Saddle Quest 2011

[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.

[Biciclista]

of course different saddles put you in a different position that might require you go go back to your guru... ?

[hulagirl]

of course different saddles put you in a different position that might require you go go back to your guru... ?

Yes, he checks things when we switch saddles/ask due to saddle issues. That's the first thing he does is re-fit the rider to the bike.

[bellissima]

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.

Denise, that is great. I am glad you are doing this the right way and with help of an expert.

[TrekTheKaty]

What Knot said. I'm drinking wine;-)

However, as a side--my numb toes came from a back problem--a pinched nerve between lower back and hip.

Did she say Keen sandals? I found them way too narrow.

I also recommend a Brooks.

Bike fits aren't the end all--I started riding farther forward on my bars and tilted my seat down ever-so-slightly.

[hulagirl]

Post Metric Century Update:

(as we are discussing saddles, girlie bits may be brought up, just FYI!)

So, I completed a wonderful Metric Century ride yesterday with my Try Fitness training gals. I rode the Terry Liberator X Gel for the 2nd time ever. It was a very interesting experiment.

First off - we had a horrible head wind for the first 20 miles. Then a cross wind/head wind for 10. We kept a pace-line with 3 minutes at the front and then about 18-20 min in the pack. Heading out we fought to maintain a 15 mph average and were told NOT to go over 16. Gotta work at everyone's abilities, not just your own.

I spent a lot of time in aero/drops when I was rider 1 and 2. Just made life easier all around. And helped keep the hands, arms, shoulders, happy.

So - having lubed up with Hoo Ha ride glide (love that stuff!) I was a happy girl for most of the ride. At around the 25k mark, I was getting an "oddness" down below. It was mostly in the front. Not near the sit bones or even in the middle. Almost felt like things were getting jammed up front. I kept trying to pull my cycling shorts back towards my bum. It was up front in the pubic mound. (Such wonderful names for these things.) 60 miles of mashing that into a saddle has left its toll.

The Terry does have an opening, but due to the cushioning, I think it closes off. The SMP's have a more rigid construction. And the opening does not close. It was wonderfully comfortable for aero and drop riding! But everything else made me cry! But they don't make a wide enough version for me so blah to that!

My LTS (Local tri shop) that this saddle is a demo from (brand new demo too) texted me after the ride asking how it went. I told her the issue and she said I should try to tilt it down just a hair. Which I will. (it's currently level)

Everything else on me - sit bones, rami, etc doesn't even FEEL like I did ANYTHING yesterday. No rawness, no tenderness, no pressure points, NOTHING. Did the saddle "disappear"? Not 100%. Maybe not even 50%. But it was DRAMATICALLY different than the other 6 saddles I've ridden.

And one other thing - there wasn't even a tingle of toe/foot numbness the whole time!

I'm quite happy with my post-ride feelings. I think the (hope) the pubic mound pressure can be eliminated with a down tilt. I have a sprint Tri coming up this Sunday. Short bike ride, but I will spend a lot of the time in aero so I'll see how that goes.

Hopefully this info will assist anyone with my wide-a$$ sit bones.

Denise

[Biciclista]

sounds like you are doing great! what does SMP stand for again?

[hulagirl]

sounds like you are doing great! what does SMP stand for again?

That's the Selle line of saddles.