Holes in Shorts???

Hi everyone!

I've been searching and searching for a decent saddle and I feel OK about the Specialized Ariel 155... only problem.... it rubs holes in my cycling and tri shorts! Only on the right leg, on my hamstring--a little towards the inside, a few inches below my butt. I don't think its a seam issue because it's happened with all the saddles I've tried... I use chamois cream and don't have chafing issues otherwise... what could this be?! I've taken it in to the LBS, which suggested maybe a narrower saddle, like the blackwell. Im concerned about this because my sit bones is about 135+, and I prefer a big center cutout.

Any suggestions?? Ive already gone through 2 pairs of shorts in less than 500 miles. Sucks!!

Are you sure it's the saddle? Do you use a seat pack? (the velcro can do that)

I'm also wondering if it's really your saddle doing the damage. I've ruined some very nice shorts with the velcro on my saddle bag.

Yup, me too. Dang velcro. May have to cover it with Duct tape!

Oh, good idea. Duct tape fixes everything! Especially blue duct tape.

I have had a hole made by a Specialized Jett with a very narrow nose. Mind you, the seams were already a bit worn, but the Jett finished it well. I could not continue riding because it chafed so bad when pedaling with that hole on the inside of my thigh!!!

I find the Specialized saddles comfortable, but not very well finished for the price. Look under a Specialized Jett and a Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow for comparison... The Jett just looks like it's quickly tacked together instead of being actually finished... I was really disappointed because the saddle was otherwise fitting me quite well. I know many others haven't had problems. Maybe it's a quality control thing...

Sounds just like the hole I got from the velcro of my saddlebag too...

Try sliding your saddle over to the opposite side it is chafing, and/or twisting it off center. Works for me!

Brenda