saddle discomfort suggestions
 

I've been commuting for 6 months now averaging about 60-80 miles/week. I bought a new bike recently and the saddle that came on it has the appearance of a nice saddle, but either it's not or it doesn't fit my geometry adequately. My ride consists of 10 miles one way and I've been experiencing numbness of my butt and upper thighs, extending into my groin sometimes.

Basically, I'm looking into getting a new saddle. I'd like to spend around $50 but am willing to extend it to $100 if need be. I've been looking at the Selle Italias, but is their apparent lack of sheer matter still supportive? I hope someone can shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.

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Reza

Have you tried different adjustments for your current saddle? A couple degrees of tilt or sliding the seat back/forward 5 mm can make an absolutely huge difference.

The bad thing about saddles is that one will not work for another. Did you look in the saddle swap thread in the for sale section? I think it's the best because you can try a saddle and if it doesn't work you can trade it for another.

Word. The most comfortable saddle I've ever had (and still have) is my Brooks Team Pro S. No padding whatsoever, very hard. Comfy right out of the box. Supports my sit-bones just right without chafing or rubbing anything.

The most uncomfortable saddle I ever had was a padded women's specific model. It had gel inside, and everything sank right down into it, to the plastic shell below. I could barely ride it for a half hour. Ouch!

I just had my first 12 mile ride on my new brooks b.17! :D
It's as hard as a piece of plastic right now but i didn't even notice it was there this morning. And eventually it will wear in to my butt and really get comfy.

http://d2creative.smugmug.com/photos/51634371-M.jpg

Make sure that when you are riding that your weight is on your "sit bones" and not in between them. Just as mentioned above, minor tweaking can make huge gains in saddle comfort.

Most bikers have a bunch of slightly used saddles in a box somewhere, those were the trial saddles they used before happening upon the "one" that worked for them. Any point where the bike meets the rider (especially the butt) is an area that calls for individualized equipment (what works for one may or may not work for another), you can look to others' for ideas to try but they may not work for you. I found a particular combination of Fitzik's custom saddles work for me with Pearl Izumi shorts and I use that combination on all four of my bikes.
I have also found shoe/peddal combinations and glove/bar (and bar wrap) combinations that work.
I think part of the fun of bike ownership is in this sort of experamenting to find what works for you.
Oh and does anyone need the six saddles I have in a box somewhere? They're only slightly used.

SDG saddles?

I wouldn't mind arranging something with you to try the saddles you have.

I'm sorry to get anyones' hopes up, I was being somewhat funny (at least I thought I was), actually I gave them all to my LBS. I really don't keep anything I don't use, I'm the anti packrat.

I had the inkling of that. Actually I went to my LBS today and tried a few saddles and the Selle Italia SLK fit me great. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!