What is realistic?

What is realistic in saddle comfort for long distances? Being in the saddle for 2 hours is a very different thing from being in the saddle for 13 hours. I can't keep trying demo saddles for the next three months until I see if a saddle will work for a 13 hour ride.

I am thinking that if a saddle is comfy for 3-4 hours that is a good sign. Is this a good assumption? I did have a little tissue soreness after the ride yesterday - but I was in the saddle for more than an hour longer than ever (almost 5 hours) and there was no numbness at all.

This to me is a good sign :)

It's a good sign.

If you're feeling any discomfort at all though, it's possible that it could get really bad around, say, six hours, but not at three or four. So be honest with yourself about that ...

I would hope you will be doing 8 - 10 hour rides in prep for the 13 hour ride, so those should be good tests of the saddle.

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Originally Posted by maillotpois

I would hope you will be doing 8 - 10 hour rides in prep for the 13 hour ride, so those should be good tests of the saddle.

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Indeed I will - just trying to decide what is realistic before I actually purchase the saddle. I think I will decide next week. Saturday will be my first metric and that should be a good test before I purchase...

I'm not comfortable for 13 hours anywhere.
Not my couch, certainly not my desk, not even my bed.

On the bike, I think it has much to do with fitness in addition to the saddle.

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Originally Posted by malkin

I'm not comfortable for 13 hours anywhere.
Not my couch, certainly not my desk, not even my bed.

On the bike, I think it has much to do with fitness in addition to the saddle.

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This is what I have been thinking. At some point there is just going to be discomfort - regardless - so this is something to consider as well. I will demo one more saddle and will then make my choice and then we will see.
Thanks everyone, we will see what happens this next week.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

This is what I have been thinking. At some point there is just going to be discomfort - regardless - so this is something to consider as well. I will demo one more saddle and will then make my choice and then we will see.
Thanks everyone, we will see what happens this next week.

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Ya know...my DH keeps reminding me of this all the time. I am always searching for "ultimate comfort" on the bike. But I guess he does have a point...once you get to about the 80-mile mark or so, things are just going to start hurting a bit. That's a loooong time for your butt to be on a bike saddle, regardless of how comfortable it's supposed to be. I'm sure there are some riders out there, that will swear by how comfortable they are from mile 1, all the way to mile 100 and beyond...but I think for the majority of us, there will come a point where even the MOST PERFECT saddle, will start to feel a bit like a cattle prod. :eek:

I'm lucky in that my saddle of choice has proven to be relatively comfortable for even the longest of rides. What's key for me is the liberal and frequent application of chamois cream and the right pair of shorts.

Even sitting in your lounge chair for 13 hours would hurt! Agree with all the tips on here... you need a great chamois cream, great shorts, great fit on your bike *and* the right saddle. And move around some, stretch, stand up to pedal periodically, etc. It will be a combo of many things... for me, anything over 6 hours or so hurts and I absolutely love my saddle.

Speaking of chamois creme...

I found a love for the specialized lithia gel saddle. I have no pain for <20 and so far the longest ride of 35mi was bearable. On that ride I had a little pressue, but after I was off the bike I had no burning when I urinate or chafing. All good signs I figure. I really wanted a saddle that felt good without chamois creme (mostly becuase I'm cheap). Do you think chamois creme is pretty much a necessity for longer than 35mi rides for a happy saddle?

It's very personal. I'm sure it has to do with things like the shape and size of your parts, hair growth patterns, moisture levels in the area, the kind of chamois you like ... things that vary enormously even when two people have similar bone structure. A few lucky ones never need any, most I think use some on longer rides, some need it all the time.

If you're fine without it so far, maybe get a small tube or borrow a little from someone, carry it with you in a 1/2 oz jar in a jersey pocket, and then you'll have it if you need it.

The saddle that I am currently replacing due to old age is extremely comfortable for me, even on 5+ hour rides, but I still prefer to use a little chamois butt'r for rides longer than 2 hours or so.

If you're not chafing without any, do a happy dance and keep riding without any!

I use it to prevent chafing. For me, friction is bad. Chamois cream helps things slide rather than rub.

I used to use it mostly on longer rides. Now I use it most of the time. I have seen some hormonal changes over the last year that I think explains that. Thinner, dryer tissue. Maybe it's just me, but what makes me comfortable on the bike is a bit of a moving target.

I do agree that everyone's different. For someone just stating out, I think it's worth at least giving it a try. Not all chamois creams are alike either. Some people swear by one brand over all others. I'll admit that I've only tried Chamois Butt'r. It's relatively cheap and readily available.

I think this is part of my problem as well - I need to break down and purchase a larger container/tube of lube for my chamois. There is a part of me resistant to using it for some odd reason - but it does help when I do.

I am considering testing the SI Lady Gel Flow - which has a full cut-out. I am wondering, however, if it is with the time to do so. The Diva Gel Flow has a full cut-out and the additional pressure on the sides because of the cut-out caused numbness which isn't a good thing. Isn't this an indication that all cut-out saddles would do this? Am I wrong?

My fitter tells me that my very upright position means that saddle issues are much more difficult to solve - which makes sense. Almost all of my weight is on my saddle because of the arthritis in my hands - and is the main reason for my LHT conversion.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

The only cutout I've had problems with so far is the SI Diva. It's large and shaped differently than others.

The Specialized cutout is a dream...at least for me.

The upright position certainly changes things though.

What saddle did you use before you started testing? Did it have a cutout? What issues did you have?

Since you are more upright, have you considered trying mountain bike saddles?

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I had the Brooks B17s before my experiments began - and that pretty much crippled me at distances > 18 miles or so.

So far the SI saddles have been light-years better than the Brooks for me - and for the most part are satisfactory outside of the "small" numbing from the Diva Gel Flow - just trying a few different saddles to see if some apparently minor issues resolve with a different choice. I do not have the money to start purchasing saddles to try - so am hoping that one of the saddles my LBS demos will work.

The regular Diva was fine last week for 50 miles, there was a little discomfort in the last couple of miles but that may well have been tiredness/core issue and a need for more chamois cream or a different short. This weekend I have my first metric planned, so if it works for THAT then I will purchase it. Last night's ride didn't really count since the heat made me cut it off after 13 miles.

The reason I asked about the SI Lady Gel Flow is that my fitter offered it as a test when available - currently someone else is testing it. My girl bits really liked the Diva Gel Flow, but not the sides... I have since learned that the Lady Gel Flow has a smaller cutout over the Diva Gel Flow and may therefore have more support on the sides. I am crossing my fingers :)

Catrin, I don't know how your position on your bike is, maybe, if you are riding a Race-bike, you have a more "stretched" position than I have on my MTB.
But, as you have very similar measurements as I have (135/180mm), have you considered that the SI saddles could be too narrow?
For me, the SI lady saddles (Diva + Lady Gel flow, SLR Lady) seemed to be too narrow and my sitbones weren't in the right position (more on the very edge of the saddles). I kept sliding off the edges.
I know, saddle-fit is very personal, and your sitbone-width is a tiny bit narrower too, but if you feel numbness after your rides, maybe you could try a wider saddle too.

I'm still searching for the perfect saddle myself, it's just a thought :) ATM I'm trying a Specialized Ruby, it's good to sit on it, but the sharp edges are a bit mean to my thighs when things get rough.

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Originally Posted by Susan

Catrin, I don't know how your position on your bike is, maybe, if you are riding a Race-bike, you have a more "stretched" position than I have on my MTB.
But, as you have very similar measurements as I have (135/180mm), have you considered that the SI saddles could be too narrow?
For me, the SI lady saddles (Diva + Lady Gel flow, SLR Lady) seemed to be too narrow and my sitbones weren't in the right position (more on the very edge of the saddles). I kept sliding off the edges.
I know, saddle-fit is very personal, and your sitbone-width is a tiny bit narrower too, but if you feel numbness after your rides, maybe you could try a wider saddle too.

I'm still searching for the perfect saddle myself, it's just a thought :) ATM I'm trying a Specialized Ruby, it's good to sit on it, but the sharp edges are a bit mean to my thighs when things get rough.

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Susan,

Thanks for your thoughts on this. My position is very upright and that cannot change. The SI saddles have been fine in the width department - the issues aren't with the "rear" at all. My sit bones are quite comfy and I feel very well supported there. The issue, with all saddles, has been in the nose area.

I am thinking the Lady Gel Flow will probably work for me - the cutout is more narrow and isn't as long as the Diva Gel Flow, which should provide enough support to the sides to prevent numbness from all of that pressure on such a small area. The only problem with the regular Diva is with my soft tissue...

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Originally Posted by Catrin

The issue, with all saddles, has been in the nose area.

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Tilting your saddle down in front just a couple of millimeters could make all the difference in the world for you.

On a long ride I don't think it's unreasonable to stop and adjust the saddle periodically. Just to make a change. I know many people that do that (including me). You just need to carry an appropriately sized wrench, which you ought to have anyway. Because stuff happens on rides.

The Lithia is pretty squishy. I had one that was close enough to ride until I wore it out around 5500 miles, but the Jett is much more comfortable.

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Originally Posted by withm

Tilting your saddle down in front just a couple of millimeters could make all the difference in the world for you.

On a long ride I don't think it's unreasonable to stop and adjust the saddle periodically. Just to make a change. I know many people that do that (including me). You just need to carry an appropriately sized wrench, which you ought to have anyway. Because stuff happens on rides.

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Indeed stuff does. I have a little problem with my hands - which is why I have be in such an upright position. I have yet to be able to loosen the bolt that holds my saddle in place on the bike....I may swing it by the LBS tomorrow and have them adjust it just a bit - it might help the metric I hope to ride Saturday. I will be taking breaks though, so it might be fine :)

The Brooks was far more than the nose though - that just plain made it impossible for me to walk well for a few days...but at least now I understand why. One of the larger Brooks might work for me, but I am leery of trying again. I think the SI Lady Gel will work for me, enough that I have ordered one. If it doesn't then will try Terry or Specialized - but I really hope this works!

as for shopping for a saddle so you don't need chamois cream, we're talking about a 10 dollar bottle that will last you 5 years!!!

I never needed it either until i hit menopause. Now, particularly if i'm doing any climbing i need it on any ride over 10 miles...

In my opinion any saddle is uncomfortable after 2 hours. On longer rides I wear my donated bike shorts (from one of the lovely TE ladies *waves*) They worked just great on my 30 mile - extreme heat expedition. Discomfort under 2 hours means readjust or try another.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Indeed stuff does. I have a little problem with my hands - which is why I have be in such an upright position. I have yet to be able to loosen the bolt that holds my saddle in place on the bike....

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If you have that much difficulty to loosen the saddle bolt you would do well to have a session with an occupational therapist who can teach you tricks to do the tasks that tax your hands. (OTOH, it's always possible that your saddle bolt is simply torqued too tight to begin with.) Loosening the saddle bolt shouldn't be any harder than pumping your tires.

If you crash, or even hit a pothole, your seat post and /or handlebars could shift significantly and you may not be able to ride home unless you can fix it. Same for a flat tire, which does take some hand strength to remove and replace the tire to get at the tube.

If you have the tools, you may be able to "borrow" the strength from a passer by. But having the tools, and the ability to deal with these little inconveniences will be quite liberating. Really, adjusting the saddle may need only a bigger wrench to give you more leverage. It should not require herculean efforts. Surely less effort than say opening a jar of pickles.

Withm makes some good points, Catrin. Have you practiced mounting your tires such that you could fix a flat? The saddle bolt aside, changing a flat IMO is something you need to be able to do, especially for purposes of your brevet.

I also agree that a bottle of lube is a small price to pay for some additional comfort. While I get that it's not for everybody, it is often an effective way to prevent chafing and saddle sores.

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Originally Posted by withm

If you have that much difficulty to loosen the saddle bolt you would do well to have a session with an occupational therapist who can teach you tricks to do the tasks that tax your hands. (OTOH, it's always possible that your saddle bolt is simply torqued too tight to begin with.) Loosening the saddle bolt shouldn't be any harder than pumping your tires.

If you crash, or even hit a pothole, your seat post and /or handlebars could shift significantly and you may not be able to ride home unless you can fix it. Same for a flat tire, which does take some hand strength to remove and replace the tire to get at the tube.

If you have the tools, you may be able to "borrow" the strength from a passer by. But having the tools, and the ability to deal with these little inconveniences will be quite liberating. Really, adjusting the saddle may need only a bigger wrench to give you more leverage. It should not require herculean efforts. Surely less effort than say opening a jar of pickles.

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I can't open most jars with wider lids, regardless of what I use to try and open them :o :( :o I have been doing some pretty intensive strength training since November and while I have really increased both upper and lower body strength, my grip is no better. No worse though :)

I had not thought about an occupational therapist however, I will consider this and see if my insurance might be willing to pay for it - or at least a portion of it.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

Withm makes some good points, Catrin. Have you practiced mounting your tires such that you could fix a flat? The saddle bolt aside, changing a flat IMO is something you need to be able to do, especially for purposes of your brevet.

I also agree that a bottle of lube is a small price to pay for some additional comfort. While I get that it's not for everybody, it is often an effective way to prevent chafing and saddle sores.

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I have indeed practiced on my Trek. Once. It took a looooong time to get the last 6 inches of tire back on the rim but with patience and stubborness I did succeed. I have not, however, practiced on the LHT. I will do that soon, I do have the tools and know how to use them.

I have been experimenting with the lube, and it does seem to help. So far have been using samples of different kinds until I decide what to buy - my skin is very sensitive to certain ingredients. Now that I've chosen a replacement for my already-sold Brooks I can focus on the fit and using the lube for the extra comfort :)

I appreciate everyone's comments, they have been very helpful!