After spending more time in the saddle...

[Denise223]

I think I need to try a different one....

My bike came with an "Oasis" saddle. Wasn't so bad, but now that I've increased my mileage, I know that I COULD be a lot more comfy.

I do my best to make sure that I am sitting on my "sit bones" rather than my girly bits -- (make a conscious effort to be in a "pelvic tuck" position while sitting - keeping my core very tight (or, as tight as I can - isometric like) ).

When I started riding 3 months ago, my seat height was VERY LOW..... Over the past month I have increased my seat height a bit at a time, and I find that my legs feel a lot stronger - I'm not so cramped. My pedaling feels more efficient.

My knee, when fully extended on the pedal while riding has a slight bend -- it is NOT straight at all.
Perhaps the change in my seat height has made my saddle feel more uncomfortable to me???

I would surely appreciate any help.

Thank you!

Denise

[texaspamrides]

I think EVERYONE has had saddle issues and have all wished there was a magic saddle and solution! My experience has been painful and educational, but very personal, so what's worked for me, might not work for you. My saddle is the Selle An-Atomica and I think Team Estrogen is going to be carrying them shortly. Until then, check out the website www.mcmwin.com.

Like you, I've drastically increased mileage this year and the saddle became a crippling issue. I tried about 12 of the top saddles and was afraid my randonneur dreams were history. I gambled on a brand new saddle because I figured I had nothing left to lose. IT SAVED ME

My friends are calling me a Preacher, but I won't shut up about it! It has no padding, just leather that starts off soft and just molds to you. It's wide enough so your sit bones are right in the middle (not on the edge like my racing saddle) and it's long enough to let me change positions. During my first 400k, my boyfriend carried it with us (to shut me up!) and after starting to cry at mile 100, we switched the saddle. He thought it the worst thing to do and I was scared because if it didn't help, I was screwed. IT HELPED!!! I was already sore and it STILL helped.

I refuse to ride anything else now! Both bikes have it and the new one on order will get one. That's part 1.

As to saddle position, you might experiment with tilt. My tilt preference has changed from 1cm down to basically level right now. Positioning the height of the saddle and the fore/aft adjustments have all been related to knee issues for me. If you're not having any knee issues, you may start if you get too far from your body's preference.

Fit opens a LOT of issues and they're just as personal. For me, I've learned a 25degree bend in the knee is about right. Depending on your experience with fitting, you might first consider asking other cyclists who they would ask for help (at a LBS) and make an appt with that person.

That might not help much, but if you have saddle issues, I DO know what has helped me! Good luck and don't stop trying. Cycling does NOT have to be painful!

Pam

[KnottedYet]

Sounds like a pre-softened Brooks. With a cut-out.

[melissam]

Hey Denise,

When you raised your saddle, did you adjust the fore/aft setting? Raising your saddle puts it back a little, because the seat tube is angled back.

Have someone recheck the position: your knee should be over the pedal spindle when the pedals are at the 3 o'clock position.

Hopefully a simple adjustment will get you back on the road as comfy as ever!

-- Melissa

[easterbird]

Bought this saddle months ago and have many miles on it. Just finished a century w it had NO problems,soreness,etc. I have been building mileage steadily and previous high time in the saddle was 5.5 hrs and the century took that to 7 hrs. I love this saddle but wonder if the anatomica could be better ....I'm thinking I should buy another one before they change the model or discontinue it or something. That always seems to happen with bras and shoes that fit! ya know?

[KnottedYet]

It's not made by Selle. It's a different company entirely. There are "ads" up all over the place.

[texaspamrides]

She's right, it's a completely different company in Wisconsin. Here's the website: www.mcmwin.com

Wish I could say enough good things about them. If you buy direct, tell them Pam sent you. They'll know exactly which model (mine is the Titanico LD, watershed leather) Don't recommend skimping and getting the regular leather. If not waterproofed correctly, it stretches out (as expected) and then you have to start over. Another cyclist did that and they still took it back! They're guaranteed, so you've really got nothing to lose if you're having ANY saddle issues.

Team Estrogen is supposed to be selling them shortly too, but not sure when.

Pam
Arlington, TX