Embarassing Saddle Issues...

[OakLeaf]

Have you read the threads about saddle fitting? If the saddle is too narrow for you - or if it's the wrong shape so that it forces you to ride on the nose - it can cause a lot of grief.

Even though the saddle worked on your MTB, you're on a different part of your sitbones in road bike riding position. So what fits you for one might not for the other.

Tilt is definitely a possibility - especially if you're getting pressure that far forward, unless you're in an extreme aero tuck. You can cut a piece of metal out of a steel can to shim your seatpost if you need a tilt that's between what the grooves allow you, if you don't want to spring for a micro-adjustable seatpost.

IME most cut-outs don't extend far enough forward to relieve pressure on the clitoris, anyway. They're mainly made to accommodate large labia. Selle SMP models have a very long cut-out, so that might be something for you to try if tilt and rear size don't solve your problem.

Good luck - saddle issues are miserable.

[alimey]

+1 for the jett. I actually think the cutout does extend forward enough. Funnily enough, really padded shorts don't help as they just take up space in the cutout. Also I tilt my saddle up (by about 9 degrees - according to my iphone). I find it feels like a nice comfy cradle on my sensitive front parts. The other thing to check is your reach on the bike. If the bike is too long/is set up too long, then you will be too stretched out which will rock you forwards & put even more pressure just where you don't want it!!

If you go to a Specialized concept store they do test saddles so you can try the Jett out. They will also measure your sit bones. I am 5'1" & take the 155mm on my road bike, but the 143mm on my track bike, as I am rocked further forwards & often on the drops - so the width you need does depend upon your position.

Good luck

[zoom-zoom]

+1 for the jett. I actually think the cutout does extend forward enough. Funnily enough, really padded shorts don't help as they just take up space in the cutout.

I'm thinking this is true, as well. I'm searching for shorts with less poofy padding than the PIs, but the placement of the chamois in their shorts is SO much better than anything I have found. At least my Jett saddle is a better fit than anything else I have tried. I have one part of the equation figured-out.

[OakLeaf]

True, I've been considering that my Jett is still not T-shaped enough for me. It may be pushing me forward of its ideal seating position.

It's also a bit squishy - better than the Lithia I rode before, but Spec' does make a firmer saddle, the Ruby.

Still coveting the SI Turbomatic, but just can't justify the price until I've worn out my Jett, which is "close enough" for the time being, as was my Lithia before. Better start riding more so I can wear the Jett out!

+1 on minimal chamois. Thick chamois and squishy saddles make everything so much worse, I don't know why they even make those.

[Bike Chick]

+1 on minimal chamois. Thick chamois and squishy saddles make everything so much worse, I don't know why they even make those.

Agreed! I think I could tolerate a squishy saddle better than a thick pad. I tried the Jett and it just wasn't for me. I'm using the Selle Italia Lady Marco right now and have been pleased so far.

[zoom-zoom]

It's also a bit squishy - better than the Lithia I rode before, but Spec' does make a firmer saddle, the Ruby.

I've been thinking that maybe when my own Jett is ready for replacement that I would try the Ruby. I like the overall shape and size of my Jett.

[Jiffer]

I didn't read the other replies, but sounds like you might need a different saddle. Maybe something with a cut out, though not necessarily. I used to have a similar issue as you (though not as severe). I had the Terry Damselfly. I now have the Selle San Marco Mantra. It has a very big cut out and my "parts" don't get squished.

Everyone is different as to what works for them, so you probably need to try several saddles to know what will work for you. There are some stores that will let you ride around briefly on a saddle to at least get an idea if it might work. Performance Bike (.com) has an unconditional money back guarantee, so you can buy it, try it and return it at any time for a full refund or exchange. I just found out an LBS in my area will let you buy a saddle and you can "exchange" it and keep trying new ones until you find the right one. No refunds, buy they'll let you keep trying new ones.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Puffy padded saddles and puffy thick chamois pads = more pressure pushing back against your soft parts.

[roadwrider]

I support everything alimey said, and this:

... really padded shorts don't help as they just take up space in the cutout...

... has been a curiosity of mine for awhile. I keep looking for shorts that also use the cutout philosophy. Not literally, of course, (c'mon, admit it, some of you went there) but where the girly-bits area is thin with little or no padding. My un-design engineer mind thinks that would help airflow too.

Thoughts?

[KnottedYet]

If you don't need padding there, why put padding there?

If you put a big padded chamois into a short to protect the 'taint, yet then cut out the chunk under the 'taint because it's too thick... what's the point of the chamois in the first place?

Remember, a chamois was originally simply that: a piece of chamois leather sewn over the area of the knitted shorts where all the seams met. It was there to protect your skin from rough seams, not to protect your tush from a poorly fitted saddle.

If someone tells me they are having trouble with padded shorts, I strongly suggest they stop wearing padded shorts. They look at me like I'm a nut! But seriously, why wear padded shorts if they are uncomfortable? It is possible to go without the padding. The world won't stop turning if you buck the current fashion trend.

I find I'm happiest in unpadded UnderArmour compression shorts on an unpadded saddle. Medium length (50 miles or so) rides are so much more comfortable this way. I haven't ridden a long ride since I gave up on the padded shorts, so I can't give any data on that.

Sometimes, simpler is better.

[Kathi]

Sounds like you have some guys who are doing your bike fit, hopefully they are knowledgable, so the setup should be correct.

How much air are you, or they, putting in your tires? I love my Specialized Ruby saddle and have had no issue until today. I just had my bike tuned and the shop put on new tires. I forgot to tell them I run 100 PSI in my tires. I don't know what they pumped them to but by the end of 30 miles I was miserable, my sit bones were killing me, and I was hating my saddle, plus, I was feeling every bump in the road. We stopped at REI, where they have a pump on hand, and I took the air down to 100 PSI. I couldn't believe the difference. The last 32 miles of the ride were heaven.

The manufacturer of my tires recommends 100 PSI for a 100 lb rider. If you're a lightweight you may need less air than the guys recommend. Experiment with what feel good to you.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Sounds like you have some guys who are doing your bike fit, hopefully they are knowledgable, so the setup should be correct.

How much air are you, or they, putting in your tires? I love my Specialized Ruby saddle and have had no issue until today. I just had my bike tuned and the shop put on new tires. I forgot to tell them I run 100 PSI in my tires. I don't know what they pumped them to but by the end of 30 miles I was miserable, my sit bones were killing me, and I was hating my saddle, plus, I was feeling every bump in the road. We stopped at REI, where they have a pump on hand, and I took the air down to 100 PSI. I couldn't believe the difference. The last 32 miles of the ride were heaven.

The manufacturer of my tires recommends 100 PSI for a 100 lb rider. If you're a lightweight you may need less air than the guys recommend. Experiment with what feel good to you.

Kathi, that's interesting. I currently pump my tires to 100 or 110 PSI. I weigh somewhere in the range of 94 to 97lbs. But if I were to lower my tires pressure, wouldn't it put me at higher risk for flats?

I had the same problem again this morning and realized that I felt a little dry there and the fleece was really rubbing and chafing while I pedaled. Maybe I should throw in a dab of KY jelly there in addition to a new saddle...

[Kathi]

Kathi, that's interesting. I currently pump my tires to 100 or 110 PSI. I weigh somewhere in the range of 94 to 97lbs. But if I were to lower my tires pressure, wouldn't it put me at higher risk for flats?

I had the same problem again this morning and realized that I felt a little dry there and the fleece was really rubbing and chafing while I pedaled. Maybe I should throw in a dab of KY jelly there in addition to a new saddle...

Nope, you don't have enough weight and too much air will toss you around more. Actually, I thought the same thing as you, but I tried it and couldn't believe the difference. I've been running 100 psi about 4 yrs without issue even on city streets. I also do this on my mtn bike, have ridden 30-35 psi with no problems. I weigh 105 so you might be able to go lower. Experiment and see.

Handlebar height can also contribute to this problem. My very well thought of male bike fitter missed the fact that I have short arms. No matter what saddle I tried I was miserable without tilting the nose down. Consulted a different fitter and it turned out my handlebars were 4cm too low for me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Medium length (50 miles or so) rides are so much more comfortable this way. I haven't ridden a long ride since I gave up on the padded shorts, so I can't give any data on that.

50 miles is a 'medium length' ride ?

hmm...50 miles pretty much takes me 6 hours, or most of the day.