What is realistic?

[OakLeaf]

It's very personal. I'm sure it has to do with things like the shape and size of your parts, hair growth patterns, moisture levels in the area, the kind of chamois you like ... things that vary enormously even when two people have similar bone structure. A few lucky ones never need any, most I think use some on longer rides, some need it all the time.

If you're fine without it so far, maybe get a small tube or borrow a little from someone, carry it with you in a 1/2 oz jar in a jersey pocket, and then you'll have it if you need it.

[ny biker]

The saddle that I am currently replacing due to old age is extremely comfortable for me, even on 5+ hour rides, but I still prefer to use a little chamois butt'r for rides longer than 2 hours or so.

[OakLeaf]

If you're not chafing without any, do a happy dance and keep riding without any!

[indysteel]

I use it to prevent chafing. For me, friction is bad. Chamois cream helps things slide rather than rub.

I used to use it mostly on longer rides. Now I use it most of the time. I have seen some hormonal changes over the last year that I think explains that. Thinner, dryer tissue. Maybe it's just me, but what makes me comfortable on the bike is a bit of a moving target.

I do agree that everyone's different. For someone just stating out, I think it's worth at least giving it a try. Not all chamois creams are alike either. Some people swear by one brand over all others. I'll admit that I've only tried Chamois Butt'r. It's relatively cheap and readily available.

[Catrin]

I think this is part of my problem as well - I need to break down and purchase a larger container/tube of lube for my chamois. There is a part of me resistant to using it for some odd reason - but it does help when I do.

I am considering testing the SI Lady Gel Flow - which has a full cut-out. I am wondering, however, if it is with the time to do so. The Diva Gel Flow has a full cut-out and the additional pressure on the sides because of the cut-out caused numbness which isn't a good thing. Isn't this an indication that all cut-out saddles would do this? Am I wrong?

My fitter tells me that my very upright position means that saddle issues are much more difficult to solve - which makes sense. Almost all of my weight is on my saddle because of the arthritis in my hands - and is the main reason for my LHT conversion.

[Catrin]

The only cutout I've had problems with so far is the SI Diva. It's large and shaped differently than others.

The Specialized cutout is a dream...at least for me.

The upright position certainly changes things though.

What saddle did you use before you started testing? Did it have a cutout? What issues did you have?

Since you are more upright, have you considered trying mountain bike saddles?

I had the Brooks B17s before my experiments began - and that pretty much crippled me at distances > 18 miles or so.

So far the SI saddles have been light-years better than the Brooks for me - and for the most part are satisfactory outside of the "small" numbing from the Diva Gel Flow - just trying a few different saddles to see if some apparently minor issues resolve with a different choice. I do not have the money to start purchasing saddles to try - so am hoping that one of the saddles my LBS demos will work.

The regular Diva was fine last week for 50 miles, there was a little discomfort in the last couple of miles but that may well have been tiredness/core issue and a need for more chamois cream or a different short. This weekend I have my first metric planned, so if it works for THAT then I will purchase it. Last night's ride didn't really count since the heat made me cut it off after 13 miles.

The reason I asked about the SI Lady Gel Flow is that my fitter offered it as a test when available - currently someone else is testing it. My girl bits really liked the Diva Gel Flow, but not the sides... I have since learned that the Lady Gel Flow has a smaller cutout over the Diva Gel Flow and may therefore have more support on the sides. I am crossing my fingers

[Susan]

Catrin, I don't know how your position on your bike is, maybe, if you are riding a Race-bike, you have a more "stretched" position than I have on my MTB.
But, as you have very similar measurements as I have (135/180mm), have you considered that the SI saddles could be too narrow?
For me, the SI lady saddles (Diva + Lady Gel flow, SLR Lady) seemed to be too narrow and my sitbones weren't in the right position (more on the very edge of the saddles). I kept sliding off the edges.
I know, saddle-fit is very personal, and your sitbone-width is a tiny bit narrower too, but if you feel numbness after your rides, maybe you could try a wider saddle too.

I'm still searching for the perfect saddle myself, it's just a thought ATM I'm trying a Specialized Ruby, it's good to sit on it, but the sharp edges are a bit mean to my thighs when things get rough.

[Biciclista]

as for shopping for a saddle so you don't need chamois cream, we're talking about a 10 dollar bottle that will last you 5 years!!!

I never needed it either until i hit menopause. Now, particularly if i'm doing any climbing i need it on any ride over 10 miles...

[moderncyclista]

In my opinion any saddle is uncomfortable after 2 hours. On longer rides I wear my donated bike shorts (from one of the lovely TE ladies *waves*) They worked just great on my 30 mile - extreme heat expedition. Discomfort under 2 hours means readjust or try another.