Saddle for Tailbone Issues?

[chatnoire]

Hi hi hi.

I wanted to chime in here with some questions. I read through the saddle thread, and a few others, and did the little test, and I didn't see my specific issue mentioned, so I hope this thread is ok.

I'm currently riding on the Prologo Kappa Dea that came with my Synapse. I already, coming into the season, have been working through a tailbone injury from last year, when I did a 1/2 century on an Avenir "comfort plus" squishy wide city saddle.

When I ride, usually 20-30 miles on average 2-3x a week, by mile 22-25, my sit bones are screaming. I don't have chafing, but I do notice that my butt creases and folds on the edge of the seat in a less than comfortable way, and my tailbone - oh, my poor tailbone. Basically, I can't sit on the couch, lie on my back in bed, or put my feet up in a lawn chair, because any pressure on my tailbone hurts.

I tried to measure my sit bones - not sure if I am doing it right. It appears to me that I measured them at 17.5 centimeters? I'm not terribly wide-hipped (depending on weight can go between a 0 and 4 in jeans). I *am* flexible (12 years of ballet, lots and lots of yoga), and my butt hurts worse when I'm doing hill drills.

Anyone have these sorts of issues? Feedback? I'd appreciate it! I'm in a wee bit of pain, and have 20+ scheduled for tomorrow, and 34 with hills on Sunday for Elephant Rock. I'd like to see if I can't get this figured out, because it's making my rides less fun!

[chatnoire]

Yay, ballerinas!

Thanks for the response. I'll look into the Brooks. I did 31 miles today with a bunch of climbing, and my tailbone doesn't hurt any worse...so maybe I'm just doing something wrong? I don't really know. I did swap out my shorts before today's ride, into a pair of PI Attack shorts, and my sit bones were still a bit tender at the end, nothing terrible.

I'll look through that thread other thread too. Thanks so much.

[smittykitty]

I say haul those poor sit bones down to the nearest Specialized store and let them help you find a firmer (I know it doesn't make much sense) saddle. They will also measure you on the buttometer. I like my Jett, there are others that aren't quite that firm and then others that on even harder.

You might discuss with them your posture and seating position on the saddle too.

Good shorts on every ride are also a must. Sounds like you have a nice pair.

Oh, and good luck. Ouch!

[chatnoire]

Huh, I should try that. I had no idea the Specialized store did that. When I was bike shopping, the service at my local Specialized store was so *meh* that I decided against the Ruby that I was looking at, and went back to the LBS for my Synapse.

The firmness makes sense, since it is about the spread of the weight/pressure. I noticed today that shifting in the seat eased pressure in certain ways (though the girlie bits felt a little more *aware* in the new shorts) - so I know it's all about getting things figured out.