Saddle issues

[OakLeaf]

Weight loss is DEFINITELY a possibility.

But I still think saddle wear is a potential culprit. The one thing I really don't like about my Turbomatic is that it started showing signs of compression within 500 miles. Not nearly enough to make it uncomfortable for me, but creases in the cover were already visible. With my lack of seat time this summer it's only got 2100 miles on it now, but I can definitely see the possibility that it might be worn out within another 1000. If the fit were more marginal to begin with, then a saddle could become uncomfortable with less wear.

Hoping it's something less expensive though. And that you get it sorted soon.

[Catrin]

It could be the original saddle fit was more marginal than I realized - which would mean it wouldn't take much of a change to cause a problem. I really hope a different cream will take care of things for now, time will tell. Thanks for all of the ideas!

[malkin]

How long ago was your last Brooks trial?
You've probably increased fitness significantly since then.

[Catrin]

How long ago was your last Brooks trial?
You've probably increased fitness significantly since then.

It has been close to two years since that experiment, and my fitness is certainly increased since then - especially my core and leg strength. hmmmm I might go this route again if the new cream doesn't take care of things. Hopefully I won't have to, as I remember my search last time for the right saddle was lengthy and expensive.

[happyscientist]

Gel saddles are known for the gel shifting and rubbing in new places. Does your LBS have a test ride policy? Also, check to make sure the nose of your saddle hasn't nudged upward. Only a couple degrees can create pain very quickly.

[nuliajuk]

One of the local shops here has Specialized, and a whole wall of red and white Specialized test saddles that a person can sign out for a week or so and test. I personally don't get on with that brand and wish other manufacturers had the same setup, although I suppose it would take up a lot of space.
I do know that some shops have loaner saddles in the more expensive models. My husband test rode his favorite one that way before taking the plunge and buying one.

[Catrin]

I went through a long series of demo/loaner saddles early in 2011 before I found THE saddle for me - my SI LDY Gel Flow...the same one now giving me troubles.

I saw my fitter today and the measurements are spot on perfect, so nothing has slipped or somehow changed. He DID note that there are very noticeable signs of wear in the saddle right in the exact area where I am having discomfort and pain. This is a popular saddle, at least at my LBS, and he tells me the pattern of wear in my saddle isn't common. He suspects that there is something about my hips/how I sit on the saddle that is causing premature wear which is causing compression.

As I have the same saddle on my mountain bike with 1/4 the miles, we are going to switch them out and see if that takes care of the problem. Both of us are pretty sure it will, and if it does I will have a decision to make. If it really is how I sit on the saddle then I will likely have the same issue with other gel saddles. If I get a saddle that is more firm but has less give then that can cause problems as well. If I choose to go with leather then it will be the Selle Anatomica rather than a Brooks, but I am not ready to go there yet. It WOULD last longer than another SI LDY saddle...but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

At least I am glad that there is something obvious with the saddle & it isn't my imagination.