Any saddle suggestions?

[rubysoho]

On the flatter routes I haven't had any issues up to about 50 miles. After 50 miles I think it is a lack of core strength that is causing problems because my position probably gets sloppy. However, throw in some hills on a short ride and my saddle starts chaffing the inside upper thigh/panty line area.

I assume this means I need a more t-shaped saddle (based on flipping through threads here). Today the bike store showed me a squishy, not-quite-super-padded saddle. I am not sure something so squishy would be good for back-to-back 85 mile rides... something I am working toward and will happen in June.

Anyway, I can't decipher online which saddles are more t-shaped because some photos are on angles, etc... no real measurements except for sit bones seem to be available for many. I'm at a loss.

I know I do like having the cut out.

Does anyone have suggestions on what I should try? So far I've been lucky enough to only need my stock saddle that came with the '08 Ruby Elite. Even my Tricross' stock saddle hasn't caused issues when I commute. The hills just cause enough issues that I feel I need to try another saddle (the big back-to-back rides in June have a good amount of hills).

Many thanks in advance!

[ny biker]

I'm assuming you want a cutout if you have a Jett.

But if you want to try a Selle San Marco Aspide Glamour, I have one that I am going to sell. It is t-shaped and very firm, and 155 mm wide. I will PM some photos.

[rubysoho]

I am pretty sure my current saddle is a 143mm. Ive always slid a little forward on it (probably has helped prevent chaffing on the flatter rides) but my sitbones feel like they fit nicely when I am in the correct spot.

Both the tricross and ruby saddles have the cutouts. The only time my girly bits were in excruciating pain was when I briefly rode my boyfriend's bike that was too big and had a flat seat. Since the girly bits have been so happy with both these saddles I am not sure I should venture away from the cut out.

[TigerMom]

I have been eyeing the Selle Italia Max SLR flow 2012 saddle. I have the Specialized Jett 143 saddle on my Specialized Amira Elite. My sit bones are great but my girly soft parts are squished and chaffed. My LBS says that this saddle is out of stock. I have been waiting for 1 month already.


2012 Specialized Amira Elite, Jett 143mm Saddle, with upgraded carbon handlebars
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport, Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

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[zoom-zoom]

I'm pretty crazy excited (how sad is that?) about the new SM3 saddle that Ergon is coming out with. It will be in 2 sizes, with numerous rail and shell options. Technically it's a mtn. bike saddle, but it's VERY T-shaped and they are talking about putting out a road version, next year (I saw that in a video from one of the bike shows). I asked about a demo program and they are planning to offer one. Supposedly the saddle should be available in early May.

[Owlie]

That looks nearly perfect, zoom-zoom. I've got a 143 Jett, and while it was fine (not perfect, but pretty close) even on climbs before I had my bike fitted, it's not so great now that the position is more aggressive. Some of it is core strength, I know, but it's still rather uncomfortable.

[rubysoho]

A friend suggested I look at TT saddles. Any opinion on that?

[Loraura]

Bontrager has a 30 day unconditional money back gurantee on some of their saddles: http://bontrager.com/products/components/saddles

I found them in my LBS and with the garauntee I figured I'd try it. I really like the Affinity RLX WSD Carbon that I got. I'm keeping it.

[Owlie]

Are you happy with the more aggressive position, other than the saddle issue?

Some of it is that my reach issues have been solved (in fact, the stem is shorter than what he wanted, but it's what they had). But my lower back and shoulders are much happier with the more aggressive position.