A REALLY T-shaped saddle to watch for - Ergon SM3

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I just stumbled across a saddle that SI is apparently making for Ergon (http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/eurobike2011-sm3). Look at how seriously T-shaped this puppy is!
http://www.bike-mailorder.de/shop/images/product_images/popup_images/30406_2.jpg

I'm not seeing it available in the US, yet. I'm also sorta unsure about the shape of it. It does come in 2 widths (I think the S is 135 and the L is 145), but it appears that the sit bones would be in a sort of hollow, with weird sort of ridges just inside the sit bones. I'm not sure that dent/channel in the nose would be effective if the sit bones are already planted in divots. :confused: I think the footprint looks fabulous, but the overall shape of the top of the saddle looks a little suspect.

[limewave]

Off topic, I checked out the link to Ergon's site and stumbled on the grips I'd been looking for! I saw them on someone else's bike and I've been really wanting some. Thanks!

[zoom-zoom]

Off topic, I checked out the link to Ergon's site and stumbled on the grips I'd been looking for! I saw them on someone else's bike and I've been really wanting some. Thanks!

Ergon grips are great! They're on every single mountain bike in our garage (including the Mukluk)! :D

[ClockworkOrange]

My GP told me to stop riding back last August because of De Quervain’s tendonitis in my thumbs. Fortunately my chiropractor said "No" and suggested I stopped using my laptop on my lap, so I bought a small table and separate keyboard PLUS changed to Ergon grips.

Result, great I can ride, the grips are good, plenty of choice for moving your hands around.


http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j353/1Clockwork1/Capture3-1.jpg

Sorry to have gone off topic slightly. :rolleyes:

Need to replace my saddle, hence I checked out your thread.

[zoom-zoom]

It didn't take me long at all before DH talked me into Ergon grips on my mountain bike. My hands were really sore on the stock round grips.

I found a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3jaMvqKfnQ) about the new Ergon saddle. At the end she hinted at the possibility of a road-specific version for next year. Also a demo program--I'd be all over that! Our LBS carries Ergon stuff, so maybe they could get their hands on a demo for me to try.

[Catrin]

Ergon grips rock - I would literally be unable to ride without them. Let's hear it for Ergon! If I wasn't so happy with my SI Lady Gel saddles (on both road and trail bikes) I would consider the new Ergon saddle...

[limewave]

Hmmm, well I guess the only thing left is decide if I can spend the money on grips right now . . . I'd really love some! They look very comfortable, especially for long rides. I remember a time, way back when, I could just buy stuff as I needed it. Nothing extravagant, but still, if I wanted something, I could just go pick it up. Boy do I miss those days! :)

[zoom-zoom]

Hmmm, well I guess the only thing left is decide if I can spend the money on grips right now . . . I'd really love some! They look very comfortable, especially for long rides. I remember a time, way back when, I could just buy stuff as I needed it. Nothing extravagant, but still, if I wanted something, I could just go pick it up. Boy do I miss those days! :)

Might you find a deal on a set on eBay? It's worth looking into.

[mzone]

Hmmm, well I guess the only thing left is decide if I can spend the money on grips right now . . . I'd really love some! They look very comfortable, especially for long rides. I remember a time, way back when, I could just buy stuff as I needed it. Nothing extravagant, but still, if I wanted something, I could just go pick it up. Boy do I miss those days! :)
Hi - first time poster chiming in re: the grips. I couldn't handle riding my flat bar commuter for more than a couple miles without aggravating wrist and thumb pain. With the Ergons, I can do 20 miles without issues.

If you're and REI member, it might be a good time to try them out with the 20% member coupon.

[zoom-zoom]

If you're and REI member, it might be a good time to try them out with the 20% member coupon.

Plus I think they're pretty good with returns if something doesn't work out. I've thought about getting a membership for that reason.

Re: the Ergon saddle, I asked on their FB page when it would be available and they said the following:

Likely beginning of May once we get the saddles and get them distributed to our various retail channels. Demo program? Yes. Still working out details on this and will release details once established.

I really want to demo one.

[grey]

I have those grips on my "grocery bike" and I LOVE THEM.

Interested in the demo program too! I hate my saddle. For me the search for the perfect saddle goes on...

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For me the search for the perfect saddle goes on...

The search is starting to make me want to hurt things (I mean, aside from my girl bits). :mad:

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It finally looks like this saddle has some limited availability in the US, after they kept pushing the release date back. I decided to order the lowest-end version in black, for starters (from Universal Cycles--they had the best price). If I don't like it on my road bike it will probably be better on a somewhat less aggressive bike (like my CX bike or mtn. bike). If I love it I'll eventually get the next model level up (carbon shell and has some super-slippery silicone coating on the inner thigh area to reduce friction against shorts, which is where mine wear out) in white for my roadie and put the cheaper black on on another bike. I remember seeing that they were considering a more road-specific version if the mtn. version does well, too.

[pll]

Hopefully this will be the one! I look forward to your review.

[zoom-zoom]

Me too! The Bontrager InForm Affinity RL is *ok*, but it could be more t-shaped. I love the dent, just not the way my inner-thigh/cheek area feels so beat-up after 50 miles or so.

[Anyabeth]

I have a stupid question about the Ergon grips - are those just for flat bar bikes? Is there a way to use something like that on drop bars?

[Owlie]

It finally looks like this saddle has some limited availability in the US, after they kept pushing the release date back. I decided to order the lowest-end version in black, for starters (from Universal Cycles--they had the best price). If I don't like it on my road bike it will probably be better on a somewhat less aggressive bike (like my CX bike or mtn. bike). If I love it I'll eventually get the next model level up (carbon shell and has some super-slippery silicone coating on the inner thigh area to reduce friction against shorts, which is where mine wear out) in white for my roadie and put the cheaper black on on another bike. I remember seeing that they were considering a more road-specific version if the mtn. version does well, too.

Ooh. Let me know if it works for you on the roadie, since we seem to have similar saddle needs, and I'm slowly getting closer to that new bike...

[Wahine]

I have a stupid question about the Ergon grips - are those just for flat bar bikes? Is there a way to use something like that on drop bars?

I don't think you could use them on dropped bars but there are a lot of drop bars out there with a tear drop shaped profile for the top part of the bar, the horizontal bit closest to the stem where you're often hanging out while riding casually. The drops themselves often also have an ergonomic curve but a cylindrical cross section.

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It's here! Though I'm not sure when I will be able to try it--maybe tomorrow. My bike is already loaded up in the back of DH's vehicle for our ride tonight.

Looking at it I'm immediately struck by how shallow the relief channel is...it looks deeper in photos. I sort of suspect that it may not offer much actual relief, unfortunately. It should be obvious pretty much instantly if it's not going to work. The overall footprint is wonderful, though. So VERY t-shaped!

[Wahine]

Thanks for posting about this. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of the saddle.

[limewave]

It's here! Though I'm not sure when I will be able to try it--maybe tomorrow. My bike is already loaded up in the back of DH's vehicle for our ride tonight.

Looking at it I'm immediately struck by how shallow the relief channel is...it looks deeper in photos. I sort of suspect that it may not offer much actual relief, unfortunately. It should be obvious pretty much instantly if it's not going to work. The overall footprint is wonderful, though. So VERY t-shaped!

Ooooh! Fun. Let me know how it works for you.

[zoom-zoom]

Is it squishy? :D

Not really. It has some sort of "suspension" built-in, since it's a mtn. bike saddle (and I may find that it works well for off-roading or CX, since I'm not as "aero" on mountain bikes or my CX bike), but the actual padding and cover are pretty firm. Feels a lot like a Ruby saddle, IME.

[zoom-zoom]

I still haven't had a chance to try it. Weds. I went mountain biking and yesterday I rode 65, so neither was a good chance to try it. Today I'm running and tomorrow I'm mountain biking, again, but planning to also try and get out for an hour on my road bike to test it...stay tuned! :D

[limewave]

Why don't you try it on your mountain bike?

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Why don't you try it on your mountain bike?

'Cause I never really have "saddle issues" on mtn. bikes, just road bikes (probably because my butt spends so much time out of the saddle off-road and I'm more upright). If I like this saddle I'll probably end up putting it on my CX bike (since the one I bought is a black base model and I'd likely go up one level to get the white one with carbon shell for my road bike).

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Oh, I may really love this saddle. I just did 12 miles, so not really far enough to tell if I love it, but I definitely like it a lot and it wasn't an immediate torture device like some saddles that have had me in pain in <5 miles.

It feels at least as good as my Bontrager Affinity RL in terms of the cut-out (which surprised me)...the footprint is definitely better, I like that it's firmer, and it has some sort of suspension feature built in which was PHENOMENAL on bumps and cracks and potholes and other assorted crappiness of our roads. I'm riding a couple of 30 milers this week and planning a century on Sun. so if it's good for those I will likely be picking up the next model up (carbon shell, slippy silicone sides for less abrasion on shorts) and putting this one on my CX bike. If I REALLY love it I may have to get a 3rd for mtn. biking, even. That suspension rail dealie would be nice on a hardtail.

[Owlie]

I remember her saying elsewhere that she has issues with shorts rubbing on the saddle, so her shorts don't last as long.

Glad you like it thus far. Which one did you end up getting? Performance gives the same description for both models (but then, their website is kind of screwed up). Also, what's the sizing like? I can't find widths for it either.

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Is there any reason other than cost to get the lower-level saddle versus the slick sided one? Would only consider the ones with metal rails. Carbon just sounds scary. I like my current Turbomatic, but not completely.

Yeah, the carbon railed one I have 0 interest in--plus it's $$$. The next model up from the one I have is a carbon shell and has the slick sides...AND comes in white, so I'd like that for my "heavy as a wet fart" (as my DH says) carbon road bike. For my CX and (future) mtn. bike I wouldn't bother with anything but the bottom model, since they'll just get trashed, anyhow. It still seems fairly light and very firm, but that flex makes it really forgiving and it's still softer than the SSM Aspide Glamour Arrowhead that I used to use. I'd say it's about comparable to the Ruby.

[zoom-zoom]

I remember her saying elsewhere that she has issues with shorts rubbing on the saddle, so her shorts don't last as long.

Glad you like it thus far. Which one did you end up getting? Performance gives the same description for both models (but then, their website is kind of screwed up). Also, what's the sizing like? I can't find widths for it either.

Yep, my thighs are the destroyer of shorts...muwahahahaha!!!

I got the base model, the Pro is the next model up from that (carbon shell, slick sides, metal rails). I think the top is the Carbon Pro, which is carbon everything.

Mine is the L, which is 145ish, I believe. I think the S is 130.

[Owlie]

While I don't destroy shorts, I'll keep it in mind for the next bike. ;) It looks like it might work well.

[Wahine]

Zoom Zoom, thanks so much for all the feedback. I'm always looking for information about saddles that's real. Saddle comfort for women is a big problem that affects every aspect of riding. It's nearly impossible to get a good bike fit on someone unless they are reasonably comfortable on their saddle.

I may need to get one of these saddles for my library, (I collect various saddle models and loan them out to people that come to me for fittings so they can try them out).

[zoom-zoom]

Zoom Zoom, thanks so much for all the feedback. I'm always looking for information about saddles that's real. Saddle comfort for women is a big problem that affects every aspect of riding. It's nearly impossible to get a good bike fit on someone unless they are reasonably comfortable on their saddle.

I may need to get one of these saddles for my library, (I collect various saddle models and loan them out to people that come to me for fittings so they can try them out).

I think it would definitely be a good one for your library, since it fills a niche that no other saddle on the market seems to, yet...T-shaped with a dip, rather than a cut-out. And I'd definitely recommend it to someone riding on rougher roads, too. We had an elite race near us this weekend that involved sections of cobblestone. I can't even imagine doing that on a saddle that doesn't absorb some impact! :eek:

[pll]

Zoom-zoom: did you buy it through Amazon or elsewhere? Look like an interesting saddle and I am tempted to try it.

[zoom-zoom]

Zoom-zoom: did you buy it through Amazon or elsewhere? Look like an interesting saddle and I am tempted to try it.

Universal Cycles. They had it for about $103 including shipping.

[zoom-zoom]

Thank you! Didn't really want to spend 129.00!

Me neither. Though I will likely spend full price if I end up ordering another one up a model (to the tune of $160). I'd like to support my LBS if I know I'm going to keep it for the long haul.

[pll]

Universal Cycles. They had it for about $103 including shipping.

Thanks!

[zoom-zoom]

On second thought...I think I only like this saddle--at least for road riding. I did 25 miles tonight and by 18 miles in I was definitely feeling less fond of the saddle.
http://www.bikesonline.com/product_images/p/639/c03c309b5bdb633667c4a9a8d6568d1b__21692_zoom.jpg
See the sort of ridges on either side of the channel? It felt like they were digging into my butt muscles. Eventually I started getting some foot numbness on both sides, so I suspected that they were pressing into nerves. I also feel like the nose is a hair wide and I felt it on my inner thighs. It's definitely wider than the nose on my Bontrager InForm Affinity saddle.

I do think that I will hang onto it for mountain biking and cyclocross, though. For shorter rides and rides where my butt is not on the saddle for long lengths of time I think it would be really good. I LOVE the way it absorbs bumps. It should be perfect off-road. DH really wants to give it a try, too.

An Ergon rep said in a video last Spring that they are contemplating a road version. I hope they do. I am considering e-mailing them and giving them a review of the saddle and suggestions of what I'd like to see in a road version. I think they are on the right track with this, but it's not perfect for the use I attempted to give it.

[Owlie]

Definitely e-mail them.

[Wahine]

I think you shoud email them too.

[zoom-zoom]

Or even comment on their FB page...that way other road riders would have the opportunity for full disclosure.

[zoom-zoom]

I bet if those grooves in the rear were curved it would be better.

How many straight lines are on the human body?

I really think the problem with those ridges are that they make the saddle slightly domed, since the sit bones rest lower than the ridges. If they flattened the ridges or filled-in the "wings" so that they weren't sort of indented there would be no issue. The ridges just end up jutting into the flesh sort of between the sit bones and my butt crack.

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Yeah, those don't look t-shaped enough for me. I wish Bontrager would come out with a more t-shaped version of the Affinity. Firmer padding with metal rails would be good, too. I don't want carbon rails to get the RXL level of padding.

[zoom-zoom]

That has a really nice shape. I wonder if they make one with a cut-out. Though I will say that my Bontrager is still really do-able, for now. I love the dent up-front. It could be more T-shaped, but it's not a horrible fit. I don't generally have chafing issues, just feel sort bruised in the inner-thigh/butt region after long rides. I can live with that to keep the girl parts happy.

[zoom-zoom]

I might be wrong, but I think Fizik is anti-cutout?

They have some saddles that have a relief channel, but the one I tried was the worst torture device ever! :o

[Becky]

What I'd really like is a saddle like the SL XC but about 5-7 mm wider.

SI SLR Lady Gel Flow? It's ~155 mm, or the older one was. Seems to me that I heard somewhere that the new one is only ~146mm.