Originally Posted by
Noonievut
I understand what you're saying; however, and maybe I should re-phrase my question, what about what's happening in the rump when I compress the cover/cushion and get to the firmer part of the Selle SMP saddle, could that be the issue? When I've used Brooks, I recall a feeling of 'not sinking' into the saddle, just resting on top of it.
Thing I like about the Selle SMP is the size of the channel/cut-out and how it seems to be helping me avoid any issues down below (I had some previously, maybe not from the type of saddle but fact that I hadn't stretched certain pelvic floor muscles...ever). Whereas the B17's I have, when positioned well for my sit bones, had the nose sticking upwards and without a cut out may have been an issue for me. I won't go back to that saddle, but I'm curious about leather saddles that do not have padding, have a cut out and where the centre of the saddle through to the nose sit lower, but without encouraging a slide forward (the Selle SMP checks all of those boxes, minus the soft padding...which isn't actually that much padding).
That is how I understood what is happening to you. There is no flex to the base of your existing saddle, or at least, very little. Once the padding is compressed, it is hard. The leather saddle will give, so for me, they are more comfortable.
As for pain, I assume you are referring to perineum pain. That is usually a fit issue. I had the issue badly, until I followed the advice of Steve Hogg, and BikefitJames, and lowered my seat. Once I got the seat setback correct for me, and the saddle height correct, all pain went away. I also do not have to run the nose of the saddle high. If the position is correct, height and setback, you won't be sliding forward.