saddles

[rtchin]

I just got my wife a bike and we've gone riding the last few days. just paved trail. she's been complaining about pressure and soreness in her pelvic region. is that something a cutaway saddle would help? is it better for her to just have one of those huge, extra wide cruiser saddles?

[LongIslandTom]

Very common problem..

Personally I don't like cutout saddles.. it just concentrates my weight on those few raised areas and causes even more discomfort, but your (wife's) mileage may vary. I don't think that's the answer to your problem.

The first thing I would adjust would be the angle of the saddle. If the pointy front of the saddle is pitched up too high, it presses up into one's crotch and causes major discomfort, and sometimes chafing. Sometimes even just a degree or two in pitch makes a world of difference. Pitch it down enough to relieve the pressure on the crotch, but not so much that it makes the rider slide forward.

It's also best to have a saddle that has a smooth, non-stick surface that won't "grab" onto your pant fabric. Those that do causes your shorts to ride up and causes severe chafing and discomfort.

Lastly, make sure the seat isn't too low.. It needs to be high enough to allow the rider full leg extension on the downstroke when pedaling.

Good luck!

[Stacey]

3 words... Brooks Leather Saddle ;)

[chipcom]

3 words... Brooks Leather Saddle ;)

+1 give the rat a cigar...or whatever one gives to a good rat.

[Stacey]

Lobster tail, rats love it!

[masiman]

Brooks can be nice saddles but they have long break-in periods (500-1000 miles). Some like them straight out of the box others endure hardships to get them where they like them. Brooks does offer pre-aged saddles. They are pricey, but if they work, it is a miniscule price to pay for comfort. Most all who ride them love them. They are not for everyone. A saddle is a very personal choice. There are very few shops around that will let you exchange saddles until you find the right one.

Saddle fit seems to be a much greater problem for the ladies. So much so, that some have smartly bought extra saddles when they find one they like. The saddle market is pretty dynamic and chances are, your favorite saddle of yesteryear is no longer available. I think Brooks is one of the few if not the only exception to that.

If you decide on a Brooks one place to get them online that is nice to deal with is
Wallingford Bike (http://www.wallbike.com/). You can navigate to their Brooks section on their left panel.

Good Luck, I hope you all can find a solution to the problem.

[chipcom]

Brooks can be nice saddles but they have long break-in periods (500-1000 miles). Some like them straight out of the box others endure hardships to get them where they like them.

The break-in myths are just that - myths, IMO. Most time the issue is saddle position, not the saddle itself, with any saddle. Team Pros have this reputation of being hard to break in. I put one on my Bianchi early this year and it gave me some pain, but instead of trying to gut it out in the name of breaking in, I started tweaking the position of the saddle. A couple of mm to the rear and POOF, no more discomfort.

[masiman]

The break-in myths are just that - myths, IMO. Most time the issue is saddle position, not the saddle itself, with any saddle. Team Pros have this reputation of being hard to break in. I put one on my Bianchi early this year and it gave me some pain, but instead of trying to gut it out in the name of breaking in, I started tweaking the position of the saddle. A couple of mm to the rear and POOF, no more discomfort.

You are correct, I should have stated that "some claim" they have long break-in periods. My second sentence is more inline with the diverse opinions on Brooks. That being that I do not have first or second-hand experience with them. Only what I have read over the years. I did sit on one for about 2 minutes just a couple of weeks ago. I did not like it at all. It felt too soft and squishy (I think a pro model, at least it was unsprung) and it felt as if there was a ridge right down the middle. However, I can't say that mine was an experience that will define my opinion of them as the bike was late 70's early 80's Raleigh. I think the seat was purchased near abouts the same time as the bike, but I think the saddle had as much care as the bike which was not good.

I tend to think there is some validity to the break in though, otherwise why offer the pre-aged models? I don't think it is for aesthetics. I also find it interesting that there are somewhat codified methods of alteration for the Brooks saddles. For more experienced or determined cyclists, I don't think the "potential" break-in period would be an issue. But for a less experienced or patient rider it could. Hopefully with foreknowledge it would help them endure a break-in period if there was one at all.

I have always wanted to own one. However, my rides until recently have been racers and the modern synthentic/leather models are very comfortable, low maintenance, extremely light and quite cool looking (personal opinion on looks part). If I ever get a true touring bike, I will strongly consider one. I did recently pick up a tandem. I have been considering one on that. I would like to get a sprung version for the stokers but I am hesitant to put them through that until they become more consistent cyclists. For now, synthetics and smooth sailing. Maybe I'll introduce change next season.

[OPC]

Lastly, make sure the seat isn't too low.. It needs to be high enough to allow the rider full leg extension on the downstroke when pedaling.


Not true - or at least not clear and possibly misleading. The leg should never be fully extended during a pedal stroke. Most bike fitters will usually place a rider's saddle at a hieght that creates approximately 30* of knee bend when the pedal is at the 5 o'clock position (maximum extention).

-José

[LongIslandTom]

Not true - or at least not clear and possibly misleading. The leg should never be fully extended during a pedal stroke. Most bike fitters will usually place a rider's saddle at a hieght that creates approximately 30* of knee bend when the pedal is at the 5 o'clock position (maximum extention).

-José


Your statement is even more misleading. Do you think EVERY person will find that specific position comfortable? Just in case you haven't noticed, every person is different. What might be comfortable for you might not be for me. I've known plenty of people who are uncomfortable even after a custom LBS fitting.

Perhaps what I should have written is, "seat height should allow for comfortable extension" rather than "full extension." And it's not misleading by any means, especially considering that newcomers tend to set their seats way too low at the expense of riding comfort, in their desire to reach the floor with their feet when sitting in the saddle.

Trying to fit a person through some rigid formula, on the other hand, is simply the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

[01GTB]

I bought a Jamis Coda last year and could not tolerate the factory thing that came on it. I bought a Specialized Milano saddle for it and it was much, much better. I rode with that for about 300 miles and broke down and bought a B17. After 500 miles, I honestly could not tell you whether I liked it or not. One evening I decided to put the Milano on again...then ten miles later returned home to put the Brooks back on ;)

[Dang]

I just got my wife a bike and we've gone riding the last few days. just paved trail. she's been complaining about pressure and soreness in her pelvic region. is that something a cutaway saddle would help? is it better for her to just have one of those huge, extra wide cruiser saddles?
I, a man, had to endured the "Brooks Myth" for quite awhile before I was able to ride on it before I stopped thinking about it. I love it now.
Have you discussed the problem with your local bike dealer? I'm sure this problem isn't unique to just your wife and I bet he'll get her the best saddle for her problem.:D

[rtchin]

thanks for the help. we went and got a cut away saddle that's a little narrower in the front. they have a 30 day return policy if she doesn't like it. she'll probably ride on it this weekend. so we'll see what happens.

[bbattle]

A break-in period nobody else has mentioned so far is that of your wife's derriere. It takes a while to get used to a saddle if you haven't been riding much or in a long time.

What sort of bike did you get your wife? Many hybrid and comfort bikes have saddles that have too much padding. These feel good when you first get on them but after a few miles, they hurt worse than any teeny-tiny road saddle with zero padding. That extra cushion just squishes down and allows pressure to bear on softer parts of the anatomy.

Your sit bones are what supports you on the saddle. Also, some weight is borne by your feet and legs. The saddle just needs to be a little wider than your sitbones width.

The reason people like Brooks saddles is the leather. It will conform to your rear while remaining plenty stiff to provide proper support.

[BluesDawg]

For more experienced or determined cyclists, I don't think the "potential" break-in period would be an issue. But for a less experienced or patient rider it could.

Impatience can lead to many bad decisions. New riders should understand that any saddle is going to hurt when they first start riding bikes. Breaking in a rider's bottom is more critical than breaking in a saddle.

[OPC]

Your statement is even more misleading. Do you think EVERY person will find that specific position comfortable? Just in case you haven't noticed, every person is different. What might be comfortable for you might not be for me. I've known plenty of people who are uncomfortable even after a custom LBS fitting.

Perhaps what I should have written is, "seat height should allow for comfortable extension" rather than "full extension." And it's not misleading by any means, especially considering that newcomers tend to set their seats way too low at the expense of riding comfort, in their desire to reach the floor with their feet when sitting in the saddle.

Trying to fit a person through some rigid formula, on the other hand, is simply the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

Read my post again. I use the words "usually" and "approximately". Feel free to look them up in a dictionary if you are not sure what they mean.

I am not recommending a 'rigid formula'. But I have yet to see or hear of a rider that did not suffer a knee or hip injury from having a saddle height set for "full leg extention".

-José

[LongIslandTom]

So now you are trying to pick a fight over just one word which I accede should be "comfortable extension".

And funny, I haven't seen anyone injured around my parts riding bikes with their legs comfortably extended. And I thought the purpose of this thread is to get the OP's wife comfortable rather than trying to pick a fight with someone over semantics.

You are not contributing anything useful to this thread. Adios, troll. You are ignored.

[Stacey]

Before this gets too far out of hand...


http://www.rtlyrics.net/photos/Bucket%20of%20Water%202.gif

Stacey
Forum Moderator

[OPC]

Before this gets too far out of hand...


http://www.rtlyrics.net/photos/Bucket%20of%20Water%202.gif

Stacey
Forum Moderator


Brrrrrrrr. Thanks. :)

-José

[chipcom]

I missed the wet t-shirt contest?

[masiman]

Impatience can lead to many bad decisions. New riders should understand that any saddle is going to hurt when they first start riding bikes. Breaking in a rider's bottom is more critical than breaking in a saddle.

I agree completely. Setting expectations will help the rider get through the unknown sections of new riding styles and longer saddle times when they are first starting out.

[Stacey]

I missed the wet t-shirt contest?
Bet you're a dollar short too, eh? ;)

[chipcom]

Bet you're a dollar short too, eh? ;)

Hey now, you are a mod now my darlin, so don't be making short comments about my wallet or Mr. Winky. :D

[Stacey]

What my bein' a mod have to do with you wallet or Mr. Winky?

[OPC]

Am I going to have to separate you two? ;) Keep in mind that bucket of water was cold and did not make for a pretty picture. :p

-José

[Stacey]

Nah, keepin' it real. This is after all the family part of the program. :D

[bkaapcke]

I asked the guy at my LBS for the saddle that the women like best. He sold me one ($35.00) and my W has loved it from day one. bk

[chipcom]

What my bein' a mod have to do with you wallet or Mr. Winky?

Well you said 'a dollar short' which is a reference to my wallet...or is it? NOOO, it's actually a veiled reference to Mr. Winky in yet another rodent-like attempt to publicly make me a eunuch! But as a mod you can't be doin that stuff, this is the nice part of BF after all and you're supposed to make me feel all warm and fuzzy! :p

That's all BS too. :eek: You just didn't get my warped attempt at humor. :D

[chipcom]

Am I going to have to separate you two? ;) Keep in mind that bucket of water was cold and did not make for a pretty picture. :p

-José

Wet rodent contest?

http://www.fadeeva.com/Beasts/fadeeva-mice5.jpg

[chipcom]

I asked the guy at my LBS for the saddle that the women like best. He sold me one ($35.00) and my W has loved it from day one. bk

Glad to see you found what you were looking for, despite the rodent's rude hijacking of the thread and forcing me to participate in her evil Mickey Mouse plot. :eek:

[Stacey]

Well you said 'a dollar short' which is a reference to my wallet...or is it? NOOO, it's actually a veiled reference to Mr. Winky in yet another rodent-like attempt to publicly make me a eunuch! But as a mod you can't be doin that stuff, this is the nice part of BF after all and you're supposed to make me feel all warm and fuzzy! :p

That's all BS too. :eek: You just didn't get my warped attempt at humor. :D
You want warm and fuzzy... Here ya go!


http://www.researchmatters.harvard.edu/photos/1043.jpg


I caught your sad (not warpped... You still have a LONG way to go :p ) attempt at humor. However, for it to be funny to other people there must first be a topical relevance. Otherwise, people laugh at you, not with you. :lol: