Adjusting to Saddle issues

[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.

[koala]

If you're scooting back on the saddle, the simple answer is that your front parts do not like that particular cut-out. The rest of what you described confirms that diagnosis, so when you ride you end up trying to get away from it.

If you like the Toupe, why not try the Ruby in the 143? You seem to like the rest of that saddle, just not the men's cut-out. The women's cut-out is quite different. It is an hour glass shape, which might give you plenty of relief in that area & eliminate the bruising.

[chicago]

I scootch around a bit, usually re-adusting after tucking for descents, and I scootch a lot when I have aerobars on. Some scootch is to be expected but not constant scootching.

You shouldn't have to be constantly aware of your saddle.

x2 could haven't said it better myself

[LizF]

Thanks for all the hints & encouragement. I THINK I've found a saddle that will work. It's pretty comfortable, even when it wasn't adjusted properly (I'm trying to learn to do my own work) or when I was wearing the shorts that don't quite fit right. Rode for about 45 miles today & everything is feeling pretty good. You guys were a big help!

[suzbyrd]

I've had my share of saddle issues. Can't tell you the number of saddles, but they include the terry falcon, the performance women's contour (old style and new style), wmb, etc. I really like the specialized jett model but because of the way the rails were, it put me too far from the handle bars with me sitting on it properly. I have been fitted at the LBS and got a new seat post so I could sit more "forward" with the seat to get closer to handle bars, but the jett was just too far back. OK, so the soft tissue rubbing was only on the right side or in the middle and the conclusion I came to was a couple of things: first, the cutout has to be pretty far forward and, second, the nose has to be tilted a little off center to the left. (this is caused by a hip bone out of alighnment). What I ended up with is a selle smp strike seat. The width on the back is not as wide as I like, but the relief from rubbing on soft tissue is immense. I cannot tell you the difference! Finally I can ride without much pain or rubbing. It is so much more fun to go out and ride knowing I won't be raw when I'm done! I haven't even had to use any kind of lube.

[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.

[RoadRaven]

I scootch around a bit, usually re-adusting after tucking for descents, and I scootch a lot when I have aerobars on. Some scootch is to be expected but not constant scootching.

You shouldn't have to be constantly aware of your saddle.

OK... I love this post - all the scootchy talk

But seriously, I am kind've similar to Red... except for the aerobar scootching - I don't move for the duration of a timetrial, and as little as possible when training on my aeros. Consequently I have numb bits when I do sit up.

As for actual scootching, like the others have posted, mainly when there has been a change in position - eg, after a downhill, after standing and then trying to get "arranged" when I sit again...

Once seated, you shouldn't be scootching lots
Best of luck finding a good combination of saddle and shorts

[mimitabby]

Thanks for all the hints & encouragement. I THINK I've found a saddle that will work. It's pretty comfortable, even when it wasn't adjusted properly (I'm trying to learn to do my own work) or when I was wearing the shorts that don't quite fit right. Rode for about 45 miles today & everything is feeling pretty good. You guys were a big help!

what is it? (just curious) glad we could help.

[Ana]

Yes, yes, please share! I am curious too

[LizF]

The saddle that is working for me is an Aeromax by RavX. My husband bought it for his circa 1980 road bike which he replaced this winter. The LBS told him it was a tri saddle. I figured since it wasn't being used regularly I'd give it a try. My other logic process was that since triatheletes spend time in the crouched position & my problems were in that area, it might help.

Rode 75 miles on Sat & 26 on Sunday with nary a problem! (Ok, there were problems, but they weren't saddle related!).

Thanks again for all the encouragement.