A Very Happy Tushie

[slinkedog]

Okay, to everyone who has followed my saddle saga, I think I have found saddle heaven. I got the Selle SMP for Christmas and have done a few rides on it. Yesterday I did 30 miles with some moderate hills and it was great! I'm a little sore in the sit-bones region, but I haven't been riding much, so I'm not at all surprised. My soft tissues don't even feel as if I've been on a ride. I'm incredibly happy with this saddle, wacky-looking though it is. :)

So Ann, if you're reading this, I'll be happy to let you take a spin on it the next time we ride together. I will have to say that it took me a couple of rides to get used to it.

[Nanci]

I just had an idea! I was thinking, wouldn't it be cool to be able to rent any saddle you wanted to try, say for a week? Someone should gather up everyone's hated saddles and do that for a business!

That's an interesting saddle. I'd like to try it. I wonder if it works well for men, since that is who it's made for. BF has _never_ found one he likes, and he's on about the fourth one.

Nanci

[SadieKate]

Guess I better get that check ready. :D You need to remind me how much.

Are you coming up to Benicia for the Feb 25th Cinderella training ride? Marty and I are planning on coming. Perhaps a hand-off then?

[slinkedog]

They do make one women's-specific model, which is the one I have. It's the cheapest model, too. I think we got it for $65 or so. There is a men's model in the same style.

[slinkedog]

Guess I better get that check ready. :D You need to remind me how much.

Are you coming up to Benicia for the Feb 25th Cinderella training ride? Marty and I are planning on coming. Perhaps a hand-off then?

I'm going to try to make it to that one, so let's plan on the hand off there. I have no idea how much to ask for the Avocet. What do you think is fair? I probably put 150 - 200 miles on it at the very most.

[salsabike]

For those of you within shoutin' distance of an REI store--they will let you buy a saddle, ride it for days/significant miles, and return it if it doesn't work for you. I expect as long as there's no damage, the return is absolutely no problem. I did this once and would do it again. They are very good about this.

[SadieKate]

Uh, I've had a right of first refusal purchase on slinke's Avocet since the day she bought it. No way is it going back!

[bikerz]

That REI deal is great, but their saddle selection is a little restricted...

Shannon - I'd love to take your saddle for a very short spin - I'm planning on being at that Benecia ride also. I'm still using my Selle San Marco Atola, which is fine for 30 mile rides, but I start really feeling it after that... The San Marcos are the best because they have such a nice cutout, but I think they are a little narrow for me at the back.

Nanci - that's an excellent idea - a saddle rental/saddle swap system - the problem is really distribution, isn't it?

I have a nice collection going of barely used saddles:
- Terry Butterfly
- Koobi Classic Gel
- Selle San Marco Atola
- Selle San Marco Aero
- Selle Italia Lady something-or-other
- Specialized body geometry (?? came with my bike)

I know there are people out there (and on this forum even!) who love each and every one of these saddles - it would be nice for them all to make someone's tushie happy!

[slinkedog]

Hey BikerZ... I sold a Terry saddle on Craigslist. If you're looking to get rid of any of those and don't want to deal with shipping them, post 'em and sell 'em!! :)

Also, you might like this saddle because it does have a wider back. I hope you find saddle-heaven soon!! :)

[CorsairMac]

- Specialized body geometry (?? came with my bike)

I know there are people out there (and on this forum even!) who love each and every one of these saddles - it would be nice for them all to make someone's tushie happy!

is it one of the Specialized flat saddles?? or one of the comfy ones?? I would be interested in that one depending on what it is! PM me if you really want to get rid of it!

[Hell-uv-a-job]

That REI deal is great, but their saddle selection is a little restricted...

Shannon - I'd love to take your saddle for a very short spin - I'm planning on being at that Benecia ride also. I'm still using my Selle San Marco Atola, which is fine for 30 mile rides, but I start really feeling it after that... The San Marcos are the best because they have such a nice cutout, but I think they are a little narrow for me at the back.

Nanci - that's an excellent idea - a saddle rental/saddle swap system - the problem is really distribution, isn't it?

I have a nice collection going of barely used saddles:
- Terry Butterfly
- Koobi Classic Gel
- Selle San Marco Atola
- Selle San Marco Aero
- Selle Italia Lady something-or-other
- Specialized body geometry (?? came with my bike)

I know there are people out there (and on this forum even!) who love each and every one of these saddles - it would be nice for them all to make someone's tushie happy!


Ebay baby... It is great!! My hubby and I love ebay! Just make sure you post a link so we can see them. I might be interested on buying one.

[prettyboy]

I joined this forum for the sole reason of finding a saddle. I have also been thinking that the chamoiss in my shorts are just too much extra fabric that gets wrinkled up in the wrong places. I am looking for the short that has a minimal chamois, that just covers the seams.

OK, so I'm going to try the Selle SMP next.

Thank you

[Nanci]

So, how wide exactly is the gap in the middle of the saddle? On the website is says almost as wide as a hand. Do your sit bones stay where they are supposed to, or do you ever feel like you're going to "fall into" the center section? When you climb, do you have contact with the nose? And, my last question for now :-) how would you describe the firmness of the saddle?

Thanks!

Nanci

[slinkedog]

I'm not totally sure how wide the gap is, but it is true that you can almost get your hand through it. I've never had the sensation that I might fall in, but I have a pretty big hiney, so I can't imagine that would ever be a problem!! :) But to answer your question, yes, my sit bones stay where they're supposed to. I don't usually engage the nose too much when I climb... I sit way back on the saddle and spin up any hill that's spinnable. I mash when necessary, but never really notice the nose in this saddle, or any of the others I've had, for that matter, so I don't know if I can help there.

The saddle has a pretty padded back, but it doesn't feel squishy. My sit bones were sore after I rode on Sunday, but not until later in the evening. But I also don't feel like I need a ton of chamois to be comfortable. I rode 30 miles on Sunday with my most minimal chamois and was comfortable the entire ride.

I saw that bikemania.biz has the saddle (Selle SMP TRK) for $75.00 online if anyone wants to bite the bullet and give it a try. That model does come in both men and women's specific styles.

[bikerz]

OK - I'm inspired! I'll take photos of all these saddles this week and post them in the "for sale" section on TE - maybe they can all find happy homes!

(I'm moving soon, and it will be nice to to cart all of these saddles along with me..)

[slinkedog]

You're not moving away, are you, Z?

[boulderbliss]

Slinkedog,

How are you still liking your SMP? I see that it comes in different widths and the basic model, TRK, looks like it would be wide enough for my arse. (I self measured but am going to a professional butt measurer on Monday for a proper reading) How are your sit bones and soft tissue holding up? I am on a desparate search for a comfy saddle and would like a happy tush as well. Looking forward to hearing your update.:D

[slinkedog]

Hey Boulderbliss! I just got back from a 43 mile ride and I'm still happy. My tushie is sore, but I'm still working up to many miles in the saddle. However, the girly bits don't even feel like I went on a ride, so I'm very happy!!

[snapdragen]

I may have to try this saddle out. I'm beginning to pinpoint where the ouch is - definately the soft girly bits. Where'd you get your Slinke?

[slinkedog]

Blaine got it for me online for Christmas... I think bikemania.biz has it for around $75. The TRK model is the only one that's women specific, I think. It's the cheapest, too.

[boulderbliss]

Thanks for the update, Slinkedog!

I just purchased one from a U.K. seller on eBay. It is the ladies TRK model, brand new, and he is shipping it airmail to me for a total of 27.99 pounds, which is only $50.57 U.S. through Paypal! His auction says U.K. sales only, but he emailed me and is willing to ship to the U.S. He has 17 of these saddles left. For those interested, here is his auction listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7204260610&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

I'll report back, hopefully with happy tush news:D , after it arrives.

p.s. He also has these in the male models in case anyone's hubby wants one.

[slinkedog]

That's a great price! I really hope you like it and I'm looking forward to the tushie report!! :)

[susanm8048]

Bikerz,

Can I please ask your advice as it seems that your tush is as delicate as mine!:)

I have done most of my riding on an old Avocet O2, and always felt that I could be more comfortable. Mainly pressure in the perineal area when I get a bit more aero.

I recently bought (at great expense) a Selle Italia Lady Gel flow and really haven't noticed any great improvement. And if anything I have less room for leg expension than on my old saddle.

I gather from this forum, it really is a bit hit and miss finding the right saddle but it can be an expensive exercise as return policy doesn;t allow you to really get a good feel for a saddle.

This a long winded way of asking your opinions on Selle San Marco Aero and Atola. Both are being offered on Ebay at a more reasonable price than Australian retail which is HORRENDOUS. :eek:

Do you think the women's specific offer anything more than marketing?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[salsabike]

Anyone have any updated reports on how they like their SMPs?

[ChainsOflove]

OKay you guys have me totally confused. Are you talking about the Selle SMP strike that costs $219??? I can't find a WSD on this, the ads only talk about testicles and stuff. ???

[slinkedog]

It's the Selle SMP TRK Lady model. For some reason they don't show it on the Selle SMP site. I got mine from Masherz.com, or I know bikemania.biz carries it as well. I got mine for about $70.00 If you google the words above you should be able to find it. :)

[Nanci]

I just ordered one from the eBay link, thanks for posting it! If it doesn't work out, I bet it won't be hard to find a new home for it...

Nanci

[Robbin_G]

Here's a good site with big pictures of the Selle SMP Lady

http://www.albabici.com/selle/lady/strike-lady-mp.htm

I think I'm going to buy it. I feel sorry for the guy in the UK, but saving $25 is worth it!

-Robbin :D

[Nanci]

I hope mine gets here in time to try it out next weekend.

Poor Lava is in the shop till Wednesday getting new tires and bar tape. I miss her...Maybe it's like going to the spa, though.

Nanci

[Robbin_G]

I just ordered after confirming he'd send one to me. They're going fast everyone! Still cheaper than Masherz even with the horrid exchange rate.

-Robbin



Here's a good site with big pictures of the Selle SMP Lady

http://www.albabici.com/selle/lady/strike-lady-mp.htm

I think I'm going to buy it. I feel sorry for the guy in the UK, but saving $25 is worth it!

-Robbin :D

[Nanci]

My very happy tushie is getting here tomorrow, but Lava is _back_ in the shop for rear der adjustment and rear wheel truing, _and_ bar gel pads if they can _find_ any...So I won't get to try it out until next week...

Nanci

[Running Mommy]

I've had mine on the road bike on the trainer and it seemed fine. Since the new tri rig went in to get herself tightened up for the race I pulled the ol roadie off the trainer and took her out today. I have to say that saddle ROCKS in the real world!! I'm DEF swapping it out to my tri bike for the race! I did a couple of hours today and it was comfy as a couch! I was amazed! And was great for being down in the aero bars! A HUGE thumbs up!! WAY UP!!

[slinkedog]

Oh goodie! Another convert!! ;) No, really, I'm glad your tushie is a happy tushie. No soft tissue pressure is a good thing, no?

[Nanci]

I a little suspicious that a $50 with shipping from England saddle can be as good (in terms of support, quality, style, lifespan) as a $150 saddle...But their men's saddles are all expensive. I wonder what the difference is.

Nanci

[Selkie]

I just ordered the SMP (ladies version) and a Selle SLK Lady Gelflow. I really like the Selle Italia Lady Gelflow saddles that I have on my Dolces. However, the saddles on my other two bikes aren't comfortable enough for long rides---one has a Terry Butterfly Ti and the other is the Bianchi that came w/the bike.

By the way, how long do you reckon is the average lifespan of a saddle?

[Robbin_G]

I a little suspicious that a $50 with shipping from England saddle can be as good (in terms of support, quality, style, lifespan) as a $150 saddle...But their men's saddles are all expensive. I wonder what the difference is.

Nanci

Well, they are $70 US. (Maybe our UK seller just got a windfall of saddles) but you're right, $70 is not $215 like the mens.

Mine says it's made it to the US and then the tracking stops. I assume mine comes this week too. I'll give it a whirl this weekend.

[Lenusik]

I am struggling with my saddle as well. For the longest time Terri Butterfly was just right for me but then it sank. What I mean is it developed a dip in the middle and this is where I want it perfectly flat. Everybody's physiology is different and you have to find one that works just for you, doesn't matter whether it is men's or women's design. My recommendation, find a professional fitter who will have a variety of saddles. First, make sure that you sit on the bike correctly and your personal geometry is right. And then try a saddle after saddle. Yes, it will cost your a little bit, but it would save you some pain of purchasing wrong saddles and pain where you don't want it to have.

[Robbin_G]

Mailman just left. A little longer and definitely wider than my current one. I'll let you know!

[boulderbliss]

I a little suspicious that a $50 with shipping from England saddle can be as good (in terms of support, quality, style, lifespan) as a $150 saddle...But their men's saddles are all expensive. I wonder what the difference is.

Nanci

It is!! That's the one I have and ordered it from the UK seller. The difference is that it has a vinyl-type cover rather than leather and I think the frame is made of something slightly heavier than the more expensive models. This saddle absolutely rocks! Can't wait to hear what you think of it.

[Nanci]

I'm pretty certain mine's going to be up for sale. It feels good, but I'm worried it is too wide in the nose. I don't know...Really need a good ride to evaluate, which I can't do until a couple weekends from now.

Nanci

[Robbin_G]

What would make a saddle too wide in the nose? Thigh rubbing?

[Nanci]

Yeah, thigh rubbing and just feeling like I'm sitting on an edge there, where I didn't used to. The Fizik Vitesse has a super narrow nose, which is really nice. _But_ when I switched saddles back, it was immediately apparent that now the "bits" were again resting on something, instead of not, as with the SMP...

I also had a hard time deciding how much down to tilt it. With the rails level, which makes the nose go way down, I felt like I was sliding off. With the seat level, which puts a little dip in the center, with the nose still down, that seemed ok. With slightly more tipping up, like how I ride the Vitesse, that felt ok, too.

And the rails are way longer, so I had to play around with how far forward or back to position it. I'm still not sure I had that adjusted correctly- I think it still should have gone back further. It's hard to tell exactly where you're supposed to sit on it, because the seat part is so generous.

And then I also would need to lower my seat, because I felt like my knee was too straight, but I immediately got a pain down the front of my right knee, which doesn't that indicate you need to raise the saddle? I was riding in sandals, not bike shoes, and around on the grass- so the whole thing wasn't a fair test. I need to take it out to a paved trail.

It is a lot cushier than I am used to.

Nanci

[Running Mommy]

Hey Nanci-
Maybe THAT is the source of my phantom itb pain. Because I was noticing yesterday that the pain seemed to be more on the front lower part of my kneecap, and not really the side of my knee like when my itb flares up?? hmmmm... Maybe I should just leave the saddle thats on Valentina alone. Of course right now all I have is my road rig since the tri bike is getting her final adjustments...
Ahh man! Now I'm questioning whether or not I should even ride the road bike w/ that saddle on?! I don't want to aggrivate my knee any further!
But yeah, I did make about a bazillion adjustments before I felt it was just right. And the shape of the saddle does make it alot harder to get the perfect feel. Of course I *think* it feels perfect, but now I'm not so sure???? Maybe I should take the whole thing down to my bike fitter and have him take a look see. Of course that's the last thing I feel like dealing with right now... sigh... UGH!

[Nanci]

I think you should FREAK OUT and run off to the bike shop to buy a aerobar bag that you suddenly decided you need because the $35 handlebar bag isn't working out as well as you thought and it turns your lights off and on by itself.

And then go to Best Buy to buy $40 worth of lithium batteries because they are lighter and last longer especially in cold weather.

Oh wait, that's what I'm going to do today.

Nanci

[slinkedog]

I kept the saddle completely level, but that's just me. Also, I ride about as far back on the saddle as you can possibly sit. I didn't raise my seat at all. I know not all saddles work for everyone. I had to ride this one 3 or 4 times on the road before I was used to it and knew it was the right one for me. I was ready to ditch it after the first ride.

[Nanci]

It seemed a lot more comfortable to me when I was on my aerobars for some reason. I wish I could see the men's version. I will have to play around with it not this weekend but the next.

Nanci

[Running Mommy]

yeah thats what I liked about it too. I was super comfy down in the a-bars.. So I really want to make it work. It did seem a bit wide to me at first as well. I guess I got used to that. but I had the same thought process! *I shoulda bought the mens model cause it's prolly narrower*... We think alike! SCARY!!

[Number 7]

with all the talk recently about the selle trk, i was looking into purchasing one (found them on ebay yesterday for $28 from the uk). however, i had recently purchased a specialized jett gel, so i figured i'd at least give it a try before buying a different one (LBS allows saddle returns). however, after just one ride on my trainer i can already tell a difference! i was riding a much more padded specialized saddle prior to the jett, but now i love the flatness of the new saddle. my sit bones are sore, but that's b/c i've only started riding this year. more importantly, my 'area' feels a hundred times better. i think the end to my biking woes may be in sight. :D

[Robbin_G]

Had maint. workshop this morning so the group only did 20 miles. I'm voting for too wide as well. It kinda smashes the outer bits instead. I did get it readjusted late in the day so I may have just had some continued tenderness. I will give it another shot and let y'all know.

The guy who adjusted mentioned that the slight rise in the nose should be the level part sending the back part UP a bit instead of being level with each other.

Robbin

[Nanci]

I'm wondering how others are liking them. I'm going to measure my Fizik, and compare to the $200+ mens SMP's, to see if there's a closer match. That's a lot, though, but probably worth it if it was _perfect._ Have yet to do a real ride on Lady, or even get it adjusted right.

I'm telling you, though, I would have practically killed to be able to switch to it at mile 325 of my ride this weekend. Oh, just to have nothing touching there- who cares about what my thighs are touching.

Nanci

[easterbird]

Bought the SMP ladies a few weeks ago after I had ridden my new OCR with the saddle from LBS(selle Italia Ldy gel flow). I had never ridden a road bike (been riding a COMFORT bike for goodness sake) and the first rides with the Italia were very painful(at front soft bits). So have been trying the Selle SMP some of you discussed. So far I am having discomfort(not terrible but??) at the bones ?? jeez don't even know name for them....directly between my thighs.Not at rear... Also have noticed that the broad saddle puts pressure at outer edges! Hairs irritated...am wearing good shorts(Pearl I ultra) Did ~24 miles today and haven't had time to go further to try the saddle on a longer ride but at ~24 it is starting to become noticeable(as compared to comfort where after 40 miles I am not even aware of the saddle.) Are all road bikes & saddles noticeably uncomfortable? :( Do ya ever get used to them?:confused:

[DeniseGoldberg]

Are all road bikes & saddles noticeably uncomfortable? :( Do ya ever get used to them?:confused:
No! Your bike & saddle should not be uncomfortable.

It sounds like you don't have the right saddle for you. Unfortunately I don't know of any method that allows you to get the right saddle the first time - short of riding with them. Does your LBS have a stash of saddles that they will let you borrow to see if one works for you?

--- Denise

[Robbin_G]

[QUOTE= So far I am having discomfort(not terrible but??) at the bones ?? jeez don't even know name for them....directly between my thighs.Not at rear... [/QUOTE]

I had the same problem on my first ride with this saddle. Also similar to Nanci, it's almost better when bent further over. However, when leveling this saddle, "ignore" the back and make sure that front bump in the nose is whats flat. Do not make the front bump level with the back, the back should point up. Let me know if that works.

[KnottedYet]

I was a fool, and sold my Terry Sport with my old bike when I switched to a recumbent a few years ago. Terry doesn't make the Sport anymore, so now that I'm switching back to wedgie-bikes I'm trying to make do with a Serfas. It's really not too bad with the nose dropped just a bit. And it has a cute smiling sun face on the right "cheek"...

[easterbird]

I had the same problem on my first ride with this saddle. Also similar to Nanci, it's almost better when bent further over. However, when leveling this saddle, "ignore" the back and make sure that front bump in the nose is whats flat. Do not make the front bump level with the back, the back should point up. Let me know if that works.

Tried dropping the nose a notch and I think that may be the trick for me. I got 35 miles on yesterday(in three rides with short break as I was riding w BF who changed his mind about riding after I waited for him!!). Good news no additional pressure apparent. I'll try for longer ride soon and see how it works out! thanks,Robbin_G

[nahchillyo]

Have been reading all your saddle advice and just purchased the Selle SMP, can't wait for it to get here- I'm in agony with my current saddle which feels more like a breeze block! :D

[FreshNewbie]

I have a question about Selle SMP Strike saddle.... How do you determine which one to get? mens or womens? I understand that womens is wider than mens, is there some trick to measure yourself? Share please as I am having a problem with my serfas saddle on longer rides. My butt does not bother me, it's my front that hurts when I am in my drop bars.

[Nanci]

It's simple, you can find the women's for $70, or $50 on eBay if you're lucky. The men's is $208 on eBay. :-)

Actually, since I was disappointed in general with the Lady, I asked a guy selling all models, and he said measure my Vitesse, (which I love- so I don't really know why I was trying to cheat on it with another saddle- seven year itch, I guess) then pick the men's that most closely conformed to the Vitesse's measurements.

I figured, correctly, I was getting such a good deal on the Lady it would be no problem to resell if it didn't agree with me.

Nanci

[FreshNewbie]

well, i just did the same thing, i measured my serfas seddle and it's exactly 17cm in width, so i ordered from Ebay. Will report when I will get it. Thanks

[SilverBullet]

Thanks for the update, Slinkedog!

I just purchased one from a U.K. seller on eBay. It is the ladies TRK model, brand new, and he is shipping it airmail to me for a total of 27.99 pounds, which is only $50.57 U.S. through Paypal! His auction says U.K. sales only, but he emailed me and is willing to ship to the U.S. He has 17 of these saddles left. For those interested, here is his auction listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7204260610&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

I'll report back, hopefully with happy tush news:D , after it arrives.

p.s. He also has these in the male models in case anyone's hubby wants one.

You didn't have any trouble with him shipping to the US? It says in his auction he ships to the UK only.

[FreshNewbie]

Hey SilverBullet, I ordered from that guy on ebay, he is very willing to ship to US. Although they will charge you around 50bucks including shipping. Just email him beforehand, thats all

[Robbin_G]

When I ordered, I warned him his link to the saddle was a hot topic on a cycling discussion forum so he knows we're here.

I'm still pondering the Zero X though..... so even if he runs out, I may put mine up.

[Bicyclerubber]

Hello Everyone

Firstly, thanks to all those of you that have purchased one of the SMP TRK saddles from us over here in the UK.

I just wanted to address a couple of points to make sure that anyone thinking of buying one knows what to expect.

The price is UK£27.99 including signed for insured airmail delivery.

You should not compare this saddle directly (which is low end specification) with one of the higher specification saddles like the Pro, Plus, Evolution etc. The price gap (which is about UK£90) reflects the superior materials used in the more expensive saddles.

See the ebay listing for more details or any questions, just drop us an email.

[mirielgw]

Are you all still liking this saddle? I am very tempted to get this one from the UK Ebay guy.

I am a new to cycling and ride a Trek 7.2FX hybrid. My Bontrager stock seat gives me some discomfort on the front sensitive bits so I am thinking the channel might alleviate that issue. But I've read some people think that the most comfy position on this saddle is aero so my more upright position might still give me issues.

I am also thinking of trying a Terry Butterfly (will have to find an LBS with a return/exchange policy).

Please advise.

[Selkie]

I've been trying to sell a brand new, never used Ladies SMP saddle, by the way. I live in the US. Just PM me with a fair offer.

[rustygrass]

Took my relatively new Selle SMP Strike with me on a 350 mile 6-day tour in the Catskills and Berkshires. I'd only done up to ~50 mile non-loaded rides with it before that. My girly bits, as always, loved the very wide cut out. I've never been happier with a cutout. But, I did experience some massive inner thigh/crease of the thigh chafage, though I had virtually no chafing on the sit bones area. I'm fairly sure this is due to the width of the nose - maybe TOO wide for comfort. Just a warning. I used a TON of Bag Balm on the crease/upper inner thigh area to keep the chafing down.

I think this saddle is a great shorter-ride or commuter saddle, but I'm definitely not gonna be taking it with me on any more tours or long rides!

-michelle

[bikerz]

But, I did experience some massive inner thigh/crease of the thigh chafage, though I had virtually no chafing on the sit bones area. I'm fairly sure this is due to the width of the nose - maybe TOO wide for comfort.
I'm sorry to say that this is why I won't be keeping this saddle either - but the cutout was great!
(Slinke - if you read this - do you still want my saddle as a backup?)

[slinkedog]

I'm sorry to say that this is why I won't be keeping this saddle either - but the cutout was great!
(Slinke - if you read this - do you still want my saddle as a backup?)

Let me consult our financial guru, aka my husband, and see what we can swing. Sorry it didn't work out for you! I wonder if one of the other models has a more narrow nose?

[easterbird]

I'm not totally sure how wide the gap is, but it is true that you can almost get your hand through it. I've never had the sensation that I might fall in, but I have a pretty big hiney, so I can't imagine that would ever be a problem!! :) But to answer your question, yes, my sit bones stay where they're supposed to. I don't usually engage the nose too much when I climb... I sit way back on the saddle and spin up any hill that's spinnable. I mash when necessary, but never really notice the nose in this saddle, or any of the others I've had, for that matter, so I don't know if I can help there.

The saddle has a pretty padded back, but it doesn't feel squishy. My sit bones were sore after I rode on Sunday, but not until later in the evening. But I also don't feel like I need a ton of chamois to be comfortable. I rode 30 miles on Sunday with my most minimal chamois and was comfortable the entire ride.

I saw that bikemania.biz has the saddle (Selle SMP TRK) for $75.00 online if anyone wants to bite the bullet and give it a try. That model does come in both men and women's specific styles.



I would love to buy another one of these. Have ridden many miles~3500 on mine and don't want to ever be without one so am looking for a spare...

[divingbiker]

I would love to buy another one of these. Have ridden many miles~3500 on mine and don't want to ever be without one so am looking for a spare...

I've got one that I rode for a couple hundred miles till I couldn't take the pain any more. PM me and we can work out a deal.

[smithcyn42]

Any idea how this saddle works in the aero position?

[merryn ferguson]

I have ridden the selle smp strike pro and it was hard on the sit bones but no harder on the sit bones than the specialized jett and I am addicted to the cut outs I cant ride a saddle anymore if it doesnt have a cut out , so now Im am actually trying the selle smp strike plus it suposedly has a little more padding, and I must say that I would prefer some soreness in my sit bones than in my delictae tissue area, I will let you all know how it goes because at presnt I am training for a double century anyone of you ladies ride doubles and if so I would be interested to know what saddle you used thanks

[Thorn]

Can't say that I ride in the double century distance (kudos to you!), but I recently switched to the smp strike and love it. Unfortunately, given the width of my sit-bones, I have not choice but to use the lady smp strike. It has too much padding for my liking. Perhaps we could get selle smp to take both our saddles and take a little padding out of mine and put it in yours? :rolleyes:

But the lady strike is one of the few saddles that I've found that is actually wide enough for me and the cutout keeps the girlie bits happy. Oddly, I'll put up with the excess padding in the sit bones to keep the tissue area happy.

Hmmmm....do you think there is a business opportunity for a design your own saddle manufacturer? Like the custom frame builders, but instead a custom saddle?

[Batbike]

For all looking for a saddle: please remember that TE has a 90-day return policy on Terry saddles (maybe others too, don't know) that includes free return shipping -- this is a bargain!! Three months to ride a saddle and still get to return if not satisfied ... personally, I am very impressed with this guarantee/policy. :D

[KnottedYet]

And Wallingford Bicycle Parts www.wallbike.com has a 6 month return policy, but they don't pay return shipping.