Health / Bike Type Issue

[Eden]

Any good saddle that fits you,(not just a Brooks) should position you on your sit bones and not on your soft tissues. Though some of us don't have, shall we say tall enough sit bones to not still get some soft tissue squashing.... Personally I have a strong preference to riding a saddle with a cutout. I can do a saddle without one for short rides, but you won't see me on a non cutout saddle for a longer ride. (I also like the ventilation aspect on hot days... though the cold spray in wet condtions is not entirely appreciated...)

[teigyr]

Zen, I got the mens. The mens was narrower so it seemed like it would suit me better. It isn't perfect - the expensive models have less padding and are sized differently so some day I'll probably pay $200-$300 for a saddle. I figured I'd give this one 6 more mos or so and if I still love it, I'll get the upgraded model. On my bike it looks a LOT like a Klingon warbird.

Eden, never thought about spray have only had the saddle a few months and it's been summer the whole time. Oh my...is all I can say. I'm kind of cringing thinking about it. And I'm imagining a whole new pattern of dirt marks on my shorts!!!

[elk]

I'm intrigued by the cut out...but I can't quite see how it works....do you "fall into " it? hover above? does it really take the pressure off?

Does it work as well on us plush models as it might with the leaner meaner girl?


elk

[Eden]

As with any saddle, on a saddle with a cut out your sit bones should sit firmly on the saddle - the cutout (or on some saddles just a groove) should take any pressue still present on your softer bits away. If you are falling into the cutout I'd say its too large! (the cutout that is). What it means for me is no more mashed soft tissues. Some people report rubbing on the edges of the cutout, but I haven't had any issues with that.

[elk]

Ok I'm making a list...

...can I assume that I'm getting pretty unanimous support for keeping the 7000 and returning the safe, but not as much fun, Pure????

I tend to go for old fashioned...I'm one who would LOVE a bike that my grandmother would have ridden... .... so I have the brooks on the list....and now I'm thinking about the An Atomica....

Tyger, your saddle scares me... !!! !! but I'll keep it on my list anyway


Selle AnAtomica LD Titanico
Brooks B67s?
The Spongy Wonder.....gotta try it....http://www.spongywonder.com/bicycleseatfacts.htm
that moon seat looks intriguing too!

ta!
elk

[KnottedYet]

Elk - please go to a Physical Therapy clinic where they know both women's pelvic issues and bikes! (like mine!)

There are so many options!

Do you have a PT already? I can send him/her some contacts and resources. Would you be more comfortable working strictly with the biking angle? Then I would recommend Eric Moen PT north of Seattle, who is one of my heroes. Wanna work from a pelvic and bike standpoint and live in the Seattle area? PM me and I'll tell you where I work.

BTW: those nose-less seats are mighty difficult for me to ride, cuz you can't use your thighs to control the bike. I really use the nose of my saddle, so I'm biased in that direction. "Your mileage may vary." And if that's the only comfy seat you find, more power to ya! Have you considered a recumbent? I had one for a few years and really liked it. Someday I'd like another (faster) one.

Edit: I have a working relationship with a specialty store here in Seattle that can help with "sex life" issues. They are also an excellent resource. Don't be shy! www.babeland.com And while my clinic doesn't handle sex therapy, I can recommend a practitioner that does.

[elk]

I think you are a treasure chest of info!!! I will go to babeland and see what's going on...BTW I'm in Portland...
thanks, K!

elk