chandltp

So I replaced my stock Bontrager Boulevard saddle on my Trek 7000 with a Brooks B67. Now I have pain in my right hip. The saddle height seemed OK, but from what I ready online, it could be that I'm rocking when I peddle (and don't realize it), so I dropped my saddle down some. That seemed to help, but it's not completely gone.

I realize it might take a few days for the pain to go away, so I don't want to adjust too much at once.

Are there any other adjustments I should look at if this doesn't resolve it?

Carbonfiberboy 

Could be any one or several of a zillion things. Get someone who knows something about it to look at you on the bike.

chandltp

Anywhere I can find the list of a zillion things to give me an idea? Quite frankly, I have two LBS's. One is great for parts and selling bikes, but I don't put a whole lot of stock in their bike fitting. The other is great if you want to ride a road bike.

I was thinking it might be the seat setback, since that's the most obvious change. However, I can't seem to find a seat post with anymore setback than the stock post. It keeps running through my mind that I should have gotten the VO Model 8 since it has longer rails, but I went with the Brooks due to the reputation, warranty, and satisfaction guarantee from WallBike.

It is better now that I've bumped it down about 1/2" and tilted it forward one click. However, I still get some slight discomfort. I need to get out for a longer ride and see if it gets any worse. I'll probably try one more click on the tilt and see how it feels if that doesn't help, because the height feels right.

I really like the springs, but I can't help but feel they might be part of the problem.

Carbonfiberboy 

Since it started when you switched saddles, my first guess would be that the saddle doesn't fit you. Search for bike fit on this forum and the long distance forum.

chandltp

I compared it to the old saddle and found out my sitting position was about 1" further forward on the Brooks. I realized this was causing my leg to almost go under my hip while I was pedaling with the Brooks, and my body apparently doesn't like that. Back it goes No idea what to try next.. i'll have to go back and figure what I've already tried.

late

It would help if we could see a pic with that saddle. Take it from the side, and have your leg
all the way down on the side so we can see the leg extension.

If your bars are about level with the saddle, it's prob a fitting issue.

chandltp

Well, I put the old saddle back on to see if my hip gets better. At this point I'm not sure if I'm going to put the new saddle back on or not. I'm just frustrated that I can't seem to find anything better than what I have. This will be my 3rd summer looking for saddles.

If I decide to give it another try and put it back on, I'll take a picture and post it (before and after). Although I feel like I have the exact same leg extension with my old and new saddles. My bars are higher than the saddle.

Carbonfiberboy 

If your frustration continues, my advice would be to vastly increase the saddle trial rate. You can try three/week, at least 1/week. You'll find perfection, just keep at it.

chandltp

Well, I put my old saddle back on a couple weeks ago, and the pain hasn't gone away.

I know of a physical therapist that specialized in sports related injuries. However, I've also been told I should see a chiropractor or a sports medicine doctor. I don't know who I should start with. I don't want to waste time with my general practitioner because I know he'll tell me to take anti-inflammatory and rest. That might fix the pain, but I'm sure it will probably come back in the future.

So what do you think? Which avenue do I have the greatest chance of success with?

late

Sports Doc.

Google piriformis stretch.

After you ride, do some stretching and include the piriformis.

Next day, take a long walk.

Sometimes these things take a while to heal, but have a good doc make that determination.

I tried a B67 and my handlebars are level with the saddle. The saddle was trying to shove my leg bone right out
of the hip socket. That didn't feel good.

Richard Cranium

A good start would be to look in a full length mirror with your clothes off. Look closely at the mid-section while attempting to stand straight and "see" if your hip points appear to be exactly equal in eight.

Most people are not symmetrical. Often the pelvis (hips) tips lower or higher to one side. Many times one leg either extends or otherwise is longer than the other.

My perspective (and experience) suggests you don't know what you are doing -see professionals for evaluation.

chandltp

Right, I'm here trying to figure something out that I don't understand. Now I'm trying to figure out what professional I should start with.

late

A sports doctor should have knowledge of this.

Here's what I think happened. Your leg was pressing against the saddle, and it pushed your leg,
trying to move your leg in a way Nature never intended.

But I'm an idiot that made exactly that mistake. Yours might be completely different.
See a non-idiot.

chandltp

I think you're probably right.. which is why I thought going back to my old saddle would help.. but it hasn't yet. Guess I gotta call a sports doctor. Too bad I'm out of town next week.

I still don't understand why I didn't have this problem a year ago when I tried the B66.