The "common problem" in saddles

[kermit]

I have had a few "close" saddles and am now using the SI SLR lady. So far it is better than the ruby I had. I needed a little more width, and with a broken back and hip the extra padding is preventing the shooting back to hip pain. I have tweeked the saddle up/down, front/back and think I'm close, then...The same pain on the left side of my crotch. It hasn't come to the chafing stage but always just on the left side. I have a leg length discrepancy of 1/4 inch, left leg shorter but have that fixed I think with a cleat wedge. Has anyone who continues trying different saddles go through the same issues/problem? I am thinking I need to look at something totally different like maybe the Bontrager WSD RL without a cutout. Is is possible the cutout is putting pressure there? Crap I am frustrated. I finally have a base to go farther and my crotch is fighting me.

[ilima]

Chafing right at the top of my thigh (right side, which is the side of my ever so slightly longer leg) was the bane of my existence. I was riding Terry saddles with a cut out.

The Zero X worked fine until about 40 miles, and it was also okay when I set up my bike for a more aero/triathlon position by lowering the bars and moving the saddle up and forward a bit. When riding in a regular road position, though, the chafing killed me. I also occasionally got pinched by the cut out. Not cool.

I read up on saddles & decided to try the Aspide Glamour as it had a more abrupt transition from nose to back. Completely eliminated my chafing issues. I think it was both the T shape and the fact that without a cutout the nose could be thinner.

On my first ride with the saddle my first though was 'oh this is a hard saddle' but after about 5 minutes I forgot about the saddle. I've never had a ride spoiled by my saddle since.

[kermit]

I had the aspide glamour K and it worked fine for a long time, then it started hurting my back. Maybe I should look into another one. I am also looking into a pro fit...again.

[tctrek]

+ 1 on the Selle San Marco Aspide Glamour. I have one on each of my bikes and have not had a sore spot anywhere since I started using this saddle.

That said, I think you were going with some padding to stop the back -> hip -> down the leg pain on your left side? I actually have that same pain as well I have a permanent back issue resulting from falling down stairs 3 years ago, and riding the bike sometimes aggravates it and causes spasms. I also have a shorter left leg and I have cleat shims.

I use stretching, icing and my chiropractor to deal with my back pain. I use my Aspide Glamour to prevent any other kind of soft tissue pain.

[kermit]

Wow, I'm not the only living crash test dummy around. Mines from a horse. The right side is my longer and broken side. I appreciate all the help. I have been using thin shorts, so perhaps the thicker shorts can help with the back, and a thinner saddle can help keep the crotch happy. I was really happy with the ruby for a while, which is super flat. All of a sudden my back just started screaming. I do get shots in the back and I think I'm due...it SUCKS getting old. I will definitely look into another SSM.

[tctrek]

Yep -- I get that "back screaming" feeling, and it just about does me in. I try stretching on the bike, standing on the pedals, stretching out horizontally over the back of the seat, side twists to each side, etc.

I often get off the bike for a few minutes and do some stretching using my bike as a prop. The screaming muscle is generally going to be a spasm and if the muscle is warm from riding, you can stretch it out and get going again. Believe it or not, I also find it helps to put on more gear and slow down my cadence. Make sure you are not rocking your hips -- an indication your seat may be too high.

I had the screaming back yesterday about 15 miles from the car . I employed every one of these tricks for about 4-5 miles and was able to ride the last 10 miles pain free.

I will be at the chiropractor twice this week... I'm sending one of his kids to college with my regular visits.

[Becky]

FWIW, I have a Glamour Aspide for sale. Brand-new, take-off from my new bike. PM if interested.

[kermit]

Got two saddles in the mail today. A 155 ruby and the SSM glamour aspide from Nashbar. Put the bike on the trainer, not the perfect trial ground but it's 5 o'clock in Miami, not good road riding without getting run over. The SSM gives really good support in the seat bones but too narrow in the crotch and while it feels supported, I think in the long ride it will turn into numbness and chafing. Next goes the ruby, a size bigger after I had myself measured. Just right under the seat bones and the cutout is perfect. I think the rear is padded well and now that I am sitting in my whole seatbone instead of draping over the edge I think it will work. New shorts on the way as well, that should help. Thanks to all for the input.

[tctrek]

Glad to hear you found something! If all our butts were the same, I guess there would only be one type of saddle and we wouldn't have all this fun on the forum talking the pros and cons of a bazillion different saddles!

[spazzdog]

If you find you still haven't found the right saddle, I swear by Koobi. Only available online still and pretty reasonable in price.

I used to ride the SI Classic (a little more padded), but now I ride the AU Enduro (non-gel). You can check them out at www.koobi.com

spazz

[KnottedYet]

I have a 1 inch leg length discrepancy and no correction on my cranks/pedals. I've found the Brooks B-67 saddle to be amazingly forgiving of my obliquity. The "long leg" sit bone has dug a nice divot into the leather and the springs let me drop the short hip during the pedal stroke. (similar to what I do when walking or running)

My shoes have a 1/2 inch correction on the short side, but I find they aren't necessary on the bike. I have no problem using them on the bike (full length sole lift) but they aren't necessary.

(I only have a 1/2 inch correction because anything more than that causes me trouble. If I needed a full inch I'd probably go for the drop-pedal system that a few TE'ers have: http://www.hscycle.com/Pages/cantsandwedges.html )

[Andrea]

The SI Diva is a little wider than the SLR Lady and has a bit more padding. If the ones you've got now don't work out, I'd recommend it.

[kermit]

So after getting the 155 ruby, liked it but wide in the crotch and the sides of the cutout are making new saddle sores, sometimes. Ordered another SSM aspide glamour. More time with it this time, and after tweaking the nose a bit, REALLY like it. The seat is so much nicer in the support area, and the crotch is supported but not chafing due to the narrower nose. I have a century coming up, need to increase the miles for the sure thing but THANK YOU all for the suggestion.

[tctrek]

YAY! Another Selle San Marco Glamour convert!! It's such a minimal saddle, that you find it hard to believe how comfortable it is. But I think the nose is narrow enough so that there's no chafing as you pedal... ergo, no hot spots!!
For those who aren't built right for a cut-out, the Glamour is just the ticket.

Happy trails!

[kermit]

Exactly! I was really tentative with it the first time, no cutout OMG! But I figured two saddles in my posse isn't too bad. Still have the ruby but I LOVE the nose on the SSM. Nice and narrow no sores or chafing. The seat rules better than the ruby and the front, well supported is the word I used but not to much where anything in super numb. Oh And it looks HOT on the bike!