Saddle Quest 2011

[hulagirl]

Update after epic "try-on-every-saddle-in-the-shop" day.

Tried:
Fizik Vitesse Tri - 142mm no channel = evil pain
Fizik Aliante Versus - 142mm "groove" = hanging over the thing, groove is useless
Adamo Podium 130mm - sit bones hung over the edge. I call this "evil pitch-fork" seat.
Terry Falcon - 152mm = getting better, but channel turns into jaws of death.
Terry Liberator Gel - 162mm = HEY! What's this odd feeling under my sit-bones? Why, it's a saddle! How odd! Even in aero it isn't that bad. But there is so much padding that the channel turns into jaws of death munch on my girlie bits.

The LIberator was the least evil of them all. I have the demo version of that saddle so it's what I will use for a 20 mile ride tomorrow and I might use it for the metric century this weekend. It's labeled demo so I don't feel bad riding in it and taking it back. I do miss the wonderful channels on the SMP saddles, but not riding on my girly bits. ;-)

Haven't heard from Wallingford or the Selle An-Atomica folks yet. Will let you know when I order. Thanks Lisa for the info on the return policy.

[hulagirl]

Sheila - my hubby has that one in the 175. And it goes to show you how wonderful our LBS is as his sit bones measure 97mm c-c! He's not happy in that thing. And I've tried it and feel is not that nice. Why they place the seams where they did on that thing I will never know!

I'm thinking I might just jump into the B68-I as I can always put it on my hybrid! ;-)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And I have a feeling if we do get the Brooks, they'll end up jumping from bike to bike

If you end up liking the Brooks that much, you'll do like my husband and I did- get 5 of them for our 5 bikes.

[Kitsune06]

Woah there, Lisa!
Not everyone can make a $500 investment in leather toys and accessories all at once! Just playin'. Really, though, one step at a time, one day at a time. I remember one of your quotes awhile ago saying in another Brooks thread about how some people have love-at-first-sit for their Brooks, and some, not so much. The LAFS people are usually happier in the long run. What that might mean for you is that if you're not immediately happy with your Brooks, consider returning it for a different model before you invest the time, effort, and sitbone bruising in a saddle that will just never be right for you. I completely agree.
Brooks isn't just an accessory, it's a relationship.

[Kitsune06]

Yeah, I've invested way too much time in a couple saddles that just weren't right. Selle Anatomica, all my Specialized saddles and a Terry ended with "It's not you, it's me". My B17 seems alright though.

[bellissima]

Denise, from what you are describing I believe you should have a real bike fitter look at you, even if you had a bike fit done before it does not mean that was done correctly. Try looking for a fitter that is well known, one that deals with issues, specially has experience with females and not one that only sets up the bike. You’ll be amazed what a real fitter can see and also do for you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, our 5 brooks saddles were all bought over a period of 4 years or so, and for much less than a hundred bucks each...two of them were bought used. Not $500, more like $350 for two people, spread over 4 years. No big whoop considering how many serial saddles some folks buy. The best part is that Brooks saddles often last for more than 20, or even 30 years, unlike plastic and padded or gel saddles. i had to sell two B17's when I realized I really needed the wider B68 for my two bikes. But when it fits well, it'll last forever. Brooks can be bought used at a good savings, and because they are so incredibly durable it's better than when you buy most other saddles used.

[hulagirl]

Denise, from what you are describing I believe you should have a real bike fitter look at you, even if you had a bike fit done before it does not mean that was done correctly. Try looking for a fitter that is well known, one that deals with issues, specially has experience with females and not one that only sets up the bike. You’ll be amazed what a real fitter can see and also do for you.

Thanks for the suggestion. I ride and train with an all women's group here in Hawaii. One of the coaches is one of the best and widely known bike "guru's" here in Hawaii. He checks bike fit at the beginning of the training session and again at the end as your position changes. He spends quite a long time with each gal and will also do the same thing when you switch saddles, add aero-bars, etc.

The one thing I can say that I have had is a very, very good bike fit. I've had my Orbea since October and spent a good 2 hours on initial bike fit + another 4 hours since that time with more bike fitting.