Embarassing Saddle Issues...

[alexis_the_tiny]

Hey all. I got myself a road bike about 4 months ago and I've started noticing a problem with the saddle. Since all the people who've been fitting me on the bike are guys, its a little hard to tell them about it even though I'm usually capable of being pretty crude. The trouble is, in the position my saddle is in, it helps me get a nice speed going but I'm sitting on my cl*t. As in, my whole body weight is crushing it into my saddle. I can prolong the time before the whole area goes numb by cranking a heavy gear but when I want to spin, it goes from overstimulated to painful to numb within a few seconds. It's extremely annoying and I've tried tilting my saddle, lowering the seat post and whatnot. The result is always the same, either I end up in a position that makes me ride really slowly - <28km/h or I'm sitting on there. Anyone know what to do?

[tiva]

Try a different saddle. I can only ride on saddles with cutouts, for exactly the reason you describe. Stock saddles that come with the bikes aren't exactly great.

[zoom-zoom]

In addition to that, make sure your saddle is on the firmer side (I had issues and really like the Specialized BG Jett). Squishy saddles seem to encourage pressure on the soft girl bits, instead of supporting the weight and pressure at your sit-bones.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm using a Fizik Nisene that has been on my hardtail for the last couple of years. Its not squishy by any means but it doesn't seem to fly for the road bike. Will go test some saddles with cut outs later this week...

[withm]

Try tilting the forward end of the saddle down about 1/16th inch. That may be all you need to releive the pressure.

[OakLeaf]

Have you read the threads about saddle fitting? If the saddle is too narrow for you - or if it's the wrong shape so that it forces you to ride on the nose - it can cause a lot of grief.

Even though the saddle worked on your MTB, you're on a different part of your sitbones in road bike riding position. So what fits you for one might not for the other.

Tilt is definitely a possibility - especially if you're getting pressure that far forward, unless you're in an extreme aero tuck. You can cut a piece of metal out of a steel can to shim your seatpost if you need a tilt that's between what the grooves allow you, if you don't want to spring for a micro-adjustable seatpost.

IME most cut-outs don't extend far enough forward to relieve pressure on the clitoris, anyway. They're mainly made to accommodate large labia. Selle SMP models have a very long cut-out, so that might be something for you to try if tilt and rear size don't solve your problem.

Good luck - saddle issues are miserable.

[alimey]

+1 for the jett. I actually think the cutout does extend forward enough. Funnily enough, really padded shorts don't help as they just take up space in the cutout. Also I tilt my saddle up (by about 9 degrees - according to my iphone). I find it feels like a nice comfy cradle on my sensitive front parts. The other thing to check is your reach on the bike. If the bike is too long/is set up too long, then you will be too stretched out which will rock you forwards & put even more pressure just where you don't want it!!

If you go to a Specialized concept store they do test saddles so you can try the Jett out. They will also measure your sit bones. I am 5'1" & take the 155mm on my road bike, but the 143mm on my track bike, as I am rocked further forwards & often on the drops - so the width you need does depend upon your position.

Good luck

[zoom-zoom]

+1 for the jett. I actually think the cutout does extend forward enough. Funnily enough, really padded shorts don't help as they just take up space in the cutout.

I'm thinking this is true, as well. I'm searching for shorts with less poofy padding than the PIs, but the placement of the chamois in their shorts is SO much better than anything I have found. At least my Jett saddle is a better fit than anything else I have tried. I have one part of the equation figured-out. :)

[OakLeaf]

True, I've been considering that my Jett is still not T-shaped enough for me. It may be pushing me forward of its ideal seating position.

It's also a bit squishy - better than the Lithia I rode before, but Spec' does make a firmer saddle, the Ruby.

Still coveting the SI Turbomatic, but just can't justify the price until I've worn out my Jett, which is "close enough" for the time being, as was my Lithia before. Better start riding more so I can wear the Jett out! ;)

+1 on minimal chamois. Thick chamois and squishy saddles make everything so much worse, I don't know why they even make those. :confused::confused:

[Bike Chick]

+1 on minimal chamois. Thick chamois and squishy saddles make everything so much worse, I don't know why they even make those. :confused::confused:

Agreed! I think I could tolerate a squishy saddle better than a thick pad. I tried the Jett and it just wasn't for me. I'm using the Selle Italia Lady Marco right now and have been pleased so far.

[zoom-zoom]

It's also a bit squishy - better than the Lithia I rode before, but Spec' does make a firmer saddle, the Ruby.

I've been thinking that maybe when my own Jett is ready for replacement that I would try the Ruby. I like the overall shape and size of my Jett.

[Jiffer]

I didn't read the other replies, but sounds like you might need a different saddle. Maybe something with a cut out, though not necessarily. I used to have a similar issue as you (though not as severe). I had the Terry Damselfly. I now have the Selle San Marco Mantra. It has a very big cut out and my "parts" don't get squished.

Everyone is different as to what works for them, so you probably need to try several saddles to know what will work for you. There are some stores that will let you ride around briefly on a saddle to at least get an idea if it might work. Performance Bike (.com) has an unconditional money back guarantee, so you can buy it, try it and return it at any time for a full refund or exchange. I just found out an LBS in my area will let you buy a saddle and you can "exchange" it and keep trying new ones until you find the right one. No refunds, buy they'll let you keep trying new ones.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Puffy padded saddles and puffy thick chamois pads = more pressure pushing back against your soft parts.

[artifactos]

I had a lot of trouble with pressure from the front of my pelvis crushing my soft tissue. I switched my saddle out a few times, and FINALLY got relief with an Adamo. The Adamo then caused some SI joint issues as it was initially installed, but further adjustments have made it perfect. I never want to go back to the kind of pain I was experiencing before!!

[alimey]

Update on Jett vs Ruby. I loved my old Jett - it was the really hard one. But in the UK it only comes in black & I wanted a white one. Off to the US in July so I thought I would also look at the Ruby as it looks a little slicker. Went to my local Specialized Concept store & borrowed a Ruby & a Jett in my width (155mm). I liked how hard the Ruby was - but the cutout is just not as large as the Jett & was definitely compromised by padded shorts. So out w/ the Ruby. I have yet to try out the new Jett (I have it on my bike waiting) as it seems to me that they have made it a lot more squishy than it used to be. I really hope it is OK because then I can buy lovely new white ones when I go to the US - otherwise I am going to load up on old style black ones so I don't run out of saddles before my butt runs out of go . . .

[alexis_the_tiny]

Thanks for the replies. =) Unfortunately, the LBS here don't seem to have a try and buy thing for saddles but I have friends who hoard saddles and another rider let me try her Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow which seemed nice - large cut out in the right place, hard as anything and not too wide at the back. Has anyone tried out that saddle for long periods of time before? I've also managed to hunt down the ONE female bike fitter in town, will be seeing her soon, thank god. Padded tights drive me so insane I won't even consider riding with them, the first pair I had taught me a hard enough lesson. I prefer these De Soto tri tights that have nothing but a fleece lining, for me, the fleece is all that's necessary, really.

[PamNY]

Unfortunately, the LBS here don't seem to have a try and buy thing for saddles

Did you try to negotiate with them? I spoke to the manager at my neighborhood LBS and pointed out that I could get a tryout period from some saddle companies and that competing retailers were very cooperative and used this as a major marketing tool.

I ended up getting what I wanted (and he put it in writing). Turned out I loved the saddle so no need to return it, and they've gotten repeat business and recommendations from me.

Doesn't hurt to ask.

[RolliePollie]

I recently switched saddles because of this very same issue. My old saddle (a Terry Butterfly) suddenly became a torture device.

Now I'm riding a Terry Falcon X...got it brand new on eBay for around $35...and it's great. Much firmer and less padding, a little narrower, and a longer/wider cutout. It took a few rides to get used to the harder less cushy padding, but now it's feeling great.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Did you try to negotiate with them? I spoke to the manager at my neighborhood LBS and pointed out that I could get a tryout period from some saddle companies and that competing retailers were very cooperative and used this as a major marketing tool.

I ended up getting what I wanted (and he put it in writing). Turned out I loved the saddle so no need to return it, and they've gotten repeat business and recommendations from me.

Doesn't hurt to ask.

I'm not quite sure, really. But yes, I could always ask or get someone who's friendly with the LBS to ask.

[abejita]

Thanks for the replies. =) Unfortunately, the LBS here don't seem to have a try and buy thing for saddles but I have friends who hoard saddles and another rider let me try her Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow which seemed nice - large cut out in the right place, hard as anything and not too wide at the back. Has anyone tried out that saddle for long periods of time before? I've also managed to hunt down the ONE female bike fitter in town, will be seeing her soon, thank god. Padded tights drive me so insane I won't even consider riding with them, the first pair I had taught me a hard enough lesson. I prefer these De Soto tri tights that have nothing but a fleece lining, for me, the fleece is all that's necessary, really.

I don't do padded shorts either. I do love the de soto tri capris. That is all I ride in. Sometimes for shorter rided (less than 30 miles) I'll just wear running tights.

[nerdgirl]

Wow, I thought I was the only one who went through this! LOL

I use a good chamois under my baggies, but it wasn't enough. I bought a gel saddle. It looks on the bigger side for my mountain bike, but I don't give a crap-- this is my pink parts we're talking about! Image means nothing compared to the well-being of that! ;)

I also tilted the saddle down just a shade, which solved the problem almost entirely. I say almost, because if I'm on my bike doing lift runs for 6 or more hours, it is bound to get numb and hurt. After all, there's only so much impact the poor thing can take! ;)

[marni]

today on bicycling.com there was an interesting article on homemade and simple otc remedies for saddle issues.

marni

[XMcShiftersonX]

I've been having this same problem as of late. I think it's due to the fact that a couple weeks ago I flipped my stem so my handle bars are down lower, so now I'm leaning down further and putting more pressure there. I currently ride on the fizik vitesse tri seat. I'm going to try adjusting the saddle. Hopefully that will be all I need because I just got this seat in Dec. and I would hate to waste that money!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

One of the issues that arises when you use a bike posture that has you leaning way down on the drops with your saddle higher up is that it tends to take your weight off your sit bones and put more pressure on your front girl parts. The more extreme the leaning down position, the more difficult it becomes to find a comfortable saddle solution. If you read this forum for a period of several years, you can see that this, along with the typical woman's reach problem, are the two most common biking problems we women seem to have trouble with.
This frontal pressure issue is sometimes not such an issue if you are racing or doing short fast club rides, but can certainly become more of a problem in longer distance rides like touring. That's really why touring bikes tend to have you sitting a little more upright.
It's rather tricky to balance speed and comfort. Can be done, but it can get complicated to find the right solution for each person.

[roadwrider]

I support everything alimey said, and this:


... really padded shorts don't help as they just take up space in the cutout...

... has been a curiosity of mine for awhile. I keep looking for shorts that also use the cutout philosophy. Not literally, of course, (c'mon, admit it, some of you went there) but where the girly-bits area is thin with little or no padding. My un-design engineer mind thinks that would help airflow too.

Thoughts?

[KnottedYet]

If you don't need padding there, why put padding there?

If you put a big padded chamois into a short to protect the 'taint, yet then cut out the chunk under the 'taint because it's too thick... what's the point of the chamois in the first place?

Remember, a chamois was originally simply that: a piece of chamois leather sewn over the area of the knitted shorts where all the seams met. It was there to protect your skin from rough seams, not to protect your tush from a poorly fitted saddle.

If someone tells me they are having trouble with padded shorts, I strongly suggest they stop wearing padded shorts. They look at me like I'm a nut! But seriously, why wear padded shorts if they are uncomfortable? It is possible to go without the padding. The world won't stop turning if you buck the current fashion trend.

I find I'm happiest in unpadded UnderArmour compression shorts on an unpadded saddle. Medium length (50 miles or so) rides are so much more comfortable this way. I haven't ridden a long ride since I gave up on the padded shorts, so I can't give any data on that.

Sometimes, simpler is better.

[Kathi]

Sounds like you have some guys who are doing your bike fit, hopefully they are knowledgable, so the setup should be correct.

How much air are you, or they, putting in your tires? I love my Specialized Ruby saddle and have had no issue until today. I just had my bike tuned and the shop put on new tires. I forgot to tell them I run 100 PSI in my tires. I don't know what they pumped them to but by the end of 30 miles I was miserable, my sit bones were killing me, and I was hating my saddle, plus, I was feeling every bump in the road. We stopped at REI, where they have a pump on hand, and I took the air down to 100 PSI. I couldn't believe the difference. The last 32 miles of the ride were heaven.

The manufacturer of my tires recommends 100 PSI for a 100 lb rider. If you're a lightweight you may need less air than the guys recommend. Experiment with what feel good to you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Medium length (50 miles or so) rides are so much more comfortable this way. I haven't ridden a long ride since I gave up on the padded shorts, so I can't give any data on that.


50 miles is a 'medium length' ride ? :eek:

hmm...50 miles pretty much takes me 6 hours, or most of the day.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Sounds like you have some guys who are doing your bike fit, hopefully they are knowledgable, so the setup should be correct.

How much air are you, or they, putting in your tires? I love my Specialized Ruby saddle and have had no issue until today. I just had my bike tuned and the shop put on new tires. I forgot to tell them I run 100 PSI in my tires. I don't know what they pumped them to but by the end of 30 miles I was miserable, my sit bones were killing me, and I was hating my saddle, plus, I was feeling every bump in the road. We stopped at REI, where they have a pump on hand, and I took the air down to 100 PSI. I couldn't believe the difference. The last 32 miles of the ride were heaven.

The manufacturer of my tires recommends 100 PSI for a 100 lb rider. If you're a lightweight you may need less air than the guys recommend. Experiment with what feel good to you.

Kathi, that's interesting. I currently pump my tires to 100 or 110 PSI. I weigh somewhere in the range of 94 to 97lbs. But if I were to lower my tires pressure, wouldn't it put me at higher risk for flats?

I had the same problem again this morning and realized that I felt a little dry there and the fleece was really rubbing and chafing while I pedaled. Maybe I should throw in a dab of KY jelly there in addition to a new saddle...

[Kathi]

Kathi, that's interesting. I currently pump my tires to 100 or 110 PSI. I weigh somewhere in the range of 94 to 97lbs. But if I were to lower my tires pressure, wouldn't it put me at higher risk for flats?

I had the same problem again this morning and realized that I felt a little dry there and the fleece was really rubbing and chafing while I pedaled. Maybe I should throw in a dab of KY jelly there in addition to a new saddle...

Nope, you don't have enough weight and too much air will toss you around more. Actually, I thought the same thing as you, but I tried it and couldn't believe the difference. I've been running 100 psi about 4 yrs without issue even on city streets. I also do this on my mtn bike, have ridden 30-35 psi with no problems. I weigh 105 so you might be able to go lower. Experiment and see.

Handlebar height can also contribute to this problem. My very well thought of male bike fitter missed the fact that I have short arms. No matter what saddle I tried I was miserable without tilting the nose down. Consulted a different fitter and it turned out my handlebars were 4cm too low for me.

[Kathi]

Nope, you don't have enough weight and too much air will toss you around more. Actually, I thought the same thing as you, but I tried it and couldn't believe the difference. I've been running 100 psi about 4 yrs without issue even on city streets. I also do this on my mtn bike, have ridden 30-35 psi with no problems. I weigh 105 so you might be able to go lower. Experiment and see.

Handlebar height can also contribute to this problem. My very well thought of male bike fitter missed the fact that I have short arms. No matter what saddle I tried I was miserable without tilting the nose down. Consulted a different fitter and it turned out my handlebars were 4cm too low for me.

I just checked the package for my tires, Michelin Pro3 race and it for a rider below 110 lbs the recommened bar is 6 or a psi of 87. Hmmm, guess I'll try going lower, too.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Kathi, wow, I'm going to have to try that. If anything, it'll save the useless 'ladies friendly' floor pump the bike shop sold my dad from being violently dismantled and thrown out. :D

[marni]

oh goodie, let's teach another pump to fly. DH who is a more casual rider boght me the latest greatest floor pump which sucks, literally, and is nearly impossible to use since it is not now, nor was it ever a "ladie friendly" pump but might work for Arnold (I'll be back) the gubernator of CA.

marni

[Biciclista]

yeah i weigh more like 130 and I keep my tires at about 90 lbs. I have not had a lot of problems with flats.

[XMcShiftersonX]

You may start to lose in performance though, don't you think? I'm 110 pounds and have my tires pumped to 120 PSI before every ride. Any less and I notice the drag and increase in effort, which will lead to other discomforts, at least on the long distance rides I do.

I also have to disagree with some of the opinions of earlier - I don't think the Chamois is just to protect against sores resulting from seams, but also to add some cushion against a hard surface. No matter how comfortable a saddle you get, sitting on it for 2-8 hours can cause problems. In addition to building that area up over time and getting used to it simply by spending time on the saddle, I wear Assos shorts, which have the best Chamois ever created. I wouldn't say it's a fashion statement, it actually serves a purpose. I can't last on any seat for even a short 20 mile ride without a pad, I've tried and the pressure hurts too much. Of course proper fitting of a saddle is important too. That, along with a good Chamois cream like DZ Nuts, seems to take care of the pains, for me.

As far as floor pumps goes, we just got the best one ever invented, in addition to being an art piece, it actually works, and really easily! Check out the Lezyne pumps: http://www.lezyne.com/products/floor-pumps/cnc-floor-drive-4.html (this is the one we have)

[alexis_the_tiny]

Pump-wise, I tend to favor the Topeak Joe Blow. Used it before, loved it, would have bought it again if the bike shop hadn't sold my dad that useless piece of ______.

I think as for padded shorts, I'll try them if everything else continues to fail. So far tweaking the fit seems to be working. I've finally found the local distributor for the saddle I want, universe-willing, they'll let me try it out.

[KnottedYet]

"Remember, a chamois was originally simply that: a piece of chamois leather sewn over the area of the knitted shorts where all the seams met. It was there to protect your skin from rough seams, not to protect your tush from a poorly fitted saddle."





I also have to disagree with some of the opinions of earlier - I don't think the Chamois is just to protect against sores resulting from seams, but also to add some cushion against a hard surface.



Awwww, and here I thought it was a historical fact....

(all those sad little chamois goats. how will I break the news to them?)

[OakLeaf]

Some of us are old enough to have actually ridden on those things. :eek:



Shorts with natural chamois, not the goats.

[KnottedYet]

Some of us are old enough to have actually ridden on those things. :eek:



Shorts with natural chamois, not the goats.

Bwaaaa-ha-ha-ha! :p
Girl, I need to buy you a beer! :D

[XMcShiftersonX]

I feel like I'm stating the obvious here, but things can be created for one reason, and continue to be used, or further developed for other reasons.

[KnottedYet]

I feel like I'm stating the obvious here, but things can be created for one reason, and continue to be used, or further developed for other reasons.

Yes, we know that. I'm not sure what you are driving at?

You seem to have an issue with my post. I stated the history of chamois. I made a conditional statement (those are the ones that start with "if") that if the modern fashion of padded chamois was miserably uncomfortable for someone, they should try riding in unpadded shorts. The second phrase only applies to those for whom the first phrase holds true. Conditional.

The world didn't end when we rode on flat bits of leather, and it won't end now if someone eschews modern padded chamois.

[XMcShiftersonX]

I was just presenting another point-of-view to your "those who wear the current chamois are either 1) on a poorly fitted saddle or 2) following a fashion trend" opinion. I actually have found a purpose to padded chamois, along with most other cyclists out there, apparently. Why you got defensive, when I never denied the historical aspect, is beyond me.

[KnottedYet]

I was just presenting another point-of-view to your "those who wear the current chamois are either 1) on a poorly fitted saddle or 2) following a fashion trend" opinion.

Nope, that's not what I said.

Remember, "conditional statement." Not "sweeping statement."

[holly_golightly]

Alexis,
I had this same problem last year with the pressure being "up front". I tried 3 different saddles until I found one that was good for me and did not put that pressure on my girlie parts. The advice about trying different saddles was good advice. Everyone's body is differnt so what works for one woman, may not work for another. I know you may feel a little like Goldilocks but you will be so happy once you find a saddle that fits you properly. Terry is a bike company that makes a lot of gear for women. Go to www.terrybicycles.com . They have a 30-day guarantee on their saddles, so if you try one and it does not work, you can exchange it for a different Terry saddle or get a refund. This is what I did and I found happiness with the Falcon X. You can get these saddles at your LBS and they should also honor the Terry guarantee. I would just check before you purchase. Good luck with your hunt. You will find your perfect saddle, just don't give up.
Holly

[Blue_Fedora]

So far in my attempt to find the perfect saddle that does not smash the girly bits, the only one that fits the bill is the Selle SMP. The design absolutely takes 100% of the pressure OFF the girly bits no matter what position I find myself.

I used to have a tremendous amount of pain there but with the Selle SMP saddle, I no longer have a problem with smashed/numb/burning girly bits :)

[Rebecca19804]

So far in my attempt to find the perfect saddle that does not smash the girly bits, the only one that fits the bill is the Selle SMP. The design absolutely takes 100% of the pressure OFF the girly bits no matter what position I find myself.

I used to have a tremendous amount of pain there but with the Selle SMP saddle, I no longer have a problem with smashed/numb/burning girly bits :)

Sounds worth checking out. Please could you be more specific about the model of Selle SMP you've got? Searching on eBay brings up at least 4 very distinct and different types under that name. :confused:

Thanks!

[Catrin]

I've been told the Selle Italia Diva, or the Diva Gel Flow (full cutout) are both good for taking care of problems in the front. I am trying the Gel Flow myself and can hardly wait for the demo saddle to arrive. I am still riding my Brooks until then, but apparently 30 miles was too long to ride it :eek: :(

[zoom-zoom]

I feel like I'm stating the obvious here, but things can be created for one reason, and continue to be used, or further developed for other reasons.

Like...men, for instance. ;)

[Blue_Fedora]

Sounds worth checking out. Please could you be more specific about the model of Selle SMP you've got? Searching on eBay brings up at least 4 very distinct and different types under that name. :confused:

Thanks!

I have a Selle SMP Plus and a Selle SMP Avant... the Avant is more padded and I believe it's about 5mm narrower. My husband also rides a Selle SMP saddle... his is a TRK. He never ever complained about saddle pain but when I got my first SMP he was so intrigued by the design he took my bike out for a short 10 miler to see how it was. He loved it so much that he bought a Selle SMP TRK for himself that very same day. He said he didn't know there was a real difference between saddles or that he actually WAS in pain until he rode the Selle SMP and felt how much of a difference it made.

Hope that helps :)

[alexis_the_tiny]

Like...men, for instance. ;)

LOL! That's utterly hilarious.

The Selle SMP saddles sound like a good thing to check out, need to go find out who carries that over here. Unfortunately no LBS here carries Terry products and the Terry website doesn't say anything about international shipping, so I'll exhaust all local options first...

[XMcShiftersonX]

Like...men, for instance. ;)

hahaha... I love it:)

[Catrin]

Like...men, for instance. ;)

I LOL at this one :)

[alexis_the_tiny]

Allow me to scream in frustration. Called up the Specialized distributor in town. They said they could use the measuring thing to find me a BG Jett saddle. Asked if I could try sitting on the saddle to see if its comfortable. Their answer?

"Yes, you can try it but you must buy the saddle after that."

URGRGHH!!!!

[zoom-zoom]

I LOL at this one :)

I have a dad, younger brother, husband and a 9 year old son. I speak from a multitude of experience. :D

Alexis, that is nuts. If you order from Specialized you can return the saddle within a certain period of time. Why would the distributor have a different policy than the company?

[alexis_the_tiny]

Because that's how it flies here and the distributor knows that unless we want to actually import the saddle from the US, we have no other choice. I went to ask at a few other bike shops and no one has test saddles to try and aren't willing to allow me to test a saddle before buying. I'm just going to order off chain reaction cycles, at least I don't have to pay as much as I would locally and their return policy is a little more flexible.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Quick update: After much wrangling, I got hold of a Specialized Alias 130mm on the secondhand marketplace. First sit, it feels good, hard, narrow enough and supportive and the cut out is AWESOME, no pressure! Hopefully it'll stand up to the long ride...

[sarahspins]

So far in my attempt to find the perfect saddle that does not smash the girly bits, the only one that fits the bill is the Selle SMP. The design absolutely takes 100% of the pressure OFF the girly bits no matter what position I find myself.

I used to have a tremendous amount of pain there but with the Selle SMP saddle, I no longer have a problem with smashed/numb/burning girly bits :)

This was me too.. my SMP was a godsend for many months until I tried a brooks (once I had a saddle actually supporting my sit bones the "need" for a cut-out mostly diappeared). I still LOVE the huge cut out and that saddle is still on my hybrid (which is now DH's bike, but I probably ride it more than he does because it's easier to pull the kid trailer with).

If you have narrower sit bones the range of saddles in the SMP line is very nice.. I still drool over some of them, even though I know they can't/won't work. I ultimately went to a brooks because I wanted LESS padding, and the TRK is really the only SMP model that is wide enough for me... and it's too squishy for really long rides.

On my list to try next is a brooks with a cutout - I actually just ordered one a few days ago :p

[feral1]

Has anyone tried the Selle Italia Turbomatic Gel Flow Team Edition carbon? I just ordered one and am very excited :D It looks very comfy and pretty..half black half white. It is a 153 and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that it works out.. I have also been having a lot of saddle comfort issues so hopefully this one will solve my problems! I have been buying them on Ebay since I can get them cheaper then resell them if I don't like the fit ;)

[OakLeaf]

Feral, I'm anxiously awaiting your report! I really don't want or need carbon rails, but that's the only way they make that saddle, and I am really coveting it.

If it doesn't work out for you, I've got dibs. :rolleyes:

[feral1]

Ok Oak :D I'll let everyone know in a couple weeks if it works out.

[bikerchic]

about saddles my bike builder told me.

Get a men's saddle, period. He talked me into getting a men's version of the Terry "Fly" saddle I really, really, really wanted for my bike as I had one on my other bike and loved it.

Reluctantly I got the one he suggested and after the initial break-in period I found it to be absolutely the most comfortable saddle ever! The one he suggested is the Terry Liberator Ti-Race MEN'S saddle.

So my point as well as his is don't be afraid to try the men's fit sometimes it's the best fit. Those darn men seem to know stuff about stuff and what do I know, eh? :rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Still, I'd take women riders' saddle recommendations over a man's any day. I don't care how many bikes he's built- he still has a man's rear end. Let him ride 1000 miles on my butt before he suggests a saddle to me. :D (did I really say that?) lol!

[bikerchic]

Still, I'd take women riders' saddle recommendations over a man's any day. I don't care how many bikes he's built- he still has a man's rear end. Let him ride 1000 miles on my butt before he suggests a saddle to me. :D (did I really say that?) lol!


LMAO! Yeah that pretty much sums it up! Now I feel so stupid for listening to him.......he,hee guess what works for one person will not always work for another.

*did you really say that?* LOL yeah girl you sure have some gonads! :D

[feral1]

Just wanted everyone to know I just put my 2009 Specialized Toupe Gel 155 on E-bay if anyone is interested. My butt just doesn't work with Specialized saddles I guess. I will let you all know how the Selle Italia Turbomatic works out when I get it :D

[feral1]

Well I got my Selle Italia Turbomatic Gel Flow Team Edition carbon and it looks awesome.........but it won't fit my seatpost on my Cannondale Synapse :mad:
I didn't realize that the carbon rails wouldn't fit the clamps on the side of my seatpost. From what my guy at the LBS said a lot of people have that problem when they buy carbon rail seats. I guess I will have to wait and try it on one I am building up. Needless to say I am very bummed :(

[OakLeaf]

What kind of seaport does it need? I've been hankering after a microadjustable one anyway...

[feral1]

What kind of seaport does it need? I've been hankering after a microadjustable one anyway...

It needs hardware that clamps down from the top of the rails not on the sides (like mine) because the rails aren't circular. My husband got to put it on his bike :mad: for our ride tonight and he said it was very comfortable. I will have to wait until next week when I get my beater bike put together to try it.....if I like it it will go on my Storck that we are building over the winter.