Bike Fit - Saddle Height

On my other post about Back-to-Back Century Rides, one of you ladies in particular mentioned I should get a good bike fit in soon. Well, I'm really thinking that's a GREAT idea.

I've been having saddle issues with my tender bits ever since I changed the saddle that came with the SexyBeast (Fizik HP torture device). I got a fitting when I purchased my bike, but I think the Carbon Butterfly I replaced the Fizik with is a bit taller. Not to be too graphic, but by the end of a longer ride, it feels like parts are rubbing raw against the hairs. Also.. where the saddle meets my sitz bones/back of the upper thigh (you know that magic spot), I get quite tender - - just like a newbie... but after nearly every ride. You'd think my rear would be "toughened up" by now.

I know the professional fitting is always a good idea - esp after some equipment changes, but do these symptoms sound exactly like a saddle height issue (mostly) ? It may just be a cm, but could it hurt you that much?

We have a guy in town that uses some very expensive pro-like computer deal (retul system) with video and reflective sticker things to correct fit issues and riding position... its just really expensive to use him. He's also a biking coach.. I think the fitting with him is like $200-250. I don't know if my problem requires his services though. I'm cash-poor at the moment (just paid some evil taxes for April 15 - lol). I could just use my lbs when I take her in for her new bike "break-in" mileage adjustments..

Does it sound like saddle height simplicity?

Thanks in advance!!

I've been through at least 15 saddles in my quest to find the right one, and I've had to made height adjustments with every single one.
I have been professionally fit to my bike, so in order to not mess things up, I measure distance from the bottom bracket up the seat tube to the top of the saddle. That way, when I put a different saddle on, I can adjust height as needed according to that measurement. Once the height is correct, I ride around to get the fore/aft set up comfortably. Occasionally I'll have to go up or down a mm (1 millimeter can make a huge difference!) in order to make it feel perfect since some saddles have a little more "sag" or "squish" than others.

I generally have a good feeling as to what position my body should be in when I ride, so I adjust the saddle to support that position rather than adjusting my position to be where the saddle is.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BabyBlueNTulsa

Also.. where the saddle meets my sitz bones/back of the upper thigh (you know that magic spot), I get quite tender - - just like a newbie... but after nearly every ride. You'd think my rear would be "toughened up" by now.

---

Saddle is too pear shaped.

Best way to check if height is a part of the problem is to move it and see if the problem goes away.