Talk me down...

[tcloud]

I'm pretty sure I've got G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).

I've had my new girl for maybe a month, now. In that time, I've only ridden her on the trainer, and due to work haven't gotten in as much time as I'd have liked. One thing that's been constant, is the discomfort of my saddle.

Having the benefit of this great forum, I understand that it'll take some time before I'm broken in - but my fem-bits are suffering along with my sits bones, and that's just not cool. Being the impatient person that I am, I've already started researching alternatives, and found that the Selle Anatomica is currently on sale, for what looks to be about half the regular price. I've been researching here and other places, and it seems it would be pretty comfortable, but I am worried about a couple of reports about pinching. I know I should wait and see if my current saddle starts feeling better, but I'm so tempted to go for it...just in case.

Any personal opinions of this saddle on a road bike?

Actually, any advise you might want to offer would be helpful.

Just to add - I am wearing padded shorts, and using a chamois cream.

[tcloud]

Thanks so much for that link.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Riding on a trainer isn't the same as riding on the road- you move and sift more in the saddle while on the road, plus coast (and lift off the saddle). Wind trainers tends to make you sit in one spot. I would ride on the road a while first before changing the saddle. And measure my sit bones too.

[tcloud]

I really appreciate the information you all are providing. Thanks so much!

[Megustalaplaya]

Gear Acquisition Syndrome...love it!

When I started riding again last spring I used to refer to my saddle as a torture device. It honestly felt like I was sitting on a 2x4! I'd get on my old hybrid bike for a quickie ride and the saddle was so much more comfy. After a while I forgot all about my saddle being uncomfortable. A couple of weeks ago I pulled out my old hybrid and took it for a spin. Yeowch!!! That saddle wasn't so comfy anymore, it was squishy and smashing the bits! I realized that the saddle I used to refer to as a 2x4 was so much more comfortable. I realize now that my sit bones just needed to acclimate to being back on a saddle after a long period off the bike. YMMV, but I would give your current saddle some more time out on the road before switching to something else.

[malkin]

Riding on a trainer isn't the same as riding on the road- you move and sift more in the saddle while on the road, plus coast (and lift off the saddle). Wind trainers tends to make you sit in one spot. I would ride on the road a while first before changing the saddle. And measure my sit bones too.

+1 to all of this with the addition that if the saddle is so uncomfortable that you can't sit on it even for a half minute without screaming searing pain, it is not likely to improve with a few rides.

[tcloud]

Thanks for the feedback. I really am taking in all of the information you all are providing. It's not immediately uncomfortable, and more than my s'bones, I'm trying to properly gauge the level of discomfort on my soft tissues. If that persists, I'll continue evaluating alternatives with cutouts. But, I'm no longer feeling the pressure of taking advantage of this sale. I did try to measure my seat, but am not convinced I did it right. I'm going to try to be patient and evaluate any changes, for better or worse. And, when time permits, go into the LBS to get a proper seat measurement.