Fizik Vitesse

[Andrea]

Oh, no! I was so glad the last one was working out.

You know, I was thinking about you the other day when I was talking to a guy in the LBS about my saddle. He happened to mention that he punched holes in the sides of his Brooks, and laced it up from underneath (which is another way to tighten it up) when he ran out of tension bolt. I was thinking you should try that with your stretched out An Atomica.

http://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html

I found this website that shows some. They look pretty cool, too. Are you crafty? If not, maybe a cobbler could do it.

I actually did that! I'll have to post pics of it some day. It's pretty hideous, but it worked for a little while, then started to chafe along the cutout (again)

[Andrea]

I figure I'll keep reporting on my saddle experiences in case it helps anyone that's having the same problems...

I did 30 miles on the Vitesse yesterday, and I like it more than the SSM Glamour Aspide. The SSM was getting very flexible, which I know some people like. However, it was causing me to get a massive saddle sore where the skin was getting pinched with every pedal stroke between my thigh and the edge of the saddle. The Vitesse does not flex at all (though it has "wingflex" panels in the middle), has more rounded edges, and it's got a little bit more padding.

The only problem I can forsee is that it will cause some numbness. The SSM had a channel, which, honestly, didn't give much relief, especially when climbing or being in the drops for long periods of time. The Vitesse's padding seems to be softer down the middle, and it does have a little bit of a channel at the very back, so even though it looks like a soft tissue torture device, it's about the same as the SSM.

Right now, I'm just glad that yesterday's ride didn't make my saddle sores worse. I'll update if, like most others I've tried, this one works until it really starts to break in and soften up.

[Sheesh]

I have a Vitesse and have not noticed any breakdown or softening up. I've had it for at least two years and it's just as comfy as it was on day one. Of course, I don't put a ton of miles on my bike, but I did a metric century on it last summer and was just fine. Good luck! I hope the Vitesse works out for you!

[bikemama]

I've used the Vitesse for as long as I've been riding - about 12 years. I had it on my road and mountain bike. However, after two kids I've discovered that it no longer works for my soft tissue. I'm so sad to give it up!

Recently I've tried the Terry Zero X. It's great for soft tissue and not for the sit bones. Next up to try is the Terry Butterfly Ti.

Anyone able to compare the SSM Glamour Aspide Arrowhead with the Terry saddles? It's become apparent that I need a cut out to relieve the pressure!

[Andrea]

I didn't have the arrowhead aspide, just the channel version. I like the shape better than the terrys because it's not as wide in the nose. I had issues with all three terrys I tried (zero, butterfly, & falcon) because as the padding softened up some, it would squish into the cutout (closing it shut on the soft tissue), and out to the side (chasing groin chafing/saddlesores).

[Skierchickie]

Bikemama -we're going in opposite directions! I'm using the Vitesse now, before that I tried the Zero X, before that the Butterfly Ti, ..... With a smattering of WTB trial saddles mixed in. And a Damselfly before any of those. I'm not quite exactly happy, but the Vitesse is the best so far. Maybe the tri version next, and move this one to the tourer? I am intrigued by the Specialized Ruby (very very very flat), but not anxious to drop $145 or whatever it is to try one.

How is your Vitesse doing, Andrea? Which version is it? I've got the HP - I haven't seen the others in person. I know I really like the narrow nose - the first saddle that gives the old thunder thighs absolutely no chafing, but wish it was just a wee bit flatter in the back. Good luck!

[Andrea]

It's not perfect- I did two crits over the weekend where I rode hard in the drops for about an hour both days, and it caused what I have deemed "inter-labial chafing" (no idea if that's a real term!)

It's a little uncomfortable in the same area on normal rides, too, but since it doesn't flex like the SSM was flexing, it's allowed me to keep riding while the SSM sores are healing up.

I'm thinking about trying a Selle SMP out next because I may have found an online store that has a demo program where you "rent" the saddle for $20.00 for a week to try it out.

I am going to throw a party the day I can ride without thinking about my crotch hurting in some way.