When asking for saddle recommendations last year, there were many who recommended the Specialized Avatar..........people on the net, a couple friends and even the LBS employee all said the Avatar was a good saddle that fits a wide number of people.

So for my sit bone width, I purchased an Avatar 143mm.

I figured all was good, and just needed to ride lots of miles to improve sit bone saddle comfort. For the most part, this was true, I needed the miles and the comfort did improve. However, I was still never completely satisfied. There was still lingering discomfort that become more pronounced with increase in miles.

After spending hours searching and reading every thread I could find on saddles, I became convinced the Avatar was to narrow and the saddle profile (slope and angle) was the problem. I needed a flatter and wider saddle........a Specialized Toupe in 155mm. So I got one.

Well, fast forward another 1500 miles. I still ride both saddles, switching off when I'm convinced I may need more slope (Avatar > hip angle tilt) or need more flatness for sit bone support and soft tissue relief (Toupe).

I'm not connived I have the right saddle. I think it would help to test other saddles. And when you consider having properly fitted shorts or bibs with a good working chamois has a lot to do with saddle comfort, the search for the perfect combination seems almost endless.

I believe this is a major part of the learning curve in becoming a cyclist. Understanding your riding style, your body, bike fit, shoes, clothing and overall conditioning, all contribute to riding efficiency and comfort.

With this in mind, I now realize it's not just the saddle, I need some better quality bibs. And maybe a different saddle. Or a shorter stem.......or bars, new seat post, or maybe a new bike!?

You may have already read this, I thought this article was an interesting read.
http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/...ll-about-smps/