Triathlon saddle: SSM Azoto
I didn't know if I shoud post this in Triathlon or Saddle section but since it's tri-specific...
I just had a bike refit from cycling Hall of Famer Ted Ernst (see thread http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=12765) and found out why I have been having some hip/i-band tightness. My WSD road saddle was waaayyy too wide and caused my hips to shift, also stressing my lower back. When measured, by sitbones were only 4-1/2" apart!
After explaining that my goal is triathlon (Ted fits pro road racers AND triathletes) we tested a number of tri-specific saddles, including a number of narrow WSD saddles. The most comfortable was the Selle San Marco triathlon gel saddle, which is a mens/unisex saddle.
Funny note: Ted was telling me that my new position will give me more power to my "rear muscle mass", pointing to my butt. I jokingly thanked him for not calling it my "fat a**". He gave me a big ol' slap on the rear and said, "Little girl, that mass is solid!" Coming from a frail-looking 80-year old man, it was pretty funny.
I did a flat 31 miles this morning and found the seat extremely comfortable, even without a cutout. The nose is quite long and covered with a foam that is solid, yet still retains some give. The rear portion is leather-covered and is not rock hard, like some mens saddles. There is the lightest padding but not much give, either.
I did a good half of my ride in my drops and leaning forward, the gel did a good job cushioning my girly bits. I was surprised, as I thought it might put on too much pressure. The change to my hips/propulsion was noticeably better, increasing my cruising speed at least 2 mph. The only issue with such a narrow saddle... my thighs were now rubbing against my saddle bag, which was now protruding from the sides.
Oh, better go the the LBS tomorrow and get a smaller bag!
