tri specific?

[Nanci]

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/saddle06.shtml

(Of course, these are men's saddles). I am currently testing the Blackwell Flow- it actually made it out of the box and onto the bike. My first impression is- it's comfortable. It's really not fair to test it the day after a 140 mile ride. I am really interested in Balckwell's other saddle, the Adamo, that has no nose. I met two girls who do IMs who were both riding that. I got to ride it in the parking lot- it was weird but comfortable for the girlie bits but a little wider than normal, (but my Vitesse is very narrow, through the nose) but put pressure on a different area of pelvic bones than I was used to, but not necessarily in an uncomfortable way. I get almost the same sensation from the Flow.

I'd be happy to lend it to you, Lise, if you wanted to see what you thought, after I get a couple more rides in on it. I'm in no hurry to replace Vitesse, but she's getting a little threadbare- so I want to be prepared when the day comes. I don't have any specific complaints about the Vitesse, either- I think it works very well for me- I'm just having "the grass is greener" syndrome, or something.

Nanci

[Nanci]

PS- a lot of people I know, male and female, ride that Profile Tri Stryke and swear by it.

Nanci

[DrBee]

Lise - the Terry Zero X is supposed to be good for tri's. Here's the blurb from the terry site:

"Terry's lightest weight women's saddle provides a flared rear platform ideal for increased leverage on climbs and in big ring power sprints. Slightly wider rear than the Damselfly, with a larger cutaway that extends further forward. A flat overall platform and slightly wider nose increase the forward riding surface while in an aero position on the bike, making this a good choice for racing, triathlons and time trials. Vanox rails are as light as titanium and stronger so they're less prone to failure when used on a variety of seatposts. Textured leather surface with matte disks wears beautifully over time and keeps excess movement to a minimum."

I have this saddle and love it! MP suggested it - she has one (Terry Zero). It has very little/no padding, but gives good support and doesn't squish the girly bits. I haven't done a tri YET, but I'm hoping it will work! No problems in the drops anyway. And - TE sells it with a 90 Day return policy

[Nanci]

It looks pretty cool. Maybe I should try that one, too. I like the minimal padding.

Nanci

[Lise]

Thanks for the input, ladies. I'm going to take a longer ride tomorrow (how long depends on whether the pregnant ladies let me sleep tonight! ) If I feel the same way about the saddle while wearing my better chamois'd shorts, I'll take it back to LBS. I'll see if they have the Terry Zero X, or can get it, so I don't have to pay shipping.

Nanci, let me know what you think of the Flow--maybe I will borrow it to try it out when you are willing to let it out of your sight for a little while.

BTW, Nanci, I have repeatedly attempted to purchase the 2005 Kona IM DVD, and each time the ironmanstore.com site rejects my attempts to throw money at them! Fortunately, they have a printable order form, so I just gave up trying online, and will mail it to them tomorrow. When I get it and watch it, I'll send it to you, with the two you loaned me. Sooooo inspiring!

[DrBee]

It looks pretty cool. Maybe I should try that one, too. I like the minimal padding.

Nanci

It's definitely not squishy! I have no problems with it and I'm using cheap-o shorts. I can only imagine how comfortable it would be with good shorts! If I get that job...

It also weighs something like 240 grams - I think that's less than my helmet!

[Nanci]

Do you have the 2005, or the "softer for 2006" model?

Nanci

[Lise]

I rode a pretty fast 20 miles on the Serfas saddle yesterday, getting into the aero bars or drops whenever I safely could. Not as bad as the first ride. I'll give it one more long ride before I decide I don't like it. The Terry Zero X looks good, but these things can only be decided by the "bits"! I may order it to try it out, since I can always send it back.