Embarassing Saddle Issues...

[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.

[PamNY]

Unfortunately, the LBS here don't seem to have a try and buy thing for saddles

Did you try to negotiate with them? I spoke to the manager at my neighborhood LBS and pointed out that I could get a tryout period from some saddle companies and that competing retailers were very cooperative and used this as a major marketing tool.

I ended up getting what I wanted (and he put it in writing). Turned out I loved the saddle so no need to return it, and they've gotten repeat business and recommendations from me.

Doesn't hurt to ask.

[RolliePollie]

I recently switched saddles because of this very same issue. My old saddle (a Terry Butterfly) suddenly became a torture device.

Now I'm riding a Terry Falcon X...got it brand new on eBay for around $35...and it's great. Much firmer and less padding, a little narrower, and a longer/wider cutout. It took a few rides to get used to the harder less cushy padding, but now it's feeling great.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Did you try to negotiate with them? I spoke to the manager at my neighborhood LBS and pointed out that I could get a tryout period from some saddle companies and that competing retailers were very cooperative and used this as a major marketing tool.

I ended up getting what I wanted (and he put it in writing). Turned out I loved the saddle so no need to return it, and they've gotten repeat business and recommendations from me.

Doesn't hurt to ask.

I'm not quite sure, really. But yes, I could always ask or get someone who's friendly with the LBS to ask.

[abejita]

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.

I don't do padded shorts either. I do love the de soto tri capris. That is all I ride in. Sometimes for shorter rided (less than 30 miles) I'll just wear running tights.

[nerdgirl]

Wow, I thought I was the only one who went through this! LOL

I use a good chamois under my baggies, but it wasn't enough. I bought a gel saddle. It looks on the bigger side for my mountain bike, but I don't give a crap-- this is my pink parts we're talking about! Image means nothing compared to the well-being of that!

I also tilted the saddle down just a shade, which solved the problem almost entirely. I say almost, because if I'm on my bike doing lift runs for 6 or more hours, it is bound to get numb and hurt. After all, there's only so much impact the poor thing can take!

[marni]

today on bicycling.com there was an interesting article on homemade and simple otc remedies for saddle issues.

marni

[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!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

One of the issues that arises when you use a bike posture that has you leaning way down on the drops with your saddle higher up is that it tends to take your weight off your sit bones and put more pressure on your front girl parts. The more extreme the leaning down position, the more difficult it becomes to find a comfortable saddle solution. If you read this forum for a period of several years, you can see that this, along with the typical woman's reach problem, are the two most common biking problems we women seem to have trouble with.
This frontal pressure issue is sometimes not such an issue if you are racing or doing short fast club rides, but can certainly become more of a problem in longer distance rides like touring. That's really why touring bikes tend to have you sitting a little more upright.
It's rather tricky to balance speed and comfort. Can be done, but it can get complicated to find the right solution for each person.

[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

[OakLeaf]

Feral, I'm anxiously awaiting your report! I really don't want or need carbon rails, but that's the only way they make that saddle, and I am really coveting it.

If it doesn't work out for you, I've got dibs.