Embarassing Saddle Issues...

[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.

[artifactos]

I had a lot of trouble with pressure from the front of my pelvis crushing my soft tissue. I switched my saddle out a few times, and FINALLY got relief with an Adamo. The Adamo then caused some SI joint issues as it was initially installed, but further adjustments have made it perfect. I never want to go back to the kind of pain I was experiencing before!!

[alimey]

Update on Jett vs Ruby. I loved my old Jett - it was the really hard one. But in the UK it only comes in black & I wanted a white one. Off to the US in July so I thought I would also look at the Ruby as it looks a little slicker. Went to my local Specialized Concept store & borrowed a Ruby & a Jett in my width (155mm). I liked how hard the Ruby was - but the cutout is just not as large as the Jett & was definitely compromised by padded shorts. So out w/ the Ruby. I have yet to try out the new Jett (I have it on my bike waiting) as it seems to me that they have made it a lot more squishy than it used to be. I really hope it is OK because then I can buy lovely new white ones when I go to the US - otherwise I am going to load up on old style black ones so I don't run out of saddles before my butt runs out of go . . .

[alexis_the_tiny]

Thanks for the replies. =) Unfortunately, the LBS here don't seem to have a try and buy thing for saddles but I have friends who hoard saddles and another rider let me try her Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow which seemed nice - large cut out in the right place, hard as anything and not too wide at the back. Has anyone tried out that saddle for long periods of time before? I've also managed to hunt down the ONE female bike fitter in town, will be seeing her soon, thank god. Padded tights drive me so insane I won't even consider riding with them, the first pair I had taught me a hard enough lesson. I prefer these De Soto tri tights that have nothing but a fleece lining, for me, the fleece is all that's necessary, really.

[XMcShiftersonX]

I've been having this same problem as of late. I think it's due to the fact that a couple weeks ago I flipped my stem so my handle bars are down lower, so now I'm leaning down further and putting more pressure there. I currently ride on the fizik vitesse tri seat. I'm going to try adjusting the saddle. Hopefully that will be all I need because I just got this seat in Dec. and I would hate to waste that money!!

[feral1]

Has anyone tried the Selle Italia Turbomatic Gel Flow Team Edition carbon? I just ordered one and am very excited It looks very comfy and pretty..half black half white. It is a 153 and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that it works out.. I have also been having a lot of saddle comfort issues so hopefully this one will solve my problems! I have been buying them on Ebay since I can get them cheaper then resell them if I don't like the fit