Commuting - Old seat

Just another one of those things you learn by experience--

I had replaced my cheap, $25 Body Geometry seat with one of those "RX" seats, which had cost me about twice as much. The new seat was promoted as the latest in scientifically designed support and comfort for those "sensitive areas," (specifically the nerves in the underside of the crotch.) "RX," as in, "prescription."

But after quite a while trying to get used to the new seat, I found it just too soft to support me, leaving me feeling very uncomfortable. I had tried adjusting it several ways, but it was no use. I tried for many months.

I switched back to my old "cheap" seat and I could tell the difference almost immediately. It's firmer, so I can "perch" atop my pelvic bones and keep my sensitive undersides aloft. It's soft enough so that my pelvic bones have a little padding, but not too much.

Newer (and more expensive) is not always better, it seems. (This should go into the Shameless Promotions forum!)

:D (That's me, smiling again!)

Three words: Brooks leather saddle.

http://www.permaco.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/saddles.html?L+scstore+bthn6269ff398b39+1081661749

I've always preferred a firmer saddle as well. My "RXs" to avoiding saddle soreness on long rides are 1) stand up and pedal regularly, 2) make sure your nether regions are clean to avoid bacteria mixing with sweat and infecting pores, and 3) make sure your shorts and saddle don't have areas that stick out and cause irritation (some saddles with embroidery on them do that to me).

I had to buy a new saddle for my summer bike a couple of months ago. The guy at the sports equipment store (NOT an LBS) strongly recommended the expensive padded version (the usual sales speech with "I have one of those, it's really great" etc, you know). Knowing that I prefer a firm saddle I decided to buy the el cheapo alternative. The guy reluctantly sold it to me, saying he hopes it fits, but that he suspects I might have to come back soon for a "better" saddle.

After two weeks of riding I did go back, just to buy another one for my winter bike :D. With two of these I still paid less than what the one he recommended would have cost.

There's nothing fancy about these saddles, no visible brand logo, no pretty colors. They're just black, firm saddles - and I like them!

--J

My every day saddle is back to one of my Brooks Team Pros, so firm it sounds like it is made of wood when you knock on it with a knuckle. To address the "sensitive areas" issue I follow a suggestion from John Cobb's website, and offset the nose of the saddle by about 1/2 inch to the right. This moves the ridge of the saddle just enough to be out of the way. The suggestion was intended for time trialists trying to get down in a more aero position, but it works for old fat guy commuters, too. :D

perhaps silly newby question. I live in Vegas. My saddle gets real knarly after a few days of August commute. I hose it off with plain water. It knocks the dried salt off but the fragrance is only slightly diminished.

How do you guys clean the damn things without worrying about soap residue impregnated in your ....uh..stuff down there. Help

...To address the "sensitive areas" issue I follow a suggestion from John Cobb's website, and offset the nose of the saddle by about 1/2 inch to the right.
Great idea. Do you notice the offset much? Do you notice irritation on your right inner thigh? Was it hard to get past the symmetry "problem"?