Ruby vs Toupe?

[rubywagon]

I'd been wondering if I should try a 155 Ruby as I was still being bitten on the 143 - sitbones 'feel' as if they're being supported but the tissue in front was still getting chafed. Thinking is maybe a 155 Toupe would perhaps fit better than a Ruby.

Btw, sitbones 'supposedly' measured just under 120 (I think) - again, 'supposedly' the 143 'should' fit, but doesn't?

This was me, exactly (sitbones measured right at 120) The 143 just didn't work for me, but the 155 Ruby is like heaven. HEAVEN! I have never tried a Toupe, so I am no help in that department. Good luck!

[kermit]

So where's the photos of the new hotness?

[kermit]

Take a look at the new saddle from Specialized, the romin. It is alot like the ruby but with extended cutout made for people who spend more time in the drops and triathlons. The initial word is it rocks. There are a couple of 143's on ebay and it's cheaper than the toupe and ruby.

[HillSlugger]

I have a Toupe 143; after initially loving it I have stopped using it because I found it a little too hard. Now I'm on a Jett.

Anyone want to but a Toupe 143 in white and blue?

[vness]

I have a Toupe 143; after initially loving it I have stopped using it because I found it a little too hard. Now I'm on a Jett.

Anyone want to but a Toupe 143 in white and blue?

The Romin that Kermit mentioned might be perfect for you!

[OakLeaf]

If you order direct from Specialized, they have a 30-day return policy. You might be able to talk your LBS into offering you the same deal, especially since you're really focusing on Specialized saddles.

[vness]

If you order direct from Specialized, they have a 30-day return policy. You might be able to talk your LBS into offering you the same deal, especially since you're really focusing on Specialized saddles.

thanks Oakleaf. As I wrote above, I have been to LBS - need to go back when the owner's around and see if he has anything on the floor. I'd like to know if a 130 is even viable or if I'm going in the wrong direction before actually ordering something.

as far as liking Specialized saddles, they seem to be the most t-shaped. If you can suggest anything else, I'm certainly open to looking into it :)

thanks again
namaste,
vness

[vness]

Take a look at the new saddle from Specialized, the romin. It is alot like the ruby but with extended cutout made for people who spend more time in the drops and triathlons. The initial word is it rocks. There are a couple of 143's on ebay and it's cheaper than the toupe and ruby.

hi Kermit... thought I should get more info :)

So I went and researched the Romin... btw, same price on Specialized with ti rails. I don't want to purchase anything I can't return so I can't avail myself of ebay :)

Interesting reviews and remarks from those trying it but I didn't find any women. Do you know any?

There were, as usual, a lot of different reactions to riding it on the hoods... some said it was impossible, some were perfectly fine. It was suggested, however, that as the saddle slopes, one should go one size up than usual. Now if I knew what size I needed LOL ... but I worry that the channel itself will end up digging into me. I have experienced that before with cutouts and this saddle does seem to 'target' male cyclists in reviews. Though I liked the idea of that slightly raised back to add some kick!

I know I need to change something. As I wrote earlier, I've got 2 'lumps' on either side of me from just a 45-50 mile spin yesterday on that SSM Arrowhead (150mm). At this point I'd almost try just about anything in a 130, just to see if it 'might' work... figure it ought to tell me pretty fast if it won't! Guess I need to check my LBS again and see if the owner has something on the floor I could just try. Or break down and just order something from Specialized... but a 130 Ruby or Toupe? I could've been imagining it, but the 143 Toupe 'looked' slightly narrower than my (your :) 143 Ruby. And the new Toupe has more nose (less tab).

I've considered putting the Ruby back on but I know the 143 won't settle the real problem... just make the bike look better LOL

I'm going crazy... saddle hell gets so old fast! And with the weather we've been having here, my fitness just sucks. Getting fat... blech

hoping all is well
namaste,
vness

[vness]

This was me, exactly (sitbones measured right at 120) The 143 just didn't work for me, but the 155 Ruby is like heaven. HEAVEN! I have never tried a Toupe, so I am no help in that department. Good luck!

Hope you don't mind if I ask a couple more questions. What was wrong with the 143 for you? No chafing on the 155? Do your hips come through like mine or do you ride more upright? What's your riding style?

thanks for any info you can offer :)

namaste,
vness

[rubywagon]

What was wrong with the 143 for you? No chafing on the 155? Do your hips come through like mine or do you ride more upright? What's your riding style?

thanks for any info you can offer

namaste,
vness

No problem! On the 143, my butt bones were wider than the target zone. It felt like they were falling off the sides of the saddle. I don't ride upright, but not necessarily in an aggressive position either. My saddle is an inch or two higher than my handlebars. I have no chafing on the 155 (but I haven't experienced it any any saddle I have ever ridden). It pinched my inner back thigh at first, but moving the saddle back a tiny bit eliminated that problem. Happy to help.

[vness]

No problem! On the 143, my butt bones were wider than the target zone. It felt like they were falling off the sides of the saddle. I don't ride upright, but not necessarily in an aggressive position either. My saddle is an inch or two higher than my handlebars. I have no chafing on the 155 (but I haven't experienced it any any saddle I have ever ridden). It pinched my inner back thigh at first, but moving the saddle back a tiny bit eliminated that problem. Happy to help.

thank you so much greenbeanvw... it helps a lot to understand :)
I'm pleased you've found something that works!!

namaste,
vness

[kermit]

I think with your recent measurements you should look outside the Specialized saddles. You skinny sit bones give you opportunities to try mens' saddles. Take a look at the Selle Italia SLR with the cutout. I had one and it almost fit my 150 sit bones. It is still T-shaped and the middle where the cut out is flexes. I too ride in the hoods and wind up on more of my "ahem" area than seat bones. I think it's just the way we are made. I liked this saddle for a long time until the lower back let me know it was too narrow. There's also the lady version of the SLR and the Diva. I've seen alot of both. I actually loitered at my LBS until one guy came in with a saddle that looked interesting. I asked him if I could sit on it. Thats how I found a Terry I used to love. Theres always the noselesss Adamo! That'll put you on your butt whether you like it or not! Good luck, wish I were closer you could try my max flite.

[vness]

I think with your recent measurements you should look outside the Specialized saddles. You skinny sit bones give you opportunities to try mens' saddles. Take a look at the Selle Italia SLR with the cutout. I had one and it almost fit my 150 sit bones. It is still T-shaped and the middle where the cut out is flexes. I too ride in the hoods and wind up on more of my "ahem" area than seat bones. I think it's just the way we are made. I liked this saddle for a long time until the lower back let me know it was too narrow. There's also the lady version of the SLR and the Diva. I've seen alot of both. I actually loitered at my LBS until one guy came in with a saddle that looked interesting. I asked him if I could sit on it. Thats how I found a Terry I used to love. Theres always the noselesss Adamo! That'll put you on your butt whether you like it or not! Good luck, wish I were closer you could try my max flite.

Hi kermit... I 'have' to try a 130 Toupe or Ruby (maybe even the Phenom) before I give up on Specialized LOL you know how much I love that Ruby!!

we've got a Selle Italia Prolink w/o a cutout in the house. It's what John was using till he got the Toupe. I may try it, even with no cutout, just to see how it fits. Feels kind of heavy though. I did try the Diva but it was when I was badly bruised... did nothing to help... seemed to hit all the 'spots' so maybe it was too wide?

Though I'm still not sure about that Butt-o-meter thing.

You're so lucky - at your height, you can try other bikes/saddles on. At my height, I'd need a step ladder to climb up on and blocks on the pedals to reach them LOL

I was just on the Specialized site... interesting that the new Toupe is about 25g lighter than the Ruby. Longer nose too.

Money's tight (sigh) so I need to choose carefully. I don't want to order a 130 Toupe from Specialized if it's immediately too small for me. I do hope my LBS has something I can try. As I've said, he's been less than helpful in the past.

I'll keep you posted. I was even looking at Bike Nashbar's E3 Form saddle. Titanium rails... VERY t-shaped and on sale. Only weighs 188g and is 133.5mm wide. But I am leery of ending up with yet another saddle I can't use. Need to check their return policy on saddles.

No Adamo saddles for me!! I don't want to change my riding style. It would put much more stress on my lower back if I had to put that curve in to hold my sitbones upright. I like laying flat... it's very natural for me and actually feels good on my back. And is more aerodynamic - it need all the help I can get!

as for 'skinny' bones - I say HAH! I don't think any part of me is skinny anymore (I wish though). Thanks again... you've been so supportive and helpful. I really appreciate it!!!

namaste,
vness