After trying about ten saddles, I think I've found one that works for me. It's expensive, but after 200 miles it feels better and better. No numbness, lots of riding positions, and getting more comfy as it breaks in. It's the SMP Selle Glider.

I've had problems with my left hand for years while riding. I guess I lean on it a bit more than the right or perhaps it's just physically a little different. One problem was soreness and blister forming in the web between my thumb and index finger. Another was general pain. I tried many different cycling gloves and even had a pro bike fitting, but neither problem was resolved.

I finally figured out that most gloves have a rough seam where my blister was forming. I found a Nike glove that was totally smooth inside, because it used a one piece rubbery pad outside on the palm. Problem solved.

The pain in my hand seemed to be getting worse and even was starting to radiate into my shoulder. I was starting to consider what my life would be like riding on 'bents. I formed the hypothesis that some nerve in the heel of my hand was being pinched or compressed. So last week, I decided to take a Spenco shoe insole (the original one with green nylon on top and a black, spongy rubber on the other side and use it as a pad. I cut it in half and then wrapped it around my handlebar behind the drops where the heal of my hand rests. I put the black side on the outside. I used a couple of ties to hold it place. I just finished a 67 mile, very hilly climb and amazingly, NO PAIN! Yippee!! Problem solved.

I hope the above info helps someone else experiencing similar problems.

Bents aren't so bad, you know. After 4 years on a LWB recumbent, I can't imagine going back to DF. The Bents are just too comfortable. bk

Some of us are Hard- some are Lard and some are just wimps.

Whats a little bit of pain on a bike ride. Nothing like sitting on a bag of rocks to find out how high the pain level is. Good training for the times when you really are going to be put through some pain. But the comfort that comes with a well fitting saddle is unbelievable.

I have had saddles that must have been designed by a sadist- I have had saddles that give a painless ride for a few miles and then the delayed action comes in- and I have had saddles that are not too bad but after about 6 hours- the only thing you can think about is getting butt breaks that become longer and get more frequent.

Saddle fit is an art- I have a saddle on the TCR that is good. but change one thing on the bike and I get to know it is there. Couple of weeks ago and that good saddle started to be felt. Analysed where the pain was coming and I needed the saddle, a bit lower, a bit more forward and the nose a fraction higher to get the cheeks sitting better on the wings of the saddle. Adjusted it and no hint of pain. So what did I change to to affect the saddle? Haven't found anything yet But something must have altered.- Just realised- Changed the cranks from 165 to 172.5 on that bike and my knees were not quite right in relationship to the pedals. Hence the need to push that saddle just a bit further forward.

Nike is no longer making cycling stuff. Stock up if you found something you like.