Originally Posted by
DBrown9383
O.K. just went around the block with the front of the seat down a few degrees. Didn't' like it. It felt like I was sliding forward off the seat a little. Now I have the seat perfectly level and it feels good. Not sure where I read the seat should be tilted back a little but neutral feels the best so far. Not long enough of a ride to see if the numbness returns but I can't imagine a few degrees of seat tilt will make all the difference in the world. I hope I'm wrong. My LBS where I bought this saddle said I could return it and try a different one if I wanted. What does he do with returned saddles? He can't sell it as "new" as I've put 100mi. on it. Sounds like a losing proposition for him and I don't think he's getting rich with the business. He's too nice of a guy. I feel like I should just out right buy another saddle so as not to take advantage. My wife is now saying I'm OCD with the bike and that I'm constantly making unnecessary adjustments. She should know me better than that. It's not right until it's right and I'll keep fiddling until I'm satisfied.
Whenever I buy a saddle, I keep all the packaging and receipt. If it doesn't work, I'll know in a few rides. Any decent saddle will still look and essentially be new. I put it back in the packaging and return it for another one to try. I've occasionally ridden centuries for a first ride on a new saddle. No lasting damage to either of us.
If it's a flat saddle, it's easy to get level with . . . a level. If it is curved, try it with the central area level and the back pointing up a bit. If you feel like you're falling forward, move the saddle back until you can take your hands off the bars while pedaling in your riding position without sliding forward on the saddle.
It is totally worth it to be stretched out on a road bike. It's more comfortable, more powerful, faster, and easier on the back. The reason for the standard road bike position is not style or speed particularly - it's comfort over long distances.