Quote Originally Posted by Juiceflight View Post
I initially tried the Ruby in a 143 because it's a women's saddle and the LBS pushed me in that direction. The chafing and saddle sores about killed me. Supposedly my sitbone measurement put me on a 143. I decided to try a Toupe 130 because either a Ruby 130 wasn't in stock or it's not manufactured in that width - i don't remember. Anyhow, I like the Toupe better because it is a very flat saddle. 130 is as narrow as i can go, but 143 was certainly too wide despite their measurements. I think the measurements are subjective, especially when you spend a lot of time in the drops. I don't get the chafing with the toupe that I was getting with the Ruby. I put a Specialized Phenom on my CX bike. It has a slightly longer nose and is slightly more cushioned, but otherwise very similar. It is my favorite saddle; even better than the Toupe. Hope that helps.
I figure I should ask more questions, if you don't mind :)

Do you know what your sitbone measurement is? Do you tend to ride on them or do you pivot through (like me) and ride more on the front? Though I definitely feel my sitbones on my saddle, there's just more of 'me' making contact than just them. When I measured mine at home, it was about 117 and when I went to my LBS the other day and sat a bunch of times (again) on the butt-o-meter (what a name!) I was getting different readings that put me either on the very end of a 130 or on the 143. That said, I'm still not sure if a 155 is the answer LOL but I figure I'd know pretty quickly if a 130 was too small.

Unfortunately, LBS is carrying last year's Toupe (at the same price as the 2010 model which has been improved - the one my friend just got from Specialized is a beauty) The owner wasn't around for me to ask if he had a 130 laying around that I could just try. The place is not particularly 'female' cyclist friendly. They have very little in women's performance saddles - mostly just carry large, squishy ones... sigh. I'm not really sure how 'friendly' he's going to be towards me as I spent some time a while back and ended up buying nothing. When I asked why he had no Ruby's or even Jett's, he said "they just send me what they have" - he obviously just hadn't asked for any.

Does anyone use the Phenom on a road bike?

Thanks for any info you can offer. I rode about 50 miles yesterday and have 2 'eggs' on either side of me - ouch!

namaste,
vness