Originally Posted by
gsa103
It sounds to me like you're trying to address a saddle issue by changing stems, which is the wrong approach. The stem should be adjusted to address problems with your upper body.
Your hip position determines KOPS, not the saddle location. You can typically move the saddle fore/aft 20mm without changing KOPS, simply because you wind up sitting on a different part of the saddle. Moving the saddle forward will result in you sitting on a slightly wider portion and may improve things. Experiment with consciously sitting a little fore/aft on the saddle and seeing how it feels. Saddle angle can also have a huge impact on numbness, a few degrees down my improve things for you (Or it'll feel like your continually sliding forward).
What saddle are you currently riding? There are those who are basically comfortable on any saddle and have no issues at all. And then there's those of us who its tricky to get the saddle fit dialed in. I'm very finicky with my saddle position, due to the pressure you mentioned above.
I came to the same conclusion about the stem, and went back to the original. I'm working on my posture, and giving myself some time to "toughen up", since I've just started riding again, after a long break.
I've experimented with slight nose down saddle angles, but I've got too much pressure on my hands for my liking as it is, so I'm trying to break in to having the saddle level.
My sit bones are far apart, and I require a wide saddle. I discovered this after realizing that my sit bones were hanging over the edges of all those hard, narrow saddles I tried, and I tried several. A LBS confirmed my suspicion with a "buttometer". I'm currently using a 160mm wide Selle Royal Ellipse Athletic saddle. With it, I have no pain, and the discomfort I have with it is generally all over my back side - again, I think I just need to toughen up. I've tried many saddles, and this one is the first one I can stand. I've got my eye on some others to try. The Selle SMP is interesting, as are a couple by Specialized Bikes.