Jett, Lithia, Ruby Comparison?

[MichelleOH]

I don't think I need a cutout, no. I originally thought it would just be better in case I did. I know that's not true for everyone. Years ago I had a Terry Liberator with a cutout and it seemed to be okay, but I guess my body has changed with time. Ha! Thanks for the suggestions!

[nuliajuk]

You could very well be going too wide. My sit bones measure 134 and looking at the Specialized chart my perfect saddle for road riding is supposedly 155 for everything apart from an extreme time trial position. I tried a 155 Ruby and had the same problem you had.
However, I'm now starting to question the sit bones plus 20mm rule as I'm presently riding a saddle that's only 135mm wide and my pelvic bones are directly on it.
Look at the Steve Hogg site where he discusses SMP saddles. Even if you never plan to try that particular saddle, there are two very good photos of a plastic pelvis sitting on a saddle that explains why sit bones don't actually contact a saddle unless you are bolt upright on a recumbent or pedal-forward style bike.
http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/...ll-about-smps/

[OakLeaf]

That is something to consider, with the caveat that not everyone can (comfortably) ride on their pubic rami, either. Going narrower certainly gives one more options in terms of a T-shape.

Even for someone like me who does sit exclusively on the ischial tuberosities in a road position (which is why my soft tissue gets ground to hamburger in a deeper tuck when the rami get closer to the saddle), guidelines aren't commandments. A centimeter on each side to the outside of the outsides, is a necessary margin for tensioned leather saddles, but more of a nuance on monocoque shell saddles. How far are the outsides of your sit bones from the place on them where your weight is typically centered when you're riding straight down the road? How hard do you corner? How domed is the saddle? Do you shift around in the saddle while riding straight down the road?

Spec' at least used to have a 30 day return policy on saddles purchased from their website. So you could certainly try something narrower and see how it works for you.

[MichelleOH]

there are two very good photos of a plastic pelvis sitting on a saddle that explains why sit bones don't actually contact a saddle unless you are bolt upright on a recumbent or pedal-forward style bike.

Thanks for that! Funny you mention it as I actually checked out my plastic skeleton. It's got narrower ITs than I do because it's not full size, but it got the picture in my head of how it all fits together.

[MichelleOH]

With just a mile around my 'hood, I like the Toupe Expert better than the SI Diva already. The Diva will be returned tomorrow. I'm heading out now for a bike path ride with the Toupe to see how it goes. I did notice with this saddle that I needed to raise my stem a bit. Now I've probably fiddled with too much and have no idea where I'm supposed to be sitting or how far forward. I'll get it all worked out eventually, I'm sure.

[MichelleOH]

Oops...I meant I raised the saddle (didn't raise the stem)! Got my anatomy confused. Basically, though, I went from a different saddle to the Diva without raising...then raised with the Toupe. I tried to get back on today, but I am way too sore....and on the inside edge of my sit bones. Doesn't hurt to sit anywhere else.

Once I find a saddle I like, I will get a good fitting done for sure. Thanks!

[MichelleOH]

I am going to try the Bontrager Affinity if I can find it locally. Only two dealers in my area, so here's hoping! I'm not sure what level of padding, but I think I'll start with the mid-range RL and go from there. I'm pretty sure these cutouts are causing me some issues and if I don't need them, why add another issue to one that seems like a mountain anyway? Thanks for all the advice and help ladies...I'll keep you posted.

Just out of curiosity...do the cutouts bother those of you that need them? Seems like the edges would still be pretty rough on bones.

[MichelleOH]

Picked up an Affinity R today -- they don't stock the RL, but will be happy to order. I can see tell that the padding on the nose may be a problem...I've lowered the nose twice. Hopefully this is the one. I'm kind of tired of running around chasing saddles.