Article on saddle design

[NbyNW]

in the New York Times, here. Mostly from a male perspective, but does include women in the discussion about halfway through.

[PamNY]

I read that last night -- those saddles look so wide! And if they were that great, wouldn't they be more popular?

When I read this article, I looked forward to Bikesnob's comment. He did not disappoint.

[Biciclista]

omigosh, i agree with bikesnob! If you ride like a cop, you probably need a saddle like that.

[OakLeaf]

.... sigh ....


I wonder what would happen if they put 100 people in the exact same style and size of shoes, without regard to whether they fit or not, and surveyed them for foot pain and numbness after six months. I'm sure they would conclude that no one should wear shoes.

[NbyNW]

I read that last night -- those saddles look so wide! And if they were that great, wouldn't they be more popular?

When I read this article, I looked forward to Bikesnob's comment. He did not disappoint.

LOL!

The point about cultural bias towards against noseless saddles was an interesting one. Will be interesting to see if that perspective changes over time. I do think that as long as we have lots of choices and good information, we'll survive.

[KnottedYet]

Ha! Interesting how I manage not to put any pressure on the girly bits, and yet I use a nifty little saddle with a long nose.

Right there with you!

Sigh....

Yup, a properly fitted saddle puts no pressure on the perineum, it should all be on the sit bones just like with the noseless saddles.

Though, the article includes the Adamo saddles in the noseless category when they are split-nose saddles. They are great for situations requiring a monster cut-out, but they have noses.

[PamNY]

Is all this trouble because people don't know it's possible to properly choose and adjust a saddle? I hate to think what condition my nether regions would be in without guidance from this group.

But once you get the gist, it's not impossible to get the proper saddle and adjust it. I have a new bike and I'm still tweaking the saddle tilt -- it's almost there.

Would all of this be a non-issue if everyone with a bike read TE?

[lph]

When I read this article, I looked forward to Bikesnob's comment. He did not disappoint.

"Spending more time erect while you're unconscious is like having a slightly more aerodynamic sofa."

I've always wanted to try one of those saddles actually. Not enough to buy one, though.

[smilingcat]

Some of those saddle looks downright dangerous. I use the nose of the seat to help me steer the bike or hold the line at high speed. I also think having a nose on a saddle helps keep the bike from shimmying. Or if it starts to shimmy, having a nose on your saddle goes a long way to kill the shimmy.

Simply, having a nose on a saddle makes my bike feel more stable.

Now I.S.M's adamo saddle is bit different. Adamo TT shortened the nose so that you can move the seat further forward than a regular saddle and still be in compliance for UCI sanctioned TTs. There is a rule about the horizontal distance between the tip of the nose to the center of BB.

[KnottedYet]

I tried one of the noseless saddles (maybe an Easy Cheeks? Don't remember.) I nearly crashed. It was horrible. A whole week of use, and it still was horrible for me.

For folks who are in and out of the saddle and active vigorous riders and steer with "body english", it might not be the best choice.