The "common problem" in saddles

[kermit]

I have had a few "close" saddles and am now using the SI SLR lady. So far it is better than the ruby I had. I needed a little more width, and with a broken back and hip the extra padding is preventing the shooting back to hip pain. I have tweeked the saddle up/down, front/back and think I'm close, then...The same pain on the left side of my crotch. It hasn't come to the chafing stage but always just on the left side. I have a leg length discrepancy of 1/4 inch, left leg shorter but have that fixed I think with a cleat wedge. Has anyone who continues trying different saddles go through the same issues/problem? I am thinking I need to look at something totally different like maybe the Bontrager WSD RL without a cutout. Is is possible the cutout is putting pressure there? Crap I am frustrated. I finally have a base to go farther and my crotch is fighting me.

[ilima]

Chafing right at the top of my thigh (right side, which is the side of my ever so slightly longer leg) was the bane of my existence. I was riding Terry saddles with a cut out.

The Zero X worked fine until about 40 miles, and it was also okay when I set up my bike for a more aero/triathlon position by lowering the bars and moving the saddle up and forward a bit. When riding in a regular road position, though, the chafing killed me. I also occasionally got pinched by the cut out. Not cool.

I read up on saddles & decided to try the Aspide Glamour as it had a more abrupt transition from nose to back. Completely eliminated my chafing issues. I think it was both the T shape and the fact that without a cutout the nose could be thinner.

On my first ride with the saddle my first though was 'oh this is a hard saddle' but after about 5 minutes I forgot about the saddle. I've never had a ride spoiled by my saddle since.

[kermit]

I had the aspide glamour K and it worked fine for a long time, then it started hurting my back. Maybe I should look into another one. I am also looking into a pro fit...again.

[tctrek]

+ 1 on the Selle San Marco Aspide Glamour. I have one on each of my bikes and have not had a sore spot anywhere since I started using this saddle.

That said, I think you were going with some padding to stop the back -> hip -> down the leg pain on your left side? I actually have that same pain as well I have a permanent back issue resulting from falling down stairs 3 years ago, and riding the bike sometimes aggravates it and causes spasms. I also have a shorter left leg and I have cleat shims.

I use stretching, icing and my chiropractor to deal with my back pain. I use my Aspide Glamour to prevent any other kind of soft tissue pain.

[kermit]

Wow, I'm not the only living crash test dummy around. Mines from a horse. The right side is my longer and broken side. I appreciate all the help. I have been using thin shorts, so perhaps the thicker shorts can help with the back, and a thinner saddle can help keep the crotch happy. I was really happy with the ruby for a while, which is super flat. All of a sudden my back just started screaming. I do get shots in the back and I think I'm due...it SUCKS getting old. I will definitely look into another SSM.

[tctrek]

Yep -- I get that "back screaming" feeling, and it just about does me in. I try stretching on the bike, standing on the pedals, stretching out horizontally over the back of the seat, side twists to each side, etc.

I often get off the bike for a few minutes and do some stretching using my bike as a prop. The screaming muscle is generally going to be a spasm and if the muscle is warm from riding, you can stretch it out and get going again. Believe it or not, I also find it helps to put on more gear and slow down my cadence. Make sure you are not rocking your hips -- an indication your seat may be too high.

I had the screaming back yesterday about 15 miles from the car . I employed every one of these tricks for about 4-5 miles and was able to ride the last 10 miles pain free.

I will be at the chiropractor twice this week... I'm sending one of his kids to college with my regular visits.

[Becky]

FWIW, I have a Glamour Aspide for sale. Brand-new, take-off from my new bike. PM if interested.