SI Diva Gel Flow

[Catrin]

I have put 81 miles in 3 rides on the demo Gel Flow saddle. Yes, there is some sit-bone discomfort - was told to expect that and it seems to be easing somewhat. There is some pressure on the, well, front to the sides of my girly bits that approaches discomfort - but I think that is only because of the new saddle design - it disappears as soon as I step off the bike.

I find that I am not shifting my butt around every 3.2 nanoseconds like I was on the Brooks even when there is discomfort - but I did note something this morning after my ride and I am afraid I don't know a delicate way to word this.

There was a little girly bit discomfort this morning after my ride, but it wasn't in the labial area as with the Brooks. This was more forward than that - well - it is my cl*t. Sorry for the directness, but couldn't think of a way to get around it. I did not notice anything during the ride, it was afterwards that I noted it.

I am trying to think what could be going on with my saddle - with the full cutout, that would cause discomfort in such a small area? Everything else is fine...perhaps my saddle is tipped down a tad too far? Perhaps just part of adjusting to a new saddle design? I know there isn't a perfect saddle out there.

I REALLY want to like this saddle - and it is light-years better than the Brooks - I just don't want to ignore something during the testing phase that could be a warning sign - it isn't cheap.

[OakLeaf]

Could be the shorts shifting around and chafing (which could be that they're too small, too large, or just the wrong shape); could be the saddle is too wedge-shaped (see, I don't say "pear" any more ) and pushing you forward of the cut-out. I'm inclined to think it's more the shorts, if you're not noticing a problem until you're off the bike. This might be the time to try a dab of lubricant, only on the area that's bothering you, if you're not using any yet.

If it's saddle tilt, it's more likely that the nose is too high rather than too low, especially if you're not noticing extra weight on your hands.

[Catrin]

Could be the shorts shifting around and chafing (which could be that they're too small, too large, or just the wrong shape); could be the saddle is too wedge-shaped (see, I don't say "pear" any more ) and pushing you forward of the cut-out. I'm inclined to think it's more the shorts, if you're not noticing a problem until you're off the bike. This might be the time to try a dab of lubricant, only on the area that's bothering you, if you're not using any yet.

If it's saddle tilt, it's more likely that the nose is too high rather than too low, especially if you're not noticing extra weight on your hands.

Thanks for the idea - I did not think about my shorts chafing me - and there was no discomfort at all during the actual ride (unlike my Brooks). I did not use any lubricant at all this morning, so will try that next time and see if that helps. In a couple of weeks am going to finally pick up some bib-shorts - and while the price makes me want to stick with PI, I think that I want to try another brand.

I am not noticing any extra weight on my hands or anything, and can move around just fine on the bike.

I still don't know what shape the Diva Gel Flow is but it doesn't look/feel wedge/pear shaped to me.

[Catrin]

Hmm. I tried this saddle with similar results. I've got it listed under 'for sale' now!

I also had pretty bad chafing all around the area you describe, as well as pain. It felt okay while riding. Standing up afterward and the recovery time were a big problem.

How wide are your sit bones? Mine are 125 mm from point to point, with an outside distance of 160mm. I concluded that the cutout was so wide in the back that the inside edges of the sits were 'falling' into the cutout from both sides. So, it was more like sitting on something only as wide as the cutout. The bones just weren't supported.

I understand how you feel. I wanted to like this saddle too, but I think it requires someone with both a wide distance point to point, and full clearance of the actual cutout.

FYI, I just got a men's Specialized Toupe 143 from my LBS.

It's amazing so far. I can't even feel it! It's almost ridiculously thin.

It sounds like it might be different for me - I have no problems with walking or recovery afterwards, it was just that one spot that got chafed - but what a spot to chaff

The jury is still out though - I've a 40 mile ride planned for Saturday morning plus whatever work and the weather will allow me to get in before then. I will see if lubrication will help and see what I feel like after the 40 mile ride.

[Catrin]

Good Luck!

Thanks! This is a demo saddle, so it is great to be able to try it out for a couple of weeks. It sounds like my sit-bones might be more narrow than yours at 110mm - but I have never been confident with that measurement. It came from a fitter who has since turned out to have been incorrect on other things. Don't know how he could have gotten this wrong though - regardless I want to measure myself again.

I know the sit bones are supported because I can feel them on the saddle - they got sore

[Catrin]

Thanks for telling me of your experiences with the saddle. The 40 mile ride Saturday will be the real test of the Gel Flow- though it did fine Saturday with the 34 miles. It was the 25 miles on Monday where there was a little chafing - which had me wondering. One more weekend and we will see...

[Catrin]

Thankfully my LBS tests saddles, but of course not all brands. They also test Fisiks (spelling?) and WTB saddles. There is a 4th brand but I can't think of the name. I prefer to test the saddles they have first - though am still hoping this saddle works.

I assume the "regular" Diva is the same width? I am going to re-check my sit-bone width in the next couple of days. I just don't believe they are that narrow. If I can feel them on the saddle, then the saddle has to be supporting them...