Originally Posted by
Dolphran
Thank you for all the replies. Laughing at myself a bit because I should have said 'tail-bone' instead of using the more technical term 'coccyx'. I'm guessing more than one person was thrown off by that. Anyway I had high hopes for the Cambium Carved because I really like an unpadded saddle. I usually don't wear any padded sorts or liner either, or if I do it's an ultra-thin triathlon type. I have found padding uncomfortable and makes perineal issues worse (or should I just say 'numb-dick'?). Anyway, I was very happy with the perineal relief from the cutout in the Cambium Carved. It was such a surprise to find it caused pain above the back of the seat in the tail-bone area. Yes, I did injure that area over 40 years ago, but as I said it's usually only been when sitting on a flat surface knees-up (as with a kayak seat) that has aggravated it. I was surprised to find a bicycle could apply pressure in the right area to cause this.
I've seen that saddle and was already considering it. I was wondering if its flatter platform is what I need. It's great to hear that it worked for a B17 afficianodo with tail-bone pain. Thank you very much for that input! Had you had any perineal issues before, and was the Ergowave effective for that as well? Do you do long (over 50 mile) rides and was it firm enough for that? (I find padding to be more of a problem the longer one is riding.)
I may cut (I believe 'butcher' is the term used) my B17 with a DIY imperial-type cutout so I can keep using it. But one of the other reasons I went to the Cambium series was so I could stop worrying about proper care and treatment of the B17's leather. I'm concerned that with a cutout, the saddle will be even less durable.
The other saddles I have considered (but haven't been able to try) are the Selle SMP Drakon, and the Fizik Antares EVO. The SMP curves up a lot in the back but its cutout extends all the way back so perhaps it wouldn't pressure the tailbone? wgscott, had you ever tried one of these? I wish there was an LBS around here that had these as test saddles so I could try a long ride before buying. I only found the C17 was a problem upon doing a 40 mile ride with it.
Hmm. I have my B17 for 6 years now and it still looks pretty good. Not new, but not on its last legs either. All I do it proofhide it maybe twice a year, and throw a plastic bag over it if it is raining, but honestly, I don't ride in soaking rains if I can help it. That said, it has gotten wet more than a few times.