Saddle fit...amazing new machine
#51
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I rode tonight on a new "loaner" saddle and it was pretty good. But, it was a short ride (25 mi.) without a lot of climbing but including some serious hammering. Yet to see how the saddle will work for 50+ mi.
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Actually the saddle with the least pressure points was a Cobb. But, the nose was wide enough that it felt a little bit uncomfortable on my inner thigh. So, I'm trying a narrower Bontrager. The rumor is that Trek is going to use the cumulative results of these tests to inform their new saddle design.
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Many places (I know Performnace for sure) will let you purchase a saddle and return it for full credit if you don't like it, as long as it's a reasonable time frame.
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#55
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Saddle problems with me have always gone away after a well timed and well paced htfu period..
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. . . and they ALLLLLL moved away from me on the bench there, until I said, ". . . and creatin' a disturbance . . . ", and then they ALLLL moved close to me on the bench again and we had a good time talkin' about father rapin' and all kinds of GROOVY things . . . .
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Actually the saddle with the least pressure points was a Cobb. But, the nose was wide enough that it felt a little bit uncomfortable on my inner thigh. So, I'm trying a narrower Bontrager. The rumor is that Trek is going to use the cumulative results of these tests to inform their new saddle design.
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Sorry I wasn't more clear. This test was done using 5 different saddles. It was recommended that I wear my regular cycling shorts which happen to be Assos.
The real test is, of course, in riding. But, I thought it was pretty impressive that this could all be computerized and graphically represented. And, because I was his first one he didn't charge me anything and let me try the saddle that seemed to fit best. Will be doing a couple rides this week to see how the results measure up. FWIW we spent about 2 hours with this just because we were both interested in all the nuances. Previously Steve had fit me to a size 58 Masi I had been riding for several years. This time I came in with my new-to-me 54 Guru and he made sure all the stats were transferred to that bike. Again, at no charge. One of the things that became abundantly clear is different positions on the bike can make a serious difference in saddle comfort. I didn't realize how significant this could be. It was a great experience.
The real test is, of course, in riding. But, I thought it was pretty impressive that this could all be computerized and graphically represented. And, because I was his first one he didn't charge me anything and let me try the saddle that seemed to fit best. Will be doing a couple rides this week to see how the results measure up. FWIW we spent about 2 hours with this just because we were both interested in all the nuances. Previously Steve had fit me to a size 58 Masi I had been riding for several years. This time I came in with my new-to-me 54 Guru and he made sure all the stats were transferred to that bike. Again, at no charge. One of the things that became abundantly clear is different positions on the bike can make a serious difference in saddle comfort. I didn't realize how significant this could be. It was a great experience.
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Exactly the same with me. The only one that didn't work was a cheap one that came on a new commuter replacement. When I get a new saddle, I play around with adjustments and just ride. By the time I get a few hundred miles on if, it's perfect.
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I was in a local bike shop yesterday and most of their saddles were loaners, very little stock.
#62
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. . . and they ALLLLLL moved away from me on the bench there, until I said, ". . . and creatin' a disturbance . . . ", and then they ALLLL moved close to me on the bench again and we had a good time talkin' about father rapin' and all kinds of GROOVY things . . . .
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If I had one of them there electronic ass measurement / biomapping devices, I would program it to only suggest saddles on the wall....none of the bargain bin saddles would ever be recommended.
#65
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Figured out how to post my saddle test results.
#66
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That's pretty cool. Looks like you tend to sit more on your right side than your left and by a significant amount. Is that true?
Looks like the Cobb was the best for you. If you like that, but think it's a bit wide in the nose, you ought to look at Koobi Saddles (Koobi - Bike Saddles for Road, Mountain and Triathlons). My guess is from looking at these images, it would be a perfect fit for you.
j.
Looks like the Cobb was the best for you. If you like that, but think it's a bit wide in the nose, you ought to look at Koobi Saddles (Koobi - Bike Saddles for Road, Mountain and Triathlons). My guess is from looking at these images, it would be a perfect fit for you.
j.
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That's pretty cool. Looks like you tend to sit more on your right side than your left and by a significant amount. Is that true?
Looks like the Cobb was the best for you. If you like that, but think it's a bit wide in the nose, you ought to look at Koobi Saddles (Koobi - Bike Saddles for Road, Mountain and Triathlons). My guess is from looking at these images, it would be a perfect fit for you.
j.
Looks like the Cobb was the best for you. If you like that, but think it's a bit wide in the nose, you ought to look at Koobi Saddles (Koobi - Bike Saddles for Road, Mountain and Triathlons). My guess is from looking at these images, it would be a perfect fit for you.
j.
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The only thing I have is what is printed on the graphic display previously posted. I recall that Steve (the shop owner) said there were only three demo machines in the US and Trek let him buy one. I think they go for $6K each.
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Yes. It seems I have a physical anomaly. We tried shimming without positive result. We also did that "etch-a-sketch" pad thing and it showed more impact on the right. And, when left in the original position (no shims) on his fit bike it showed that I was pedaling with 85% circular efficiency in each leg. He was amazed because 1.) 85% is really good for recreational riders (his words) 70% is "good for a recreational rider" and 2.) it is rare to see no imbalance in legs. I attribute this to never having owned a trainer and always riding rollers. As a result of all of this testing and trial and error with different saddles I've learned a few things. There's probably never going to be a "perfect" saddle for me. But, I can ride anything for 30 mi. After that is the tricky part. Also, despite the pad thing saying saddle width should be 143mm, 130-135mm is much better. Also learned I don't need the ergo cutout design. Doesn't hurt but doesn't particularly help either. Rounded rather than flat saddles are better too. Our season for 50+ mi. rides has wound down so I'm going to wait 'til next year to do the trial/error thing. But, I'll start with the narrower width saddles, use my Assos bibs and make sure to keep consistent saddle placement on the bike.
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