Comfortable Saddle is Now Uncomfortable
01-29-13, 08:54 PM
#1
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Comfortable Saddle is Now Uncomfortable
I ride fixed geared mostly commuting and recreational. The Saddle that came with my bike (Phantom 2.0 from State Bicycle Co.) was extremely comfortable--At first.
The Saddle was very narrow and stiff but has now broken in more and become softer. Its almost unbearable now to ride with all my weight on the seat for more than even 2+ miles.
What types of saddles should I be looking for?
I was thinking a leather saddle, since they are known to be stiffer, but I dont want to drop over 100 just to 'try' a saddle.
Im 5'10 165 lbs.
The Saddle was very narrow and stiff but has now broken in more and become softer. Its almost unbearable now to ride with all my weight on the seat for more than even 2+ miles.
What types of saddles should I be looking for?
I was thinking a leather saddle, since they are known to be stiffer, but I dont want to drop over 100 just to 'try' a saddle.
Im 5'10 165 lbs.
01-29-13, 10:23 PM
#2
In the right lane
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Saddles are a constant complaint among cyclists (excepting Brooks owners....)
I'd recommend a saddle that is as firm as you can tolerate and is wide enough to accommodate your "sit" bones.
I have the feeling you'll probably go through a few saddles before arriving at Nirvana. It's a little expensive to get there, but... remember... it's still cheaper than most repairs on a car.
I'd recommend a saddle that is as firm as you can tolerate and is wide enough to accommodate your "sit" bones.
I have the feeling you'll probably go through a few saddles before arriving at Nirvana. It's a little expensive to get there, but... remember... it's still cheaper than most repairs on a car.
01-29-13, 11:06 PM
#3
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Some Specialized dealers have the saddle demo program, where you can test several models and see what works for you. Other shops in your area may also offer a similar program.
Start my measuring your "sit bone" (ischial tuberosity) distance as it contacts a flat surface while your pelvis is rotated to where it would be while riding - the distance tends to be wider as you sit more upright, and narrower as you lean forward.
This will give you an idea of what saddle width will be best.
I personally like the "cutout" saddles (hole in the middle) with very little padding - this helps minimize the pressure on your soft tissues, and helps avoid circulation issues.
The Phantom is a pretty "racy" design, with a low handlebar relative to saddle, so you are probably leaning forward onto the bars. If you are a pretty typical male, a saddle from 130-145mm wide would probably be in your range.
Visit some local shops and see if you can get measured, and see if you can demo some saddles to see what works.
Start my measuring your "sit bone" (ischial tuberosity) distance as it contacts a flat surface while your pelvis is rotated to where it would be while riding - the distance tends to be wider as you sit more upright, and narrower as you lean forward.
This will give you an idea of what saddle width will be best.
I personally like the "cutout" saddles (hole in the middle) with very little padding - this helps minimize the pressure on your soft tissues, and helps avoid circulation issues.
The Phantom is a pretty "racy" design, with a low handlebar relative to saddle, so you are probably leaning forward onto the bars. If you are a pretty typical male, a saddle from 130-145mm wide would probably be in your range.
Visit some local shops and see if you can get measured, and see if you can demo some saddles to see what works.
01-29-13, 11:14 PM
#4
Banned
Wall Bike in NO La, has a Brooks return policy..
easy sit bone test make a stack of corrugated cardboard 3/4 "thick.
put it in a hard bottom kitchen chair and sit on it, the crushed dents will be a clue.
easy sit bone test make a stack of corrugated cardboard 3/4 "thick.
put it in a hard bottom kitchen chair and sit on it, the crushed dents will be a clue.
Last edited by fietsbob; 01-29-13 at 11:18 PM.
01-30-13, 01:41 PM
#5
tougher than a boiled owl
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These are designed specifically for the issue you are having. https://www.rideouttech.com/Bicycle_S..._Ordering.html
I use the firm one of those and have been very comfortable ever since. They will fit a varying range of sit bone dimensions which covers just about everyone. Go over the whole web site, there is alot of research that has been done there.
I use the firm one of those and have been very comfortable ever since. They will fit a varying range of sit bone dimensions which covers just about everyone. Go over the whole web site, there is alot of research that has been done there.
