Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - I knew it wasn't going to be instant, but...

...I didn't think my new Brooks saddle would do this to me!

In my seemingly never-ending quest for saddle comfort, I finally installed a Brooks B17.

I haven't ventured into 100k to 200k+ territory yet since the purchase, only more frequent 23k commutes to work.

Though my sit-bone issue may be solved (the Specialized butt-o-meter measured 130mm), I've developed a whole new problem.

I'm developing two nasty welts right below the crease of my buttocks towards closer to my crotch.

At first I thought it was my shorts, but the problem is appearing regardless to the brand.

Where's the rub? How do I stop it?

Should I lace to pull the skirts in, or will I create more problems from stiffening the saddle?

Stop wearing underwear under your cycling shorts.

Stop wearing underwear under your cycling shorts.

x2 and chamois creme

Stop wearing underwear under your cycling shorts.

:notamused:

Butt, but, it's not going to happen. You're narrow and trying to ride a saddle that's not designed with you in mind. For your short list: Specialized Toupe (not the gel), Specialized Alias Gel, Selle SLK, and the lowly Performance Forte Classic. Of these, my favorite and current seat is the Forte Classic. No sores, and only $40. FWIW, I ride a fairly aggressive position and use aerobars.

:notamused:

I really don't have enough long distance experience to talk about LD issues, it sounds like you have abrasion from inner thigh or other undercarriage chafing. Lord knows I've had enough of that!

Several possible causes to investigate:

I'll just assume you ARE commando under there, but don't really want to hear about it

the B17 is too wide for you at its mid-length - don't really know what saddle Specialized would recommend for you, but their 130 mm saddles are wayyyy narrower than a B17, even at the 50% point. I'm not sure how relevant your measurement is for Brooks selection.

your handlebar position has you leaning down too far for the B17 to be the best choice for you, rather the B17N or Professional

Your saddle is too high and your hips are rocking. Why you have side chafing rather than perineal ... ???

Your saddle is too far back and you are sliding forward.

Your sweet spot placement that your knees like is not the one your butt likes - move saddle backward or foreward, maybe 5 mm at a time. Search for a positioning where you find the sweet spot quickly and intuitively. The saddle has to support you in a position that your body likes to pedal in.

Saddle angle - same issue as above, but it can seriously affect pressure in areas forward of the ischial tuberosity contact points.

Raise handlebars 5 mm at a time to change the back/pelvic angle on the saddle and better suit the B17.

Double check shorts for fit, and especially for absence of seam bunching or thickness build-up.

The above are mostly fit and setup issues; there could also be medical issues, like infected follicles or some such. Check our Andy Pruit's book on medical issues in cycling, and Arnie Baker's Bicycling Medicine. Arnie is an MD, Andy is not.

Lot's to explore!

I really don't have enough long distance experience to talk about LD issues, it sounds like you have abrasion from inner thigh or other undercarriage chafing. Lord knows I've had enough of that!

Several possible causes to investigate:

I'll just assume you ARE commando under there, but don't really want to hear about it

the B17 is too wide for you at its mid-length - don't really know what saddle Specialized would recommend for you, but their 130 mm saddles are wayyyy narrower than a B17, even at the 50% point. I'm not sure how relevant your measurement is for Brooks selection.

....

Lot's to explore!

Thanks for the suggestions. No, there is nothing between my taint and the chamois other than some chamois creme and sweat. Thanks Machka :bang:

My sit-bones are, in fact, quite wide. A 130mm saddle is the total width, and would place my bones right at the edges. I tried the B17 narrow (155) and found myself experiencing pain right down the middle, even on short rides.

There is no chafing in the middle. Just at the back. I do find myself scooting back. Maybe I should tilt my seat up a tad.

On the Specialized measurement I don't recall the number, but I found a Toupe 130 and an Alias 130 to be just a hair too narrow. On each one I was teetering on the edge of one cheek just falling off the platform, and in both a 143 is a pretty good place to sit. What I dislike about both is that you can't slide around on them. I prefer that slippery Brooks finish, when I have to adjust my position. I have a few extra Alias 143's, if you are interested. I haven't tested an Alias 155.

I found a Brooks pro works not bad, and a B17 N Imperial is finally breaking in nicely. I really don't know how to reconcile teh numerical sit-bone spacing with the measurable width of a Brooks. Brooks just say B17 for bar height close to saddle height, and B17N, Swift, or Pro for more aggressive positions. I'm exploring a B17 now and a Selle AnAtomica, because I will be leaving my bars at saddle height, at least on my vintage Trek and Woodrup.

<snip>
My sit-bones are, in fact, quite wide. A 130mm saddle is the total width, and would place my bones right at the edges. I tried the B17 narrow (155) and found myself experiencing pain right down the middle, even on short rides.

There is no chafing in the middle. Just at the back. I do find myself scooting back. Maybe I should tilt my seat up a tad.Sure, try that. I misunderstood, thought you meant the assometer recommended a 130 saddle. Do try that Forte. If doesn't work, just send it back, you're only out the postage. I actually had a lot of fun trying about a dozen different saddles. I tried to do one ride of at least close to a century on each. That pretty well tells the story. I rode on every LD saddle my LBS stocked, too. They were nice about it. I washed them up nicely and replaced them in the packaging so they looked new when returned.

Also mess with your saddle height. Lowering it just a tiny bit can reduce or eliminate chafing, depending on the saddle.

I had chafing because I just can't ride a pear-shaped saddle. The fairing between back and nose is what rubs. I need a more T-shaped saddle, and one with a very soft run-off at the edge of the sitting area.

For pain in the center, I would adjust the Brooks nose down, starting from level. If you are falling down to the middle, that's too far, and if you have too much pressure at perineum or prostate, that is too far up. At least that strategy works for me. If I angle the nose up I get bad pressure up front or end up on the cantle plate with zero leather resilience.

Another thing about falling down the saddle: it might be too far back. I think when you get on the bike you should find the sweet spot readily.

Sure, try that. I misunderstood, thought you meant the assometer recommended a 130 saddle. Do try that Forte. If doesn't work, just send it back, you're only out the postage. I actually had a lot of fun trying about a dozen different saddles. I tried to do one ride of at least close to a century on each. That pretty well tells the story. I rode on every LD saddle my LBS stocked, too. They were nice about it. I washed them up nicely and replaced them in the packaging so they looked new when returned.

Also mess with your saddle height. Lowering it just a tiny bit can reduce or eliminate chafing, depending on the saddle.

I had chafing because I just can't ride a pear-shaped saddle. The fairing between back and nose is what rubs. I need a more T-shaped saddle, and one with a very soft run-off at the edge of the sitting area.

Yes.