Seems like the lack of cut-out would be an issue if it turns out you are one of those who needs one. Have you ridden non-cutout saddle before? I have never been able to tolerate riding more than a few miles on one.
Seems like the lack of cut-out would be an issue if it turns out you are one of those who needs one. Have you ridden non-cutout saddle before? I have never been able to tolerate riding more than a few miles on one.
Emily
2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
Good question, Emily! I probably do need a cut-out. I've noticed that I'm squirming around on my old Terry Butterfly quite a bit, trying to get comfortable, and end my 10-20m rides with some "lady bits" soreness that I don't recall experiencing except on much longer rides. The discomfort is what got me thinking that it might be time for a new saddle.
"If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." (Will Rogers)
I've been wondering about that myself though.
I know our parts change a lot as the years go by. But back in the day, back before Georgena Terry invented the cut-out, I could ride all day on the tensioned leather saddle on my first diamond frame bike. When I went to plastic shell saddles, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven the first time I rode the one with the cut-out in the shell but not the cover ... but it still was gel, and it still wasn't as T-shaped as a tensioned leather saddle.
I wonder how badly I really do need a cut-out if the saddle fits me properly. That saddle is likely too narrow for me, but gawd that shape is appealing.
Speed comes from what you put behind you. - Judi Ketteler
It's really common for cut out saddles to break down over time and become uncomfortable even if they were great in the beginning.
I used to use a Terry Butterfly as well but I got tired of having to replace it every year, so I thought I'd try a no cut out saddle and when I found a saddle with the right amount of support that was very flat, I found I had way less lady bit soreness and chafing. So sometimes a cut out is not the answer to lady bit soreness.
Living life like there's no tomorrow.
http://gorgebikefitter.com/
2007 Look Dura Ace
2010 Custom Tonic cross with discs, SRAM
2012 Moots YBB 2 x 10 Shimano XTR
2014 Soma B-Side SS