Fifty Plus (50+) - Anyone try the Selle SMP?

Anyone try the Selle SMP? It is supposed to end numbness.
A buddy got one. It has a huge cutout. But he just turned 60 and is in denial, so he ordered the model without padding!!
Think the SMP stands for Save MY Pecker.

I have one on my road bike and I like it. In fact, I'm looking for another one for my rail trail bike. I've used a noseless for many years, and the SMP looks a little more normal and is more stable. I like it better than the noseless.

My saddle test fund is currently at a $0 balance. Let us know how it works out.

I've got their Strike Pro on my road bike. The shop recommended it after I complained about numbness on long rides. My only complaint is that after a year and a half, the upholstery (not sure what the material is) started peeling off from the edge of the saddle. I bought some shoe goo, and glued it back down and the repair seems to be holding up. I would expect a little better wear from a $250 saddle.

I have about 300 miles on a Selle SMP Glider. I liked it when I first tried it and now I like it even more. No numbness and plenty of ride positions on it. The only problem is now I want this saddle on all my bikes!

If you look around at performance there is a low end SMP for about $100. It is the same design as the high end ones but has a vinyl cover. My wife has one and she loves it. She first has a wider one that was more suited to a more upright position. We found the narrower one more suitable to her position.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23760&subcategory_ID=5210

I like very much. Have 2 Gliders. Very very excellent. Only saddle that works for me after my nuts problem (the lower nuts, not the head nuts!).

I rode one very briefly and found the profile to be just a bit too rounded for my taste. I prefer a flatter platform on the rear of a saddle. But different fits for different backsides seems to be the norm.

One can judge the lack of agreement about the perfect saddle by looking at the numbers of different saddles available over the counter. I can think of nothing, even bike shoes, that comes close to saddles level of variety.

The first time in my life I've ridden without numbness.

I immediately noticed more pressure on my sit bones... and realized that was because for the first time there was NO pressure on my prostate... i.e. my prostate WAS NOT contributing to holding me up!

I'm also able to tilt my pelvis forward and flatten my back--thus putting me in a far more aerodynamic position than I have ever before achieved.

Finally, due to the opening running the length of the saddle, more air circulates around the privates and I've not had any itching issues since switching to the SMP.

It's a big time winner.

The first time in my life I've ridden without numbness.

I immediately noticed more pressure on my sit bones... and realized that was because for the first time there was NO pressure on my prostate... i.e. my prostate WAS NOT contributing to holding me up!

I'm also able to tilt my pelvis forward and flatten my back--thus putting me in a far more aerodynamic position than I have ever before achieved.

Finally, due to the opening running the length of the saddle, more air circulates around the privates and I've not had any itching issues since switching to the SMP.

It's a big time winner.

Too much detail :twitchy:.

I purchased a Glider a few months ago. First saddle I've had where I didn't get saddle sores...it's the huge cutout. However tweaking this thing has been the PIA! I'm currently running it at 7 degrees on a Tompson post. Can someone let me know how they are angling it?

At 12 deg,( which is downward) I felt like I was being thrown forward so I've gone to 10, 8 now 7. Flatter still?

Run mine pretty much flat.

So, SMP stands for Save My P................?

I purchased a Glider a few months ago. First saddle I've had where I didn't get saddle sores...it's the huge cutout. However tweaking this thing has been the PIA! I'm currently running it at 7 degrees on a Tompson post. Can someone let me know how they are angling it?

At 12 deg,( which is downward) I felt like I was being thrown forward so I've gone to 10, 8 now 7. Flatter still?

Interesting saddle. I was parked on the side of the road where numerous cyclist park to begin rides. One of my buddies stopped at the car and asked if I had a wrench to adjust his SMP. I did and he said that it was a great saddle but the tilt angle was critical to comfort. I suspect it is trial and error.

Selle's website describes the design thusly:

"The central channel of the saddle is an uncommon characteristic because of its dimensions: almost a whole hand can be put in there and this prevents crushing of the anus, prostate, venae pudendae, deep dorsal vein and artery of the penis, scrotum and testicles in men, and the labia majora and minora and the clitoris, in women."

http://www.sellesmp.com/en/ready_to_strike.htm

Selle's website describes the design thusly:

"The central channel of the saddle is an uncommon characteristic because of its dimensions: almost a whole hand can be put in there and this prevents crushing of the anus, prostate, venae pudendae, deep dorsal vein and artery of the penis, scrotum and testicles in men, and the labia majora and minora and the clitoris, in women."

http://www.sellesmp.com/en/ready_to_strike.htm

Since you have taken it upon yourself to post this info, you might want to include pics for those of us who may be sketchy on anatomy.:innocent:

Don't look at me. Perhaps TWL can provide further enlightenment.

All I know is if I was required by law to use their Full Carbon SMP, that I would have to give up biking.

My primary concern about these SMP saddles is that if I rode one with my baggie shorts, that the opening may be large enough to get something caught in it.

All of a sudden getting caught in a clipless pedal doesn't sound all that bad.

I tried the SMP and returned it after one - 80 mile ride. Didn't like it - very uncomfortable.

I tried the SMP and returned it after one - 80 mile ride. Didn't like it - very uncomfortable.

Which one? Aren't there about 6 or 7 different models? With several different levels of padding.

Have a Selle SMP stryke. Once fine tuned, liked the saddle very well. It does afford you additional room, especially when you have a belly taking up some of the boys room. Wish I could afford one of the carbon fiber models.

I bought an SMP Glider and had my first ride on it last weekend. Did about 55 miles and it was definitely more comfortable for me than my two previous saddles, a Terry Fly and a Forte SLX. I have it set so that the flat portion in the middle of the saddle is tilted slightly down at the nose, about 1/8 inch over the length of this flat portion. It is hard to say exactly what the angle is with this saddle since the top is not at all flat. The back of the saddle angles up and the nose angles down. I never appreciated the purpose of the drooped nose until I rode the saddle. It doesn't catch on the fabric of my shorts when moving from standing to sitting the way my other straight nose saddles do. Very nice feature. :thumb:

All the pressure from this saddle seems to come directly on the sit bones. It feels like I am sitting on two narrow rails that fall right under my sit bones. I have virtually no pressure in front of the sit bones. On any other saddle that I have used, I have to angle the nose down a lot to get this pressure relief and then I feel like I am always sliding forward. As I move back on the saddle, I get into that portion on the rear that angles up and this gives some change in the pressure. This allows me to vary my position slightly and change the pressure points for relief when needed. The ventilation from the big cutout is very nice also. :D

I will need more time on this before I'm completely sold, but my initial impressions are very good.

I purchased a Glider a few months ago. First saddle I've had where I didn't get saddle sores...it's the huge cutout. However tweaking this thing has been the PIA! I'm currently running it at 7 degrees on a Tompson post. Can someone let me know how they are angling it?

At 12 deg,( which is downward) I felt like I was being thrown forward so I've gone to 10, 8 now 7. Flatter still?


Re-adjusted again. Now at 6 degrees.

I'm about ready to spring for one of these--157565 the TRK model for $38. Anybody feel strongly pro or con? I'm 65 and have the modest prostate enlargement which is normal for my age according to the doctor--no problems but I don't want to create any problems!

I have 2 bikes (with 2 different saddles) now. On my touring bike I have the Brooks springer157568 which is very heavy and does not provide much bump relief since I am not heavy enough (150) to compress the springs hardly at all. At least it's wide enough to spread the load.:D

On my road bike I have the Profile Designs tri-stryke saddle 157569 It's not too uncomfortable, but it seems too narrow--All my weight is concentrated right in the middle, and when I scoot back to try and find a wider perch, it feels like I'm gonna slide right off the back of the seat onto the rear wheel.

I feel pretty helpless trying to pick a saddle--who the hell knows how it's gonna feel until you're the proud owner. Can you tell right off the bat if a saddle is going to work for you (and send it back if it doesn't)--or do you have to accustom your arse to the thing over a period of time--like how long?

Fortunately I'm not overly sensitive back there, but I'd like to have a saddle that will allow me to expand my riding time to several hours. From what i read, the SMP is supposed to be good for that.

EDIT: OR I could solicit recommendations and buy several saddles and try them all briefly and just keep the one that seems best, if you can make a judgement after just a couple of rides . . . ???

I adjust my SMP dead level flat. About half of the bike club uses them and almost every one is adjusted flat. Someone once told us it was supposed to be that way and like lemmings we have followed those directions. It seems to work so why mess with it?:lol:

Are these "mature" riders? How many riders are we talking about, in your group, who prefer the SMP? Thanks

I bought an SMP Glider and had my first ride on it last weekend. Did about 55 miles and it was definitely more comfortable for me than my two previous saddles, a Terry Fly and a Forte SLX. I have it set so that the flat portion in the middle of the saddle is tilted slightly down at the nose, about 1/8 inch over the length of this flat portion. It is hard to say exactly what the angle is with this saddle since the top is not at all flat. The back of the saddle angles up and the nose angles down. I never appreciated the purpose of the drooped nose until I rode the saddle. It doesn't catch on the fabric of my shorts when moving from standing to sitting the way my other straight nose saddles do. Very nice feature. :thumb:

All the pressure from this saddle seems to come directly on the sit bones. It feels like I am sitting on two narrow rails that fall right under my sit bones. I have virtually no pressure in front of the sit bones. On any other saddle that I have used, I have to angle the nose down a lot to get this pressure relief and then I feel like I am always sliding forward. As I move back on the saddle, I get into that portion on the rear that angles up and this gives some change in the pressure. This allows me to vary my position slightly and change the pressure points for relief when needed. The ventilation from the big cutout is very nice also. :D

I will need more time on this before I'm completely sold, but my initial impressions are very good.

With all that pressure on your sit bones how do they feel? How many miles, or how much time, before they start to pain?

I just switched saddles but not to the kind in this thead. That took care of the numbness problem. But, now my sit bones bet a bit tender after an hour and get distinctly uncomfortable by the time the ride is getting on to 2 hours.

not really sure if it matters but I'm 22....so don't kill me all you old farts :p



I purchased a Glider a few months ago. First saddle I've had where I didn't get saddle sores...it's the huge cutout. However tweaking this thing has been the PIA! I'm currently running it at 7 degrees on a Tompson post. Can someone let me know how they are angling it?

At 12 deg,( which is downward) I felt like I was being thrown forward so I've gone to 10, 8 now 7. Flatter still?


Re-adjusted again. Now at 6 degrees.

SMP suggests level or 1-2 degrees nose up at MOST I would highly suggest trying it its a world of difference.

I love my SMP stratos I had severe numbing issues and was new to cycling and at my age was scared I could cause permanent damage I tried a bunch of saddles aliante, arione, toupe, and a san marco regal, before throwing down considerable dough on a Stratos.

Chad

With all that pressure on your sit bones how do they feel? How many miles, or how much time, before they start to pain?

I just switched saddles but not to the kind in this thead. That took care of the numbness problem. But, now my sit bones bet a bit tender after an hour and get distinctly uncomfortable by the time the ride is getting on to 2 hours.

I had that problem when I first started...my sit bones got use to it.

might be different for you since your on a different saddle...maybe too narrow.

Chad

Have been using the SMP Stratos for about a year and love it! It took awhile to dial in the fit, but I started with it level and ended up with just a slight down tilt.

Theprosstuff.com offers a trial period. I'm testing the Avant in the near future.

I got the SMP Pro this spring. I have put about 800 miles on it so far, including a back to back pair of centuries. It solved my numbness problems. I think it is the Laz-Z-Boy of road saddles. :D :love: :thumb:

After surgery on the prostate 9 years ago- I had severe problems with any saddle. This was on MTB's with an upright seating position but then I went road. Instant Success with the stock saddle on a lowly OCR3. Didn't last long and went back to a Flite saddle. Still had to adjust tilt though and this is what I find critical. Get the sit bones on the wings of the saddle and adjust the tilt so you are only just supported. No weight on the areas that cause pain and there is not a problem.

And that saddle that was on the OCR is now on the MTB. Adjusted so no weight on the critical areas and I do not feel a thing.

Dare say it must be the same with the SMP so start adjusting the saddle.

I had that problem when I first started...my sit bones got use to it.

might be different for you since your on a different saddle...maybe too narrow.

Chad

You say you are only 22. Believe it or not I can remember when I was 22. Experience with butt soreness at that age is a whole different thing than for mature folks.

That is why I asked Tedshuck his opinion; assuming he is an elder.

You say you are only 22. Believe it or not I can remember when I was 22. Experience with butt soreness at that age is a whole different thing than for mature folks.

That is why I asked Tedshuck his opinion; assuming he is an elder.

so it gets worse? :(

Chad

After surgery on the prostate 9 years ago- I had severe problems with any saddle. This was on MTB's with an upright seating position but then I went road. Instant Success with the stock saddle on a lowly OCR3. Didn't last long and went back to a Flite saddle. Still had to adjust tilt though and this is what I find critical. Get the sit bones on the wings of the saddle and adjust the tilt so you are only just supported. No weight on the areas that cause pain and there is not a problem.

And that saddle that was on the OCR is now on the MTB. Adjusted so no weight on the critical areas and I do not feel a thing.

Dare say it must be the same with the SMP so start adjusting the saddle.

Well, if there's no weight on the seat, then it has to be on the arms, right? I had mine adjusted so I was like in pushup position and developed severe pain in my left shoulder. This was excruciating and chronic, to the point that I could hardly raise my left arm above my head. Raised the bars and brought them closer and it is much better. So in my case I have to put considerabloe weight on the saddle. SMP best?

I had that problem when I first started...my sit bones got use to it.

might be different for you since your on a different saddle...maybe too narrow.

Chad

That is a great point. Getting comfortable on a saddle is about riding a lot. And at the beginning, one has to HTFU. Saddle width, slope, firmness and shape may also affect how comfortable the saddle is initially.

To the poster who opened the zombie thread, most LBS have a saddle swap policy allowing one to purchase a saddle and try others. I have done this and tried numerous. IMO, saddle comfort = a lot of saddle time over months of riding. But for Chad, most of us have a bigger prostate (normal aging) and I do not find that to be a problem.

Well, my new SMP is in the mail--Thanks for the help, Guys.

I installed a Selle SMP TRK on my Ciocc road bike a few months ago. It does seem to prevent numbness during my 30 to 35 minute windtrainer workouts. I'm 55 and have prostatitis and the Selle SMP is supposedly better for men with problems "down there".

Yeah, if my TRK doesn't live up to expectations, I'm going to try the Brooks B17 Imperial or the B68 Imperial. Imperial just means it's the standard model, but it's got a cutout down the middle. People swear by it, although it seems like cutting the structural leather would lead to lots of sag, like sitting in a canvas or nylon camp stool which has gotten too loose. Yes I know you can tighten them, but the tightening is lengthwise, and the weakness would be widthwise. Of course this is going to happen eventually, regardless of what anybody says, but I'm thinking at age 65 (me) it may outlast me.158277