ruby? Is there much of a difference? My partner just got a 143 Toupe - I don't know if it's a year model thing but it has less of 'tab' on the end, more actual nose, the cutout doesn't look much different than the Ruby, it's lighter, flatter and even looks a tad narrower - as if maybe it flares down slightly sooner.

I'd been wondering if I should try a 155 Ruby as I was still being bitten on the 143 - sitbones 'feel' as if they're being supported but the tissue in front was still getting chafed. Thinking is maybe a 155 Toupe would perhaps fit better than a Ruby.

Btw, sitbones 'supposedly' measured just under 120 (I think) - again, 'supposedly' the 143 'should' fit, but doesn't? or is it possible the saddle I tried was broken in - last person who used it put a lot of miles on it but it seems to be in good shape - but what do I know anymore.. sigh

I'm currently trying a SSM Glamour Aspide Arrowhead - 150mm - don't love the cutout but it was tolerable until this past week - bit me badly on the left so now I hate the damn thing!! Didn't like the flat profile anyway. I love that Specialized saddles dip down a bit in the middle - gives my 'girly bits' somewhere to reside :)

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do tend to ride down in the drops a lot, my frame's fairly aggressive (Pinarello FP3) and my hips naturally rotate so that I sort of 'lie' on the saddle - definitely don't sit upright very much. But the tissue to the front of my sitbones (just outside the labia) get murdered. I must be too 'poofy' but can't do much about that. (the things we can admit to here)

thank you all... and a BIG THANK YOU to Kermit, who is forever tolerant of me!!! :)))

namaste,
vness

[Juiceflight]

I initially tried the Ruby in a 143 because it's a women's saddle and the LBS pushed me in that direction. The chafing and saddle sores about killed me. Supposedly my sitbone measurement put me on a 143. I decided to try a Toupe 130 because either a Ruby 130 wasn't in stock or it's not manufactured in that width - i don't remember. Anyhow, I like the Toupe better because it is a very flat saddle. 130 is as narrow as i can go, but 143 was certainly too wide despite their measurements. I think the measurements are subjective, especially when you spend a lot of time in the drops. I don't get the chafing with the toupe that I was getting with the Ruby. I put a Specialized Phenom on my CX bike. It has a slightly longer nose and is slightly more cushioned, but otherwise very similar. It is my favorite saddle; even better than the Toupe. Hope that helps.

[rubywagon]

I'd been wondering if I should try a 155 Ruby as I was still being bitten on the 143 - sitbones 'feel' as if they're being supported but the tissue in front was still getting chafed. Thinking is maybe a 155 Toupe would perhaps fit better than a Ruby.

Btw, sitbones 'supposedly' measured just under 120 (I think) - again, 'supposedly' the 143 'should' fit, but doesn't?

This was me, exactly (sitbones measured right at 120) The 143 just didn't work for me, but the 155 Ruby is like heaven. HEAVEN! I have never tried a Toupe, so I am no help in that department. Good luck!

[kermit]

So where's the photos of the new hotness?

[kermit]

Take a look at the new saddle from Specialized, the romin. It is alot like the ruby but with extended cutout made for people who spend more time in the drops and triathlons. The initial word is it rocks. There are a couple of 143's on ebay and it's cheaper than the toupe and ruby.

[HillSlugger]

I have a Toupe 143; after initially loving it I have stopped using it because I found it a little too hard. Now I'm on a Jett.

Anyone want to but a Toupe 143 in white and blue?

[vness]

I initially tried the Ruby in a 143 because it's a women's saddle and the LBS pushed me in that direction. The chafing and saddle sores about killed me. Supposedly my sitbone measurement put me on a 143. I decided to try a Toupe 130 because either a Ruby 130 wasn't in stock or it's not manufactured in that width - i don't remember. Anyhow, I like the Toupe better because it is a very flat saddle. 130 is as narrow as i can go, but 143 was certainly too wide despite their measurements. I think the measurements are subjective, especially when you spend a lot of time in the drops. I don't get the chafing with the toupe that I was getting with the Ruby. I put a Specialized Phenom on my CX bike. It has a slightly longer nose and is slightly more cushioned, but otherwise very similar. It is my favorite saddle; even better than the Toupe. Hope that helps.


This was me, exactly (sitbones measured right at 120) The 143 just didn't work for me, but the 155 Ruby is like heaven. HEAVEN! I have never tried a Toupe, so I am no help in that department. Good luck!

Thank you both for sharing your experience. It's interesting to me (and frustrating too LOL) to see the solution at both ends of the size spectrum! Fit is obviously a lot more subjective that just sitbone width. I do think a 143mm just doesn't fit me - have tried too many.

But which way to go? Hmmm...


Take a look at the new saddle from Specialized, the romin. It is alot like the ruby but with extended cutout made for people who spend more time in the drops and triathlons. The initial word is it rocks. There are a couple of 143's on ebay and it's cheaper than the toupe and ruby.

Thank you Kermit... this saddle does look really interesting. Now if only I knew which width to try!!

She's not "right" yet to post a pic LOL but maybe I'll break down and send you one :) though I still don't know how to upload photos from my computer. One friend says she reminds him of Good n Plenty candy... yum!

Thanks again to all of you for the input. I'll keep you posted :)

namaste,
vness

[vness]

I have a Toupe 143; after initially loving it I have stopped using it because I found it a little too hard. Now I'm on a Jett.

Anyone want to but a Toupe 143 in white and blue?

The Romin that Kermit mentioned might be perfect for you!

[OakLeaf]

If you order direct from Specialized, they have a 30-day return policy. You might be able to talk your LBS into offering you the same deal, especially since you're really focusing on Specialized saddles.

[vness]

I initially tried the Ruby in a 143 because it's a women's saddle and the LBS pushed me in that direction. The chafing and saddle sores about killed me. Supposedly my sitbone measurement put me on a 143. I decided to try a Toupe 130 because either a Ruby 130 wasn't in stock or it's not manufactured in that width - i don't remember. Anyhow, I like the Toupe better because it is a very flat saddle. 130 is as narrow as i can go, but 143 was certainly too wide despite their measurements. I think the measurements are subjective, especially when you spend a lot of time in the drops. I don't get the chafing with the toupe that I was getting with the Ruby. I put a Specialized Phenom on my CX bike. It has a slightly longer nose and is slightly more cushioned, but otherwise very similar. It is my favorite saddle; even better than the Toupe. Hope that helps.

I figure I should ask more questions, if you don't mind :)

Do you know what your sitbone measurement is? Do you tend to ride on them or do you pivot through (like me) and ride more on the front? Though I definitely feel my sitbones on my saddle, there's just more of 'me' making contact than just them. When I measured mine at home, it was about 117 and when I went to my LBS the other day and sat a bunch of times (again) on the butt-o-meter (what a name!) I was getting different readings that put me either on the very end of a 130 or on the 143. That said, I'm still not sure if a 155 is the answer LOL but I figure I'd know pretty quickly if a 130 was too small.

Unfortunately, LBS is carrying last year's Toupe (at the same price as the 2010 model which has been improved - the one my friend just got from Specialized is a beauty) The owner wasn't around for me to ask if he had a 130 laying around that I could just try. The place is not particularly 'female' cyclist friendly. They have very little in women's performance saddles - mostly just carry large, squishy ones... sigh. I'm not really sure how 'friendly' he's going to be towards me as I spent some time a while back and ended up buying nothing. When I asked why he had no Ruby's or even Jett's, he said "they just send me what they have" - he obviously just hadn't asked for any.

Does anyone use the Phenom on a road bike?

Thanks for any info you can offer. I rode about 50 miles yesterday and have 2 'eggs' on either side of me - ouch!

namaste,
vness

[vness]

This was me, exactly (sitbones measured right at 120) The 143 just didn't work for me, but the 155 Ruby is like heaven. HEAVEN! I have never tried a Toupe, so I am no help in that department. Good luck!

Hope you don't mind if I ask a couple more questions. What was wrong with the 143 for you? No chafing on the 155? Do your hips come through like mine or do you ride more upright? What's your riding style?

thanks for any info you can offer :)

namaste,
vness

[vness]

Take a look at the new saddle from Specialized, the romin. It is alot like the ruby but with extended cutout made for people who spend more time in the drops and triathlons. The initial word is it rocks. There are a couple of 143's on ebay and it's cheaper than the toupe and ruby.

hi Kermit... thought I should get more info :)

So I went and researched the Romin... btw, same price on Specialized with ti rails. I don't want to purchase anything I can't return so I can't avail myself of ebay :)

Interesting reviews and remarks from those trying it but I didn't find any women. Do you know any?

There were, as usual, a lot of different reactions to riding it on the hoods... some said it was impossible, some were perfectly fine. It was suggested, however, that as the saddle slopes, one should go one size up than usual. Now if I knew what size I needed LOL ... but I worry that the channel itself will end up digging into me. I have experienced that before with cutouts and this saddle does seem to 'target' male cyclists in reviews. Though I liked the idea of that slightly raised back to add some kick!

I know I need to change something. As I wrote earlier, I've got 2 'lumps' on either side of me from just a 45-50 mile spin yesterday on that SSM Arrowhead (150mm). At this point I'd almost try just about anything in a 130, just to see if it 'might' work... figure it ought to tell me pretty fast if it won't! Guess I need to check my LBS again and see if the owner has something on the floor I could just try. Or break down and just order something from Specialized... but a 130 Ruby or Toupe? I could've been imagining it, but the 143 Toupe 'looked' slightly narrower than my (your :) 143 Ruby. And the new Toupe has more nose (less tab).

I've considered putting the Ruby back on but I know the 143 won't settle the real problem... just make the bike look better LOL

I'm going crazy... saddle hell gets so old fast! And with the weather we've been having here, my fitness just sucks. Getting fat... blech

hoping all is well
namaste,
vness

[vness]

If you order direct from Specialized, they have a 30-day return policy. You might be able to talk your LBS into offering you the same deal, especially since you're really focusing on Specialized saddles.

thanks Oakleaf. As I wrote above, I have been to LBS - need to go back when the owner's around and see if he has anything on the floor. I'd like to know if a 130 is even viable or if I'm going in the wrong direction before actually ordering something.

as far as liking Specialized saddles, they seem to be the most t-shaped. If you can suggest anything else, I'm certainly open to looking into it :)

thanks again
namaste,
vness

[rubywagon]

What was wrong with the 143 for you? No chafing on the 155? Do your hips come through like mine or do you ride more upright? What's your riding style?

thanks for any info you can offer :)

namaste,
vness

No problem! On the 143, my butt bones were wider than the target zone. It felt like they were falling off the sides of the saddle. I don't ride upright, but not necessarily in an aggressive position either. My saddle is an inch or two higher than my handlebars. I have no chafing on the 155 (but I haven't experienced it any any saddle I have ever ridden). It pinched my inner back thigh at first, but moving the saddle back a tiny bit eliminated that problem. Happy to help.

[vness]

No problem! On the 143, my butt bones were wider than the target zone. It felt like they were falling off the sides of the saddle. I don't ride upright, but not necessarily in an aggressive position either. My saddle is an inch or two higher than my handlebars. I have no chafing on the 155 (but I haven't experienced it any any saddle I have ever ridden). It pinched my inner back thigh at first, but moving the saddle back a tiny bit eliminated that problem. Happy to help.

thank you so much greenbeanvw... it helps a lot to understand :)
I'm pleased you've found something that works!!

namaste,
vness

[kermit]

I think with your recent measurements you should look outside the Specialized saddles. You skinny sit bones give you opportunities to try mens' saddles. Take a look at the Selle Italia SLR with the cutout. I had one and it almost fit my 150 sit bones. It is still T-shaped and the middle where the cut out is flexes. I too ride in the hoods and wind up on more of my "ahem" area than seat bones. I think it's just the way we are made. I liked this saddle for a long time until the lower back let me know it was too narrow. There's also the lady version of the SLR and the Diva. I've seen alot of both. I actually loitered at my LBS until one guy came in with a saddle that looked interesting. I asked him if I could sit on it. Thats how I found a Terry I used to love. Theres always the noselesss Adamo! That'll put you on your butt whether you like it or not! Good luck, wish I were closer you could try my max flite.

[nscrbug]

I figure I should ask more questions, if you don't mind :)

Do you know what your sitbone measurement is? Do you tend to ride on them or do you pivot through (like me) and ride more on the front? Though I definitely feel my sitbones on my saddle, there's just more of 'me' making contact than just them. When I measured mine at home, it was about 117 and when I went to my LBS the other day and sat a bunch of times (again) on the butt-o-meter (what a name!) I was getting different readings that put me either on the very end of a 130 or on the 143. That said, I'm still not sure if a 155 is the answer LOL but I figure I'd know pretty quickly if a 130 was too small.

Unfortunately, LBS is carrying last year's Toupe (at the same price as the 2010 model which has been improved - the one my friend just got from Specialized is a beauty) The owner wasn't around for me to ask if he had a 130 laying around that I could just try. The place is not particularly 'female' cyclist friendly. They have very little in women's performance saddles - mostly just carry large, squishy ones... sigh. I'm not really sure how 'friendly' he's going to be towards me as I spent some time a while back and ended up buying nothing. When I asked why he had no Ruby's or even Jett's, he said "they just send me what they have" - he obviously just hadn't asked for any.

Does anyone use the Phenom on a road bike?

Thanks for any info you can offer. I rode about 50 miles yesterday and have 2 'eggs' on either side of me - ouch!

namaste,
vness

Me, me, me!!! :D Bought my new Cervelo Carbon Soloist last May, and knew immediately that the stock saddle on it (a San Marco something-or-another) would have to go. The LBS that I bought the bike from, carried the much-talked about Cobb saddles that I had heard rave reviews on the triathlon forums that I frequented. I decided to give the Cobb V-Flow Plus a try...boy, was that a big mistake! 300 miserable miles later, and I was begging my hubby to take that torture device off of my bike and put on my old, Terry Tri-Gel until I could find something more suitable.

This fall, I went to a local Specialized dealer looking for a Jett or Ruby...my dealer had neither one in stock and actually stated that he probably would no longer be carrying the Jett. I noticed an interesting looking saddle in the display case, and asked to take a closer look. It was the Phenom...which I ended up buying. The owner of the LBS raved about this saddle...said it was the very saddle that he, himself, used on his road bike. He said he liked it much better than the Toupe...and said many of his customers echoed the same feelings. I figured I didn't have much to lose, since he offered me the opportunity to return it and try any other Specialized saddle if I didn't like it. I've been riding it ever since and it's been working fairly well for me. IMO, it is a very minimalist saddle...firm, not much padding, and it flexes in the sitbone area, so it "moves" with the rider. I haven't yet decided if I'll keep this saddle on my bike for the upcoming season or not...as I got a Selle Italia Prolink Light Gel Flow for Christmas, so will probably give that a trial run to see how it compares to the Phenom.

Linda

[vness]

Me, me, me!!! :D Bought my new Cervelo Carbon Soloist last May, and knew immediately that the stock saddle on it (a San Marco something-or-another) would have to go. The LBS that I bought the bike from, carried the much-talked about Cobb saddles that I had heard rave reviews on the triathlon forums that I frequented. I decided to give the Cobb V-Flow Plus a try...boy, was that a big mistake! 300 miserable miles later, and I was begging my hubby to take that torture device off of my bike and put on my old, Terry Tri-Gel until I could find something more suitable.

This fall, I went to a local Specialized dealer looking for a Jett or Ruby...my dealer had neither one in stock and actually stated that he probably would no longer be carrying the Jett. I noticed an interesting looking saddle in the display case, and asked to take a closer look. It was the Phenom...which I ended up buying. The owner of the LBS raved about this saddle...said it was the very saddle that he, himself, used on his road bike. He said he liked it much better than the Toupe...and said many of his customers echoed the same feelings. I figured I didn't have much to lose, since he offered me the opportunity to return it and try any other Specialized saddle if I didn't like it. I've been riding it ever since and it's been working fairly well for me. IMO, it is a very minimalist saddle...firm, not much padding, and it flexes in the sitbone area, so it "moves" with the rider. I haven't yet decided if I'll keep this saddle on my bike for the upcoming season or not...as I got a Selle Italia Prolink Light Gel Flow for Christmas, so will probably give that a trial run to see how it compares to the Phenom.

Linda

Hi Linda...thanks for replying. Which Phenom did you get? There are so many variations - the nose looks much more pronounced in some than in others. The SL is the lightest and looks best, I think. What size do you ride? What are your sitbones and riding style? I hope I'm not asking too many questions... I'm trying to get a feel for which way to go. I'm just not ready to give up on Specialized yet LOL need to try a 130 first, though I'm not sure about that Butt-o-meter thingy

thanks again
namaste,
vness

[vness]

I think with your recent measurements you should look outside the Specialized saddles. You skinny sit bones give you opportunities to try mens' saddles. Take a look at the Selle Italia SLR with the cutout. I had one and it almost fit my 150 sit bones. It is still T-shaped and the middle where the cut out is flexes. I too ride in the hoods and wind up on more of my "ahem" area than seat bones. I think it's just the way we are made. I liked this saddle for a long time until the lower back let me know it was too narrow. There's also the lady version of the SLR and the Diva. I've seen alot of both. I actually loitered at my LBS until one guy came in with a saddle that looked interesting. I asked him if I could sit on it. Thats how I found a Terry I used to love. Theres always the noselesss Adamo! That'll put you on your butt whether you like it or not! Good luck, wish I were closer you could try my max flite.

Hi kermit... I 'have' to try a 130 Toupe or Ruby (maybe even the Phenom) before I give up on Specialized LOL you know how much I love that Ruby!!

we've got a Selle Italia Prolink w/o a cutout in the house. It's what John was using till he got the Toupe. I may try it, even with no cutout, just to see how it fits. Feels kind of heavy though. I did try the Diva but it was when I was badly bruised... did nothing to help... seemed to hit all the 'spots' so maybe it was too wide?

Though I'm still not sure about that Butt-o-meter thing.

You're so lucky - at your height, you can try other bikes/saddles on. At my height, I'd need a step ladder to climb up on and blocks on the pedals to reach them LOL

I was just on the Specialized site... interesting that the new Toupe is about 25g lighter than the Ruby. Longer nose too.

Money's tight (sigh) so I need to choose carefully. I don't want to order a 130 Toupe from Specialized if it's immediately too small for me. I do hope my LBS has something I can try. As I've said, he's been less than helpful in the past.

I'll keep you posted. I was even looking at Bike Nashbar's E3 Form saddle. Titanium rails... VERY t-shaped and on sale. Only weighs 188g and is 133.5mm wide. But I am leery of ending up with yet another saddle I can't use. Need to check their return policy on saddles.

No Adamo saddles for me!! I don't want to change my riding style. It would put much more stress on my lower back if I had to put that curve in to hold my sitbones upright. I like laying flat... it's very natural for me and actually feels good on my back. And is more aerodynamic - it need all the help I can get!

as for 'skinny' bones - I say HAH! I don't think any part of me is skinny anymore (I wish though). Thanks again... you've been so supportive and helpful. I really appreciate it!!!

namaste,
vness

[nscrbug]

Hi Linda...thanks for replying. Which Phenom did you get? There are so many variations - the nose looks much more pronounced in some than in others. The SL is the lightest and looks best, I think. What size do you ride? What are your sitbones and riding style? I hope I'm not asking too many questions... I'm trying to get a feel for which way to go. I'm just not ready to give up on Specialized yet LOL need to try a 130 first, though I'm not sure about that Butt-o-meter thingy

thanks again
namaste,
vness

I have just the regular, basic Phenom saddle. But I've been lusting over the Phenom Team version...in black, that baby would match my bike perfectly. :D Although, that Romin saddle has now caught my attention, as well. I like the "split" design of it...something I was contemplating on testing out with the SI SLK Lady Gel Flow. My Phenom is the 143 size. Did the whole butt-o-meter thing at the dealer, and that is the size I was told to go with. I also did the Bontrager version of the butt-o-meter, and was basically told the same thing...that I fell "in the middle" sizing category. The Selle Italia Prolink Gel Flow that I got for Christmas is a 144, so only a negligible difference. My riding style...hmmm, that one is hard to pinpoint. I'm kind of "all over the place" with my riding style...LOL I have some clipon aerobars on my bike, so I can vary my positions more. I would say I spend about 3/4 of the time upright...and the rest in either aero or drops. Hope that helps!

Linda

[kermit]

Take a look at Neuvation saddles, like the S10. I was thinking about one for my mountain bike, you can't beat the price.

[vness]

I have just the regular, basic Phenom saddle. But I've been lusting over the Phenom Team version...in black, that baby would match my bike perfectly. :D Although, that Romin saddle has now caught my attention, as well. I like the "split" design of it...something I was contemplating on testing out with the SI SLK Lady Gel Flow. My Phenom is the 143 size. Did the whole butt-o-meter thing at the dealer, and that is the size I was told to go with. I also did the Bontrager version of the butt-o-meter, and was basically told the same thing...that I fell "in the middle" sizing category. The Selle Italia Prolink Gel Flow that I got for Christmas is a 144, so only a negligible difference. My riding style...hmmm, that one is hard to pinpoint. I'm kind of "all over the place" with my riding style...LOL I have some clipon aerobars on my bike, so I can vary my positions more. I would say I spend about 3/4 of the time upright...and the rest in either aero or drops. Hope that helps!

Linda

Hi Linda.. thank you so much for the info. Seems I was falling for the 'visual difference' I saw online.... doubt there's as much of a difference as I thought. I did see a regular Phenom and an SL yesterday... identical looking!

LBS was less than helpful, as usual. Didn't have anything I could 'try'. I'm honestly not all that sure about a 130, which is why I didn't want to just buy one. I suspect I'd know pretty quickly if it's too small LOL

I like the Romin as well... wish I could see one for real as I do worry about the edges of the channel. They look pretty sharp and I've been bitten before. Haven't seen any reviews by women either, though it's all so subjective. I did read that one should consider ordering the next size up than usual but again, I'm sure it's individual

sigh... saddle hell... too, too familiar!

did you ever try that SI SLK Lady Gel Flow? how did you like the Prolink Gel Flow?

thanks again
namaste,
vness

[OakLeaf]

FWIW... I think I know who your LBS is, and I'm not impressed with them either, but the next nearest Specialized dealer, Orange Cycle in Orlando, is huge and well-stocked and known for catering to women, and they still don't stock a large selection of the higher-end saddles. No one really sells enough of any one model to justify a large stock. But it might be worth calling them to see what they do have, if you have a trip planned to the "big city" any time soon. :p

[vness]

Take a look at Neuvation saddles, like the S10. I was thinking about one for my mountain bike, you can't beat the price.

hi Kermit... thanks for the tip. They do look interesting. I need to check their return policy.

Well I got murdered yesterday afternoon by my saddle so I put John's SI Prolink without a cutout on for the morning. It was better at first but the last 10 miles were hell. Mind you, I'm so badly chafed and swollen I doubt anything would feel good... and no cutout... oh my... felt like there was a 'bump' in the saddle when I first got on it LOL

LBS was less than helpful. Said if I could find something on the floor, I could try it.. well, I actually found a 130 Jett. I just want to see if a 130's too narrow before buying one, as I know I'd be able to tell pretty quickly!!!! But some moron tells me "Oh, that's a new saddle too. Just because it's loose, it only means it's been taken off a bike". Well that damn Jett was at least 2 years old! You can tell by the style as they've changed them so much. Plus the saddle didn't even 'look' nice and new. It looked exactly like what it was... an old saddle that was laying around. I did see a Phenom which looked interesting but they didn't have the Romin to look at. Someone did mention that Specialized saddles had hard edges which can chafe, so that could be the problem considering my anatomy :)

I may look at Terry since I know they have a 30 day return policy. And will also look more at the SI saddles. And that Neuvation... uh oh I just saw that the back of the saddle has their name in RED... doesn't match my good n' plenty girl! LOL

in the meantime, I hurt!!!! wish I were tall enough to climb on someone's bike :)

Thanks again
namaste,
vness

[kermit]

I googled mapped and it's like a 3.5 hour drive, but Racer's Edge in Boca Raton does great fits and has a 65 saddle collection to try during the fit. Take a look at their website, they are the sh** for racers and tri folks. ROAD TRIP?????

[OakLeaf]

Wow, my inlaws are in Boca. Something to do next time we go there....

[nscrbug]

Hi Linda.. thank you so much for the info. Seems I was falling for the 'visual difference' I saw online.... doubt there's as much of a difference as I thought. I did see a regular Phenom and an SL yesterday... identical looking!

LBS was less than helpful, as usual. Didn't have anything I could 'try'. I'm honestly not all that sure about a 130, which is why I didn't want to just buy one. I suspect I'd know pretty quickly if it's too small LOL

I like the Romin as well... wish I could see one for real as I do worry about the edges of the channel. They look pretty sharp and I've been bitten before. Haven't seen any reviews by women either, though it's all so subjective. I did read that one should consider ordering the next size up than usual but again, I'm sure it's individual

sigh... saddle hell... too, too familiar!

did you ever try that SI SLK Lady Gel Flow? how did you like the Prolink Gel Flow?

thanks again
namaste,
vness

Have not tried the SLK Lady Gel Flow just yet. But it is on my "prospective" list, if the Prolink or Phenom don't work out. The Prolink is actually mounted on my bike now...but I haven't gotten a chance to ride it yet (too snowy/icy/cold here). I'm hoping by March, the days will start getting a bit milder. If I recall from last year, my first ride was on March 30th...so hoping to get out sooner this year. Although, I may just have my hubby throw my bike on the trainer this weekend so I can get a feel for it now.

[vness]

I googled mapped and it's like a 3.5 hour drive, but Racer's Edge in Boca Raton does great fits and has a 65 saddle collection to try during the fit. Take a look at their website, they are the sh** for racers and tri folks. ROAD TRIP?????

oooh... that place looks great! Unfortunately I can't afford it right now :( I've always wanted to do 3-D Morion capture too. But I need some level of fitness back as well. I'm still coming from behind from being ill.. I lost a LOT of performance!

btw, is that where you had your fit done?

I did spend some time looking at the saddle models they offer (selle italia, fi'zi:k, and san marco) and realize I really need to find out if a 130 is too narrow or what... so many of the saddles I liked were about that narrow.

So to that end I went back to LBS with the intention of actually purchasing something to try... but after getting into an argument with the guy about that Jett not being new, just unused LOL I left. They didn't have the new Toupe, any Ruby's or the Phenom that I wanted anyway.

And I am NEVER going back into that shop! They're not helpful... as well as quite overpriced! That I always knew.. the other part I just had a first hand encounter with. I guess they don't see me as worth their trouble... too bad for them.

my friend who rides the 130 Toupe's is bringing me an old 130 Alias to try... at least it'll tell me if the width works and if it does, I may just order something directly from Specialized. In the meantime, I'll put the Ruby back on to get me through the time gap. The Prolink I tried is just too much like all my other saddles. If a narrow saddle is doable, it opens up a whole new world for me :)

with the cold, I'll get a couple of days to heal. I'm a mess right now. Anything would probably hurt... grrrr.... I am SO angry right now

thanks for letting me rant!

namaste,
vness

[vness]

Have not tried the SLK Lady Gel Flow just yet. But it is on my "prospective" list, if the Prolink or Phenom don't work out. The Prolink is actually mounted on my bike now...but I haven't gotten a chance to ride it yet (too snowy/icy/cold here). I'm hoping by March, the days will start getting a bit milder. If I recall from last year, my first ride was on March 30th...so hoping to get out sooner this year. Although, I may just have my hubby throw my bike on the trainer this weekend so I can get a feel for it now.

keep us posted! :)
namaste,
vness

[kermit]

I had planned on going there, but am lucky to have a local guy who does alot of fits for a tri trainer. He tweaked my height and took a riser out of the stem. Once I installed the wedges I found nirvana. I just went to my LBS looking for a cheap mountain bike saddle, looked at the romin. Uhhh, REALLY HARD, harder than the ruby and toupe. I might get an alias for the bike, maybe...