Butt-cheek chafing = too-wide saddle?

[KnottedYet]

That sounds like a pretty classic case of chafing from a saddle that is too pear shaped for your particular anatomy.

As your hip joint flexes and extends the pear-shaped transition from "sit" to "nose" gets in the way and rubs.

Usually chafing in the creases where the butt meets the leg.

[zoom-zoom]

That sounds like a pretty classic case of chafing from a saddle that is too pear shaped for your particular anatomy.

As your hip joint flexes and extends the pear-shaped transition from "sit" to "nose" gets in the way and rubs.

Usually chafing in the creases where the butt meets the leg.

Ok, shape was my 2nd suspicion after reading around. And my saddle does seem fairly pear-shaped. Does this mean I likely need the t-shaped sort of saddle? Any suggestions on models that would also have a cut-out? I've been curious about the Specialized Jett or Selle Italia SLK--would either of these likely serve me better than my current saddle?

[zoom-zoom]

I went ahead and ordered a Jett 143 directly from Specialized. I'll try that for a few weeks, then return it per their return policy if it doesn't work. I'm thinking it should be a better size/shape for my booty. I always feel like I have to push my butt back on my current saddle, regardless of nose angle. Then my girly bits are not seated over the cut-out right. It seems logical to me that a narrower/t-shaped saddle should help my issues. When I measure my sit bones with fabric tape I always am in the 120-130 range, but the current saddle is 160.

[zoom-zoom]

Wow...2 hour-long rides on the Jett and I realize just what a bad fit my Selle Italia saddle was. No more butt-crease chafing and my girly bits aren't complaining a bit. The cut-out ends up further forward on the Jett, so I'm not pressing against the front of the cut-out. As a result, 0 pain, 0 numbness. And my sit-bones don't mind this saddle a bit, either. I had read some reviews that had me a bit nervous, but the Jett and my butt seem very compatible!

[kermit]

Awesome, we love happy endings!

[zoom-zoom]

Awesome, we love happy endings!

Me too--and I'm glad I didn't listen to my husband (even though he is generally very knowledgeable about cycling issues). He was certain that the girly-bits issue was due to riding on the trainer and would improve outdoors and that butt chafing is normal. Uh...if my rear is chafing after just an hour, what would I end up with after a 4-5 hour ride?

I'm also glad I asked around. I'm looking forward to getting outside very soon and having a great shorts and saddle combination so that I can start tackling some longer rides ASAP!

[nscrbug]

Glad to hear that the Jett is working well for you. It's one of the saddles on my "list" to try.

I did manage to get out for my first ride of the season today...testing out my new Selle Italia Prolink Light Gel Flow saddle. I only rode 28 miles, so I'll need to do a few more substantially longer rides to figure out if it's working for me. It wasn't bad, but still too soon to really tell. My sit bones generally don't start hurting until I hit the 35-40 mile mark, so I'm not at all surprised that the saddle felt okay after just 28 miles. Stay tuned....

[spacecandy2001]

I went ahead and ordered a Jett 143 directly from Specialized. I'll try that for a few weeks, then return it per their return policy if it doesn't work. I'm thinking it should be a better size/shape for my booty. I always feel like I have to push my butt back on my current saddle, regardless of nose angle. Then my girly bits are not seated over the cut-out right. It seems logical to me that a narrower/t-shaped saddle should help my issues. When I measure my sit bones with fabric tape I always am in the 120-130 range, but the current saddle is 160.

new on this measuring. how do you measure your sit bones with a tape measure? I have been having problems with chafing in between the inner thighs and I strongly believe my saddle isn't right for my shape. This past week I did get a narrower shaped saddle with a 30 days satisfication guarantee. Going to try it out tomorrow on the trails.

Also what does LBS mean?

[zoom-zoom]

LBS = local bike shop/store

Measuring...I did a really un-scientific measure with a flexible measuring tape. I felt around to find the sit bones, then pressed the end directly over one side, then stretched it across to my other sit bone and marked the span.

[SentryGirl]

Ladies -
I'm glad to hear that there are others that feel my 'pain'...literally. I have been to 3 bike shops and had 2 bike fittings...tried about 20+ different bike seats and dread getting on my bike. I've gotten chafing, saddle sores, numbness, etc. It's been 1 1/2 years and I can't get comfortable but I haven't given up yet!

The last recommendation was that the seats I have been trying are too wide for me. I'm 5'3", 120 pounds. It was recommended that I get a men's seat - 130 mm. I just ordered the Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow as I guy friend recommended it highly since he loves it. At this point I'll try anything. I see from the various string that the Specialized Jett comes in a 130mm seat as well.

Any thoughts? Anyone have similar needs - I'm highly sensitive. Just bought the Sugoi RS short as well - just not sure I like them b/c of length and mesh make up. Any other recommended shorts??

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zoom-zoom]

I am still LOVING my Jett...have done as long as a 50 miler and my butt was as happy as I can imagine it being for that distance and my noobishness.

My favorite shorts are the Pearl Izumi Symphony...I have the shorter 6" version, the Symphony Cut. But I'm thinking about getting the regular 8" length next time...to have less area to have to slather with sunscreen. I LOVE the flat front panel, instead of elastic all the way around. Very comfy.