Question about saddle fit

The SI Diva Gel Flow saddle really seems to be working for me, compared to the Brooks my butt is in heaven. I have, however, noticed something small, and wanted to ask before I fully commit to purchasing this saddle as I am still testing it for another week.

It is fine during the ride, I stay in position on the saddle. After the first couple of rides, there is no pain or recovery needed after the ride.

I have, however, noticed a slight numbing of the part of me that contacts the saddle around the cutout after my ride - I notice this once the ride is over and it passes quickly. It doesn't happen every time - generally only the second or third day in a row of riding.

For example my 40 mile ride last Saturday - it did not happen at all, noticed it somewhat on the 20 mile ride on Sunday. I did take more breaks during the 40 mile ride than I did the second ride - but the 20 mile ride only took me 90 minutes.

I am thinking this is just my body still adjusting to a new saddle - but considering the cost of this saddle.... There is no pain, and whatever numbing there is is not severe and passes within 30 minutes or so - indeed it isn't that noticeable.

well, numbing is not part of any break-in process that I know of. This means that you have weight pressing too hard on delicate nerves.
I don't think numbing will improve.

Numbing means the blood circulation is being cut off. Numbing is not something that typically goes away after you 'adapt' to it. Usually numbing gets worse if nothing is changed, or eventually the numb area does not get un-numb afterwards. That's nerve damage. Men have this problem with some saddles too, and in the worst cases it can make their genitals numb to the point where they can't even achieve normal erections anymore.

Interestingly, a thinner chamois pad might help- it will remove a layer that's pressing back against your soft tissues. Give it a try at least. :o

It isn't my girly bits where this happens, it is the bones along the sides that does this. I wonder if it is a tilt thing.... Regardless have been meaning to try a thinner chamois anyway. Will ask at the lbs if there is still a refund period once I purchase the saddle.

I wonder if you could have been worn out from the long ride the day before and your form suffered a bit. I know for me, I have more "comfort" issues toward the end of several days of riding than I do after a day or two of rest. I've been working on my core to get stronger in that area and hoping that will help.

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Originally Posted by trista

I wonder if you could have been worn out from the long ride the day before and your form suffered a bit. I know for me, I have more "comfort" issues toward the end of several days of riding than I do after a day or two of rest. I've been working on my core to get stronger in that area and hoping that will help.

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I had not thought about this - it only happens the 2nd or 3rd day of riding in a row - and the 40 mile ride presented no problem at all in this department. Something to keep in mind, and I am still going to try a thinner chamois :)

Things were fine yesterday after over 3 hours on the bike - and LOTS of climbing. But that was the first day in two days of being on the bike. Will see what happens today...

The saddle does feel better with each ride, so perhaps this really is just a core strength or a chamois thickness issue.