intro and saddle prob

[Suechoccy]

Just measured my seatbones by sitting on the floor crouched forward with legs bent. They seem to be 130mm point-to-point.

So does that mean I need a saddle at least 140mm wide, or at least 160 to allow 10mm either side of seatbones?

Sadly the only shop that hires out saddles in Cambridge area only hires out touring/commuting saddles, not racing/tri saddles.

I guess I need a cutout or at least a groove because I'm sitting forward in the tri position.

What's T-shape and pear-shape? Please tell me examples of each and I'll google them.

I think I need a soft padded wide nose too. (Reason being that's when I ride the Madison, it has such a nose and seems comfy on the touring bike).

Of the Selle Italia range, I can see 3 models: Diva Gel, Gel Flow and SLK Gel Flow for women. How wide is the nose (measured across about 1cm back from tip) on these saddles? Are they all the same or are they different? Which has the squishiest nose?

Thanks!

Sue

[SheFly]

I guess I need a cutout or at least a groove because I'm sitting forward in the tri position.

I sit in the Tri/TT position on my TT bike and DO NOT have a cut out on my saddle.

SheFly

[Grog]

Sorry I don't have measurements but I just got a Selle Italia SLR Lady Gel FLow (different from the Diva Gel Flow and from the Lady Gel Flow - it's pretty confusing, they have millions on their web site). The cutout is HUGE, which comes with its own problems, but maybe for the TT position it would help. It is a t-shaped saddle, compared to the pear-shaped Lady Gel Flow. Longer nose, more drastic drop between the nose and the sitting area.

If the "scene" is friendly around you, aren't there bike shops that would allow you to try the saddle for a week and bring it back if it doesn't work out? It's pretty common practice here. The saddle just has to be "like new" so obviously you can't ride the hell out of it but it gives you enough time to have at least a tentative "yay" or a definitive "nay."

Perhaps tilting the saddle nose a tiny bit (and I really mean tiny bit) would help? My first day on the SLR Lady Gel Flow was a comedy of pain, and then I dialed the angle just right and I'm a happy camper.

Good luck. I understand that saddles for TT can be a big issue... especially over such long distances!

Enjoy your return to cycling!

[Jiffer]

Can't help with your saddle problem, but wanted to say hello and welcome!

Other than your saddle problem, I did want to suggest you try A&D ointment, if you haven't already, or don't already have a "healing" type of lubrication you like. I apply A&D directly onto skin (and under labia where my main issues arise) and then squirt Chamois Buttr into my shorts. The Chamois Buttr gives me lubrication and the A&D heals and protects. I sometimes use A&D when not riding if I'm sore, but I don't have too many issues as long as I use it on long rides. And I imagine with TT, you are pretty much set in that saddle in the same position for LONG periods, which can cause even more problems than a typical cyclist might have that can get up and out of the saddle more often. I have experienced this from riding tandem. Can't move around and stand whenever I want. I have to "coordinate" it with my pilot!

Anyways, welcome to the forum. I'm 39 (40 next month) and just got into cycling a few years ago. Good for you for coming back to it after all these years and congrats on your accomplishments as a young cyclist. That's awesome! Good luck training for your first 100 mile TT! (In however many years it's been.) And I hope you find the right saddle soon.

[Jiffer]

By the way, when I bought my Terry Damselfly online, I had I think 30 days to try it and could have sent it back. I bought two different saddles, actually, tried both and sent back the one I didn't want.

Not sure if you can do that with the types of saddles you are looking at, but you might find a site that will let you. Also, work on developing a good relationship with a local bike shop. We have a good relationship with ours and the owner lets my dh try out saddles. I don't know if they would have done that when he was a brand new customer, but we have bought a tandem, two nice road bikes, two kids bikes and all kinds of misc. bike stuff there over the years ... and sent them lots of business. Not only does the owner allow dh to try saddles, but he brings them over to the house! He's like the pizza delivery guy. He was also going to give my husband a nice loaner bike while his was being worked on, but he didn't really need it. Anyway, you may not be able to do this now, but if you build a relationship somewhere, maybe you'll be able to do this sort of thing in the future.

[alpinerabbit]

I'll recommend my SMP any day, but they are pricey except for the TRK, or a wide-nosed TT/Tri saddle.

[TxDoc]

Hi Sue and welcome back to the cycling scene
Not sure it helps, since saddles are a very personal choice, but this is what I use:
-on my road bikes, I have the Selle San Marco aspide carbon superleggera. Here it is: http://www.glorycycles.com/sanmaassuca.html it does have sort of a groove so really there is no pressure at all. The downside is that it is expensive
Before buying this one I had a seat with a cutout, Selle Italia SLR gel flow. It is very comfortable, one of my favorites over the years, but a little bit too padded. I like the plain carbon better because it has no padding on top and it makes the ride more comfortable.
-on my time trial bike I keep an old Selle San Marco Era arrowhead gelaround (they don't make this anymore, but it was wonderful although still a little bit too padded). I might try to switch to the carbon for that bike too, but haven't decided yet.
An all of my bikes, the saddle nose is actually pointed downwards, always been like that in over 30 years.
Hope this helps and good luck!