Multiple questions about saddles, pedals & shorts!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So... maybe get the SSS for the time being (for training) and get the Ultra D before the century rides?

for what it's worth, I can use my Ultra D's for pretty much ANY ride over 15 miles- for me, they are comfy on shorter rides as well as longer rides.
(But I do have cheaper shorts for shorter rides as well, if say I want a change or wanted to make the D's last as long as possible.)
I personally have not had sunburn problems in the back.

[mayanorange]

REI outlet online has the Shebeest board short and capris for about $40. They have removable 'liners' which are essentially the SSS short- they have the shelastic chamois, same no slip elastic at the thigh, super comfy, etc. They are attached to the outer short by little loops, but a pair of scissors and a seam ripper to get the rest of the loop off the lycra shorts fixes that real quick. Until I can afford the Ultra-Ds for my someday century rides, they are a great deal!

Good luck with the saddle hunt- never found a cutout I liked (including the entire specialized range) because the ridges they create toward the middle/back of the saddle all seem to pinch a nerve/vessel onto my bone right there- not so pleasant. Going to get the Topeak Allay Racing Sport which I think will be the right one- LBS only had the med size so my sitbones were falling off a bit, but it really was great for relieving pressure up front.

[rij73]

Hi...

I just got a Specialized Ruby saddle in 155mm width. Vegan... I'm really happy with it. It has a nice cutout, and it's very firm. I had a Terry Butterfly before (not vegan), and after a while it was too soft for me. I suspect there may be the same problem with the Dolce. A saddle that's too soft might squish your feminine area after a while. With the Ruby I'm propped up on my sit bones. I got the saddle from a shop that had taken it off a new bike. They sold it to me for $75. So... shop around and you might get a deal like that!

[arielmoon]

Hi...

I just got a Specialized Ruby saddle in 155mm width. Vegan... I'm really happy with it. It has a nice cutout, and it's very firm. I had a Terry Butterfly before (not vegan), and after a while it was too soft for me. I suspect there may be the same problem with the Dolce. A saddle that's too soft might squish your feminine area after a while. With the Ruby I'm propped up on my sit bones. I got the saddle from a shop that had taken it off a new bike. They sold it to me for $75. So... shop around and you might get a deal like that!

I agree about too soft being a problem- the same is true of horse saddles where I prefer firm cushioning. I do find that I like to rock onto my sit bones to really crank up a hill, on the bike that is!

ETA: Found a Ruby on ebay for $89. I will consider it!

[Blueberry]

for what it's worth, I can use my Ultra D's for pretty much ANY ride over 15 miles- for me, they are comfy on shorter rides as well as longer rides.
(But I do have cheaper shorts for shorter rides as well, if say I want a change or wanted to make the D's last as long as possible.)
I personally have not had sunburn problems in the back.

Yeah - I was trying to save the "more expensive" ones for the rides where I really need it. They are comfy from the get go.

I got a little burned and I think MP did too - but I burn if I happen to see the sun, so YMMV (I expect it also depends on the length of your jersey/whether you're wearing a jacket or vest).

CA