Saddle choice, tailbone pain and girlie bits- oh my!

[MaryL]

In all fairness - I saw a bunch of threads on this already but decided to post a new one since none of them had recent activity.


Here are my issues -#1 - I have a tailbone spur. No particular injury - think it was always there and now is aggravated (been this way for several years now). Cycling doesn't in itself hurt it - but after hours on the saddle - I can feel the pain when I sit up. I am uydergoing treatment for the spur - and actually may have a nerve ablation (at which point perhaps my questions won't matter haha.)

So - given the tailbone pain - I was looking for a saddle with a cutout in the rear. I actually JUST purchased one that I am trying - The Bontrager Hilo RXL.

Problem #2 - I have mental issues and for some reason like to torture myself and do half and full-ironman distance triathlons. So - I spend a LOT of time in the aero position on the girlie bits when I'm training for one (three full distance done total so far, trying for one every three years).

So for saddles -

Criteria #1 - large rear cutout under the tailbone so when I sit up - my tailbone is resting on air.

Criteria #2 - I need to have the saddle NOT aggravate the girlie bits. I have had some serious chaffing issues there - esp if I am riding in the time trial position for a while.

Alright - any suggestions/ recommendations/ personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[ny biker]

Assuming this is the Hilo RXL you just bought -- http://www.bontrager.com/model/09862 -- I would think the full-length channel might also address the chafing problem.

Another thing to look at is your shorts. If the chamois is too thick/padded, that can contribute to chafing.

[rebeccaC]

I think Fizik has a couple of women saddles with a back cut out. I know they had a tri one.

[TigerMom]

Agree with Muirenn.

I have never tried this one, but maybe something like this on Amazon.com:


SELLE SMP STRIKE PRO SADDLE
by Selle
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Weight: 315gr
Dimensions: 278 x 148 mm
Frame: AISI 304 tubular steel
Casing: nylon 12 charged with carbon fiber
1 new from $259.99

[Scrappy]

+1,0000 on Selle SMP saddles. Worth every penny. Most vendors have a test ride program so you can find the perfect fit before plunking down the $$$

Scrappy

[DocZan89]

Glad I saw this post. Been wanting to get a new saddle myself. Did a lot of research and confused myself silly. Narrowed it down to a Selle SMP but was not sure about spending the money without actually sitting on one, a Terry FLX, a Specialized Ruby, a Specialized Jett and a Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow. Don't want to steal your post...but any opinions on these?

Rosanna

[DocZan89]

I watched a video on how to measure where your sit bones are using corrugated cardboard and chalk. You sit on the cardboard which leaves an imprint and rub the chalk over the cardboard to outline the sit bones. Then measure the center of those areas. It was suggested to add between 25-30mm to this measurement for optimum seat width. In my case, my sit bones are 120mm apart which would make optimum seat width between 145-150mm. Is this usual/reasonable? My current seat is 130mm at it's widest point and might explain why after about 25-30 miles I really start to shift around looking for a more comfortable spot. Would a wider seat make a difference on longer rides?

Rosanna

[DocZan89]

Thanks...great info!

Rosanna

[Trek420]

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