Back in the saddle search again (or not)

[emily_in_nc]

I do find it feels like I have better support on a saddle with a flatter back, and having a narrower transition to the nose. I saw one photo that makes the Diva appear to have a flattish back. Emily, you probably don't actually have a caliper to measure, but even if you have a ruler with mm, could you *please* measure the area before the nose-- that would have contact with your inner thighs. I would really appreciate that.

I would be happy to, but please explain again the part you want to measure. I'm not sure I follow. Are you wanting the width behind the nose? And if so, how far back from the tip of the nose? Or have I misunderstood completely?

I do find the Diva to be pretty flat across the back.

We may have the same problem. I definitely think my saddle issue lately is due to thinning tissues and padding loss. I never had this problem before with the Ldy saddle and same Sugoi shorts. Now, those saddles are like torture devices! The only thing I've found that helps is Gold Bond lidocaine cream, but it only numbs the area for 30-60 minutes, so on a 2.5 hour ride (my usual), I have to reapply a couple of times; not too convenient!

[wnyrider]

I would be happy to, but please explain again the part you want to measure. I'm not sure I follow. Are you wanting the width behind the nose? And if so, how far back from the tip of the nose? Or have I misunderstood completely?

I do find the Diva to be pretty flat across the back.

We may have the same problem. I definitely think my saddle issue lately is due to thinning tissues and padding loss. I never had this problem before with the Ldy saddle and same Sugoi shorts. Now, those saddles are like torture devices! The only thing I've found that helps is Gold Bond lidocaine cream, but it only numbs the area for 30-60 minutes, so on a 2.5 hour ride (my usual), I have to reapply a couple of times; not too convenient!

It is right about here...

Good to hear about the flatness : ) Padded shorts are a whole other issue!

Found a shot with the Diva...

[emily_in_nc]

Okay, thanks for the great photos! I come up with about 2-5/8" across at that point, which is around 6.6675 cm. Hopefully I measured in the right place.

Let me know if you decide to try it. As I mentioned, wiggle.com has it for a really good price.

[wnyrider]

Thanks again. It would probably be a gamble that we both measured in the exact same spot! It appears that your Diva is a tickle wider than both the SMP and Romin The Affinity I have is looks to be 5.698 cm. So the Diva may be an issue. I'm curious to find out if the wider width Affinity I just ordered will also be wider down to the nose. It is due to arrive by Feb 4th. I am tempted to order the Diva anyway. I have so much $$ invested in this trip I'd hate not to be able to ride because of saddle woes. I may be the only rider with extra saddles packed!

If all else fails and I am on tour maybe I can find a shop do what Muirenn suggested to ny biker and go with the Specialized Riva.

[Crankin]

I originally solved this problem by treating it medically... there are a few options. That worked for ten years, and then I noticed chafing on one side and burning/pain after longer rides. When I bought my Silque, the LBS owner recommended the Oura. I was skeptical, but, immediately, no pain n the soft tissue and it took about a month for my sit bones to get used to it.

[emily_in_nc]

I originally solved this problem by treating it medically... there are a few options. That worked for ten years, and then I noticed chafing on one side and burning/pain after longer rides. When I bought my Silque, the LBS owner recommended the Oura. I was skeptical, but, immediately, no pain n the soft tissue and it took about a month for my sit bones to get used to it.

I was lucky with the Diva -- no sit bone bothers from the first ride! But I suspect that was because I'd been riding so regularly, though the Diva is a bit harder than the Bontrager saddle it replaced. I was worried there might be some sit bone area soreness from changing to a harder saddle, but no. Perhaps if I did longer than 35ish miles, but up to that length ride, I'm good. And very relieved not to have the chafing/rawness. It would typically start 30-60 minutes into a ride and still bother me afterwards as well.

Good luck, wnyrider, in your choices. I hope your trip goes well and that you don't have to bring a suitcase full of saddles along!

[emily_in_nc]

That's great, Emily! The Diva is actually a very good saddle, except that the cutout only works for some people, not a lot of people. I use the Romin/Oura. It has a big cutout, but not where the sitbones meet, I guess.

It's possible a Turbomatic with a cutout would also work for you, Emily. If you ever come across one.

Interesting. Is it a "men's" saddle? Looks very similar to the Diva except no girly pink. I shouldn't need a new saddle for a long time since I just ordered two more Divas for my other two bikes, but that one does look like it would work for me as well. Thanks!