New Saddle, does it need more time?

[XMcShiftersonX]

Well, after 1800 miles on my Fizik Vitesse Tri saddle (including 3 centuries!), I started to notice a lot of irritation at my labia and clitoris. So much so, that my last couple rides had been pretty uncomfortable and I (as well as my friend) noticed I was shifting around a lot on my saddle. I think it has always been somewhat of a problem, but I figured some discomfort was normal and I would just add more chamois cream. I never developed any sores, just irritation and some swelling.

So, I decided to try a new saddle. After reading suggestions on here for what people liked the most, visiting a LBS to have my butt measured and get their recommendations (and being told that all the pressure should be only on my sits bones, none should be on my labia), as well as talking to my husband who has the Specialized Toupe that he loves, I decided to get the Specialized Ruby.

Yesterday was my first test ride with it. My husband and I did a 55 miles ride with 2200 feet of climbing. As soon as I sat on the seat I could feel the difference and what the man at the LBS was talking about, how all the pressure is on your sits bones. I had absolutely no pressure on my labia for the entire ride, and no post ride soreness, which was amazing!

What I did notice, however, as time went on was soreness on the inside of my right sits bone. It was pretty bad sometimes, but as soon as I got off the bike it was fine. Today, I notice some soreness if I touch that same spot though. So, I'm wondering if there is some bruising, though there are no visible marks.

What could be my problem? Do I need to just put more chamois cream there? Should I give the saddle more time to break in? Is the saddle not the right size for me? Based on my measurements the guy told me either the 143 or 155 would be fine because I was right on the cusp, but he would probably go with the 143. I'm pretty petite.

I know there's been many discussions about this. And I've tried reading over the many there were but only found one that talked about inner hip pain, which seemed more like chaffing, and not like what I experienced.

Any input would be appreciated,
Jessica

[OakLeaf]

If it's right on the sit bones, and you weren't sitting on them at all on your old saddle, then it just sounds like you're going through the same toughening up process that new/returning riders do. It will go away in a week or two of riding.

If it's not on the place where you're supporting your weight on the saddle, it might be the saddle isn't a good fit for you.

[HillSlugger]

The Toupe has minimal padding (I had one and got rid of it); is the Ruby similar? Since the discomfort is only in the sit bone area I think you just need to wait it out and toughen up a bit.

[XMcShiftersonX]

The Toupe has minimal padding (I had one and got rid of it); is the Ruby similar? Since the discomfort is only in the sit bone area I think you just need to wait it out and toughen up a bit.

Thanks you two, the same thought crossed my mind. It's weird to basically be starting over, but I guess that's what happens when you've been on a poorly fitted saddle.

And yes, the Ruby is similar, it's shaped the same way, and has the cut out, but it does have slightly more padding in the form of gel over the part that your sits bones rest on.

I'll give it more time and hopefully it'll start to improve. I would hate to have to buy another one so soon.

[dianne_1234]

I had virtually the saame experience: from Vitesse to Ruby (pain near sit bones), now love the Jett (more padding!).

[Susan]

I bought the Ruby a few weeks ago and experienced the same problem first. Sometimes it was quite uncomfortable during my first rides and even the day after.
But the last few rides were really great I don't know if my butt had to get used to the Ruby or the saddle needed a break-in period or both - now I don't even think about the saddle during or after my rides, it's great.

[featuretile]

I bought my Ruby on craigslist when it had 100 miles on it. (A guy had bought it for his wife as a first bike.... and she never rode it.) It came with a Specialized Dolce saddle - 155. I have never had a problem with that saddle from day one. In fact, I bought another one for my Bike Friday because the one that came with the Friday hurt so bad I almost could not pee when I got off of it. It is 2760 miles later on the Ruby! I never had to 'toughen up' and I don't use cream. I did sit on a Ruby saddle at a bike store and it seemed harder and not as comfortable to me.

[Grits]

I am so bummed. What I thought was just sit bone pain, when I got out the mirror and looked closely, ended up being some chafing as well. The skin is rough and red. Back to the drawing board. I was fitted. It should be wide enough for me. I sat on the butt-o-meter, and the LBS guy said I was borderline needing the widest size, but of course I went with the widest anyway. I don't know that I can get any more T-shaped. Sorry to hijack the thread, but I am at a loss.