Saddle cut-outs for women?

[velovixen]

Hi! I've been riding for a long time with Brooks saddles. Last summer I was off my bike due to surgery. Since resuming cycling in March, I've developed a tear in my vaginal wall. My gynecologist suggested that when I start riding again, I should use a "donut" saddle. I'm wondering what experiences other female cyclists have had with those saddles. Should I go with a Brooks Imperial, a Terry or some other saddle?

[Trek-chick]

I have used a cut-out style saddle before and liked it. I forgot what brand it was though. This morning I ordered one of these.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/product...annie-o-saddle

It was on sale and matches my bike I'll let you know how I like it once it arrives. It is a wider saddle but, that is what I prefer and I have had good luck with the Terry saddles.

[OakLeaf]

Do a search on the forum for saddle fitting and cut-out test. Terry makes several different saddles of different sizes, and the Brooks is a completely different size and shape from anything Terry makes. In particular, Terry saddles tend to be very pear-shaped. If a Brooks fit you well before, you might want to look at some of the wider Specialized saddles - although their firmer saddles only go up to 155 mm, which may be too narrow for you. A Selle Italia Turbomatic Gel Flow might be an option too (I'm seriously coveting that saddle).

Is your doctor a cyclist? I'm skeptical that a cut-out would alleviate pulling, in any case. (I'm sorry that happened to you, it sounds EXTREMELY painful! ) Much in the same way that a donut cushion can actually exacerbate pressure on a bruised tailbone or hemorrhoids by pulling the tissue tight away from the anus - the purpose of a saddle cut-out is to reduce pressure on the central area (external labia and clitoris, for women) by distributing it more towards the sides. Most Terry saddles are also pretty squishy, which could exacerbate both pressure and pulling.

[bcipam]

I and most of my friends ride on Terrys. I accidently came in contact with Terry when on a week long tour, the rails of my very expensive saddle broke. Thankfully there was a bike shop in the next town and I bought the only women's saddle he had, a Terry Butterfly. I fell instantly in love! It didn't need to broken in, it was immediately rideable.

Now that may not be your experience, but my friends and I swear by the Terry Butterfly saddles...

[abejita]

I couldn't ride without the cutout. I use a specialized jett and love it.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...=9302&eid=5007

[Biciclista]

someone on here had their Brooks cut out by Sella An-Atomica... she loves it.

I always wonder what that would be like..