Adjusting to Saddle issues

[LizF]

Got the sitbones measured.

[GLC1968]

You know, I have similar problems on my bike. Once my sit bones are used to riding, the only place I ever have issues is on the soft tissue. I do move around on the saddle quite a bit. It's never distracted from my riding and most of the time, I don't notice I'm doing it. I don't get numbness though...that would worry me.

The one thing that reallly helped me was core strengthening. Next time you are riding, get into position where your butt bones are where they belong on the saddle. Now without moving anything else, contract your abs (pull them toward your spine). Does that lift the soft tissue away from the saddle? For me, it does...instantly. When I've been remiss about my core strength, my saddle discomfort is worse. Not sure if this is your issue or not, but it may help. If you are already a Pilates instructor with a super strong core, forget I said anything!

I would also keep working on the saddle. Have you tried a cut out?

You definitely don't want to tip the saddle forward if its increasing pressure on the hands (I had that, too). I have a seat post with the ability to adjust the tilt without increments (it doesn't have grooves, it has two tension screws). This allowed me to find the exact best spot for front tilt where it gives me as much front relief as possible before increasing the weight on my hands. That might be a possiblity for you if you feel like the saddle is the best you can find.

Good luck with it!!

[OakLeaf]

You can also shim a notched seatpost with a little piece of aluminum cut from a pop can, to give you micro-adjustability without buying a new seatpost.

[spindizzy]

Liz;

I think I'm on my 6th saddle..bless my LBS guy, JP - he's been so patient. I've done selle SMP pro, SMP Evolution, Selle Lady Gel Flow, Terry Damselfly, Bontrager something or other. My original Fizik Vitesse was fine for sit bones, but I was having soft tissue numbness etc. The SMP Pro was beautiful on soft tissue, they have never been so happy, but wasn't on my sitbones and the bones I was sitting on did not respond to two good weeks of riding. I just felt that saddle was a bit too wide as well.

Rode 70k yesterday with a San Marco Aspide Glamour (who thinks up these names?) It has a small cut out. Was good for sit bones, though my butt started to be a bit uncomfortable at about 2 hours and the labia were mildly complaining about pressure, but no numbness. Didn't hurt when I went to the bathroom (another good sign) So I was guilty of a bit of scooching around. I think I'll try this out for a few more rides. I may try a Specialized Jett, though my LBS doesn't deal with Specialized products. I will get it elsewhere and get my coach to fit it for me. He's promised to sell it for me if it doesn't work.

I just hate going into the shop to say,,"Hey this doesn't work." (again!) But I also have given them very good business, so at the end of it all, I may buy the saddle there and give JP a bottle of scotch for being such a patient guy.

So keep trying, (and I will too!) there's got to be the perfect saddle out there....

[OakLeaf]

If you order the saddle direct from Specialized, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund. Of course you're still out the shipping, but not the whole price of a saddle.

[KnottedYet]

If you sat on a butt-o-meter and got a saddle 2 cm wider than your sits bones, then maybe the problem is too much padding? (depends on your soft tissue structure, and everyone is different) Width of the nose (either not wide enough or too wide)?

It does sound, too, like you might have too much anterior pelvic tilt going on. Your fitter should have told you how many times and in what time frame he can recheck your fit without additional charge. With the amount of distress you are describing, it certainly sounds like you need the fitter to help you tweak the fit some more. (hey, that $150-$200 you spent on the fit is an investment for more than just the 2 hour fit session!)

Edit to add: Oh, and the inevitable plug for the fabulous book: Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists. Good book.

[Beane]

Liz;

Rode 70k yesterday with a San Marco Aspide Glamour (who thinks up these names?) It has a small cut out. Was good for sit bones, though my butt started to be a bit uncomfortable at about 2 hours and the labia were mildly complaining about pressure, but no numbness. Didn't hurt when I went to the bathroom (another good sign) So I was guilty of a bit of scooching around. I think I'll try this out for a few more rides.

I am having the exact same experience with the Aspide Glamour with the cut out. So far I've taken it on two ~25 mile rides and while I've been uncomfortable by the end, it hasn't been terrible.

DH: So, how was the saddle?
Me: Um. Well, it wasn't the worst ever, that's for sure.

Not sure if I'll be keeping it for the long haul. We'll see.