Saddles

Swap notes about technical issues

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chris ankcorn
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Saddles

Post by chris ankcorn » 23 Jun 2009 23:23

After completing the 200KM Audax in just under 8 hours in the saddle (excluding stops) the feeling has only just fully returned to my hmmm....... well I'm sure you know what I'm referring to :oops:
I'm sure there are more suitable saddles then the one I was using on my Cube peleton 2008. I've never felt numb after a normal club run before but riding for this length of time is on a different league.

I do like the traditional looking Brooks saddles but there are quite a few to choose from; or should I go for a Gel one?
Any suggestions? recommendations please?

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CakeStop
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Post by CakeStop » 24 Jun 2009 00:11

I've only got an entry level selle italia with a hole in the middle and have never had a problem. I do make an effort to periodically pedal out of the saddle to keep the blood flow going down there.
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GrahamGamblin
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Post by GrahamGamblin » 24 Jun 2009 09:29

Hi Chris,
I've heard from a few people in the Beacon and elsewhere that the Charge Spoon saddles are very comfortable - not expensive either.
I have a Selle San Marco gel saddle which I've found comfortable - I only did the 150km though! - and like Steve I occasionally stand out of the saddle for a little wiggle. To the delight of fellow riders, no doubt. :?
Graham

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Philip Whiteman
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Post by Philip Whiteman » 24 Jun 2009 09:55

Like Steve, I have not had a problem with a Selle Italia. However, it is not just the make that you need to consider. The shape of your backside is also factor. Take two or more saddles of differing makes and you will see that the widths may vary - hence they are best suited to differing backsides.

A few seasoned Audaxers tend to use the leather Brooks saddles. They eventually form a shape to that suits the rider. However, they are a pain to care for and probably went out of fashion for good reason. They are also realitively bulky and heavy. Brooks did develop a lighter titanium version at titanium prices (e.g. £197)

http://www.brookssaddles.com/

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George
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Post by George » 24 Jun 2009 10:00

I rarely spend big money on components. But in recent years, for the reasons you describe (and after trying everything, including dear old Brooks), I have fitted Selle SMP saddles to all my bikes. Everyone thinks they look weird, and I get no end of jokes and comments from other riders, but I don't care, because these saddles are streets ahead of anything else I've ever ridden on in 30 years of cycling.

The only shop that I know of that stocks them is Bike+ (http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/). It's one of those funny websites where the pages don't have different URLs, so I can't give you a link straight to the SMP page; you'll need to select 'Saddles' from the menu, then 'Selle SMP' from the manufacturer list.

It's worth noting, though, Chris, that numbness and excessive saddle soreness are often less about what components you've got than about the position of your components. Saddle too high/too far back/wrong angle, stem too long/too low ... all these things and more can cause or add to problems. I also believe (although I've got no real evidence) that, because we are all slightly different anatomically, and have different riding styles, that what's right for cyclist A isn't necessarily right for cyclist B. So, no matter how much advice you get, or who you get it from, there's ultimately no substitute for experimentation (which can, unfortunately, get expensive).

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Johnnyc
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Post by Johnnyc » 24 Jun 2009 22:08

I used a Charge Spoon for the Audax - not too bad for a long ride.

Chris - I have a Brooks Imperial sitting in the garage, you're welcome to try it out - it's in mint condition.

David Farley
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Post by David Farley » 25 Jun 2009 12:32

Of all the things which can cause problems on a bike saddles come top of the list. In my opinion, and i totally agree with George, position on the bike is the biggest culprit eg, if your sitting too upright your putting far too much pressure on the saddle with the resulting numbness and pain. The other thing is, and this is the most important basic factor when choosing a saddle.......width of your sit bones which isn't easy to measure. Most people solve this probem by swapping saddles untill they find one which suits them

Another way of solving this problem is by sitting on a special stool like the one they have at Speeds Cycles in Bromsgrove, they also run what they call a saddle library whereby you can try before you buy

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snailmale
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Post by snailmale » 25 Jun 2009 14:49

Chris, you say you like the look of Brooks saddles, so you're obviously not bothered about being categorised as geriatric/eccentric.
I was on my Brooks Professional for 8hr + on Sunday, and I can honestly say that my backside was completely pain free. This saddle is in its 15th season now; I stuff some Proofide on now and again and tweak the tension and thats it. They do take a bit of breaking in though, not instant comfort.
It is better to be interesting rather than exact

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Si-D
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Post by Si-D » 25 Jun 2009 17:49

I've been using the Specialized BodyGeometry 'AVATAR' saddle on both my MTB & Road Bike for a while now.
It has that wierd cut-out in the middle, which really does help relieve that numb-knob syndrome.
There's also a nice gel padding, and it's available in 3 different widths.

Pop into Speeds, or the Specialized store at the Dunlop Building and sit on their special gel pad which measures your sit-bone width.

I've seen quite a few other Beacon guys riding on this saddle (maybe Dave Cox & John Rice??) so it must be a good all rounder.

Pretty cheap too, £35 I think.

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... uctID=9267
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paul
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Post by paul » 25 Jun 2009 21:07

i have the toupe, the avatar's racier cousin. a brilliant saddle. deffinetly get your sit bones measured. Bontrager also do a sit bone measury thing so trek and specialized dealers should have them, but its probably worth phoneing first to make sure.
Red Kite has them, i know that much :wink:

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Post by Dave Cox » 25 Jun 2009 22:24

I mostly use first generation Specialised Body Geometry saddles and I have an Avator on newer bike. Not completely pain free - but generally good for a day ride. The real test of saddles and shorts is the End to End day after day!

Mattoid
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Post by Mattoid » 26 Jun 2009 08:17

Agree totally with above comments regarding differing anatomy and overall bike set up. Its a toughy to get right and can cause discomfort in the rear and the wallet when trying to solve. In an ideal world the saddle would be a try before you buy (for many miles) item.

I have been using a Charge Spoon for a while now and very happy, though maybe a tad on the wide side (it is an MTB saddle after all). Had no problems after the 200k audax, but i do make sure i get out of the saddle periodically.

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GrahamGamblin
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Post by GrahamGamblin » 26 Jun 2009 10:45

Birmingham City Cycles has a bum-measuring stool as well.
Graham

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Si-D
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Post by Si-D » 26 Jun 2009 23:24

GrahamGamblin wrote:Birmingham City Cycles has a bum-measuring stool as well.
He'll probably try and sell you one!! :lol:
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chris ankcorn
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Post by chris ankcorn » 27 Jun 2009 10:26

Wow;
Thanks for the massive response.
There is quite a lot to consider.
I will probably get a saddle with a hole in the middle.

May take a trip to the Specialized Shop and get myself measured.

Cheers every one for your help;

Downward
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Post by Downward » 18 May 2015 23:07

Just resurrecting an old thread here but did you get this sorted ?

I have tried 5 different saddles although all the same sort of style.

Latest one has been ok but started to get some pain after a couple of hours yesterday.

I'm thinking I should be going for the cut out saddle style.

Are there any local shops to advise whether it's saddle or bike fit that's the issue ?

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CakeStop
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Post by CakeStop » 19 May 2015 17:39

Cult Racing used to offer certain saddles for loan to try before you buy.
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Andy Terry
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Post by Andy Terry » 19 May 2015 17:59

I'd say if you've tried 5 different saddles without success, then it might be worth getting your position looked at.

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George
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Post by George » 20 May 2015 23:19

Andy Terry wrote:I'd say if you've tried 5 different saddles without success, then it might be worth getting your position looked at.
I'd second that.

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Post by Downward » 24 May 2015 13:44

Yeah I'm going to book a bike fit.

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