Big Jim and the twins
#1
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Joined: May 2014
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Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc, 2013 Masi Gran Criterium
Big Jim and the twins
I'm looking for a prostate friendly saddle. I bought a new bike a month or so ago, and have been doing a lot (for me) of riding. It has a Pro Logo saddle and I'm finding that not only am I getting chafing, but something else is going on..... Put it this way... the amount of fluid coming out of me isn't the same as it was before I got this bike. Didn't have these issues on my previous bike. Yes I'm getting older, and yes this issue has been creeping up on me for a few years.... and yes, I've been to the doctor (albeit, not since I bought this bike). The only thing that has changed, to cause such a big decrease in precipitation, is my new bike and saddle.
Any suggestions??
Thanks in advance.
S
Any suggestions??
Thanks in advance.
S
#4
Seat Sniffer


Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,906
Likes: 3,046
From: SoCal
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
I don't have a good answer (FWIW, I use a Terry Fly), but just wanted to say I thought the "Big Jim and the Boys" title to be brilliant. 
Just one thing ... if you sign with "S" ... who's Big Jim?
Oh ... uh ... never mind. lol
Just one thing ... if you sign with "S" ... who's Big Jim?
Oh ... uh ... never mind. lol
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Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#5
#6
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,114
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From: Garner, NC 27529
Bikes: Built up DT, 2007 Fuji tourer (donor bike, RIP), 1995 1220 Trek
Sorry you experienced it, good you're taking it seriously.
I've got a Serfas RX. It has a nose, but is split. Each half moves a bit as their linked a bit.
Works wonders for me.
I'm not fast so I spend a lot of time on the saddle.
Had it 3 years now.
Before it I had it's great, great, great, grandpa from the early nineties (crash damage tore the cover and gave up the ghost years after initial tear. Was concerned I wouldn't find one like the old one, this ones even better.
I've got a Serfas RX. It has a nose, but is split. Each half moves a bit as their linked a bit.
Works wonders for me.
I'm not fast so I spend a lot of time on the saddle.
Had it 3 years now.
Before it I had it's great, great, great, grandpa from the early nineties (crash damage tore the cover and gave up the ghost years after initial tear. Was concerned I wouldn't find one like the old one, this ones even better.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 1
From: Gig Harbor, WA
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
+1 on the bent idea. If a bent is not in the cards, I must say I'm happy with my B 17 . A saddle I have not tried but have heard only good is the Selle SMP. A few days ago, I rode with a fellow that loves his nose less saddle ( he did say it took some time to get used to it ). In any case , I wouldn't exclude a quality bent .
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 343
Likes: 12
From: Austin Texas USA
Bikes: 1989 Trek 400, 2000 Lemond Buenos Aires, 2013 GT Attack, 2017 Lynskey R250
I went through a number of saddles over the years, none of them particularly comfortable. I just thought the discomfort was part of riding. The saddles were name brand and not cheap, btw.
I went to my LBS and got my sit bones measured, ended up with a Specialized Phenom and for the first time in many years I get off the bike after a 50+ mile ride and I have little/no discomfort. I suggest getting measured.
I went to my LBS and got my sit bones measured, ended up with a Specialized Phenom and for the first time in many years I get off the bike after a 50+ mile ride and I have little/no discomfort. I suggest getting measured.
#12
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
I've been thru a "large" collection of saddles from Terry (men's), 3 different Specialized, and a few Selle Italia. Some were comfortable for a while but in the end (no pun intended) they didn't feel right. My latest is a Selle Anatomica X series. It was recommended by a few BF folks who are close to my age. Its much different from other saddles I've tried. Haven't had an uncomfortable ride yet.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,325
Likes: 2
From: Newport News, VA USA
Bikes: Diamondback Edgewood LX; Giant Defy 1
The stock saddle was just a pain in the a#%, literally. My LBS loaned me a couple of saddles and I now ride the Specialized Avatar Gel--works well for me.
#14
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27
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Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc, 2013 Masi Gran Criterium
I went through a number of saddles over the years, none of them particularly comfortable. I just thought the discomfort was part of riding. The saddles were name brand and not cheap, btw.
I went to my LBS and got my sit bones measured, ended up with a Specialized Phenom and for the first time in many years I get off the bike after a 50+ mile ride and I have little/no discomfort. I suggest getting measured.
I went to my LBS and got my sit bones measured, ended up with a Specialized Phenom and for the first time in many years I get off the bike after a 50+ mile ride and I have little/no discomfort. I suggest getting measured.
#15
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Joined: May 2014
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Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc, 2013 Masi Gran Criterium
Thanks for all the great feedback (including Biker395 who appreciates my sense of humour
). I'll try and find a store that will allow me to try out, or return these saddles if it's not comfortable.
If bent is another name for a recumbent, then that's not an option for me. Don't mean to offend those that love them, but they don't look safe to me. I commute to work every day and I want to see the idiots who are trying to kill me. I much prefer the higher viewing position.
). I'll try and find a store that will allow me to try out, or return these saddles if it's not comfortable.If bent is another name for a recumbent, then that's not an option for me. Don't mean to offend those that love them, but they don't look safe to me. I commute to work every day and I want to see the idiots who are trying to kill me. I much prefer the higher viewing position.
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 6
From: Hills of Iowa
Bikes: all diamond frames
Thanks for all the great feedback (including Biker395 who appreciates my sense of humour
). I'll try and find a store that will allow me to try out, or return these saddles if it's not comfortable.
If bent is another name for a recumbent, then that's not an option for me. Don't mean to offend those that love them, but they don't look safe to me. I commute to work every day and I want to see the idiots who are trying to kill me. I much prefer the higher viewing position.
). I'll try and find a store that will allow me to try out, or return these saddles if it's not comfortable.If bent is another name for a recumbent, then that's not an option for me. Don't mean to offend those that love them, but they don't look safe to me. I commute to work every day and I want to see the idiots who are trying to kill me. I much prefer the higher viewing position.
#17
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 365
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Thanks for all the great feedback (including Biker395 who appreciates my sense of humour
). I'll try and find a store that will allow me to try out, or return these saddles if it's not comfortable.
If bent is another name for a recumbent, then that's not an option for me. Don't mean to offend those that love them, but they don't look safe to me. I commute to work every day and I want to see the idiots who are trying to kill me. I much prefer the higher viewing position.
). I'll try and find a store that will allow me to try out, or return these saddles if it's not comfortable.If bent is another name for a recumbent, then that's not an option for me. Don't mean to offend those that love them, but they don't look safe to me. I commute to work every day and I want to see the idiots who are trying to kill me. I much prefer the higher viewing position.
I don't ride to work every day, but, since 2006, when I do ride to work, I ride a recumbent bike.
Stay thirsty, my friend.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#18
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Joined: May 2014
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Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc, 2013 Masi Gran Criterium
I didn't mean the bike is dangerous, I meant that with their low profile, they are harder for motorists to see in an urban situation. I live in a large city. Lots of parked cars... lots of cars coming from side streets. I have found that putting a light on the top of my helmet, along with the lights that are on my handlebars, makes me more visible..... and safer.
I would rather drive my F150 than my wife's Subaru for the exact same reason. I can see more when I drive my truck due to the higher profile.
No slight was intended with my comments.
I would rather drive my F150 than my wife's Subaru for the exact same reason. I can see more when I drive my truck due to the higher profile.
No slight was intended with my comments.
#20
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,874
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From: Far, Far Northern California
Bikes: 1997 Specialized M2Pro
Have you tried adjusting the tilt of the saddle? I tilted my Specialized Alias down more than most people would recommend:

This is how it is today:

Note that there is no tendency to slide forward of have more pressure on my hands.
It was much more uncomfortable for my sit bones, but it relieved all occasional "slow start" problems. In fact, this year those problems are completely gone. I often have a few minutes of sit-bone discomfort when starting a ride, but this goes away.

This is how it is today:

Note that there is no tendency to slide forward of have more pressure on my hands.
It was much more uncomfortable for my sit bones, but it relieved all occasional "slow start" problems. In fact, this year those problems are completely gone. I often have a few minutes of sit-bone discomfort when starting a ride, but this goes away.
#21
Senior Member



Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 790
Likes: 431
From: Eastern PA
Bikes: Trek 4900, Cannondale Cx-4, Falcon San Remo, Peugeot PX-10LE
You gave new meaning to the word "Twins." I used to think my wife had the twins......Now I'm lost forever. Good luck on the seat issue.
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“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the former."
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“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the former."
― Albert Einstein
#23
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27
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Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc, 2013 Masi Gran Criterium
Have you tried adjusting the tilt of the saddle? I tilted my Specialized Alias down more than most people would recommend:

This is how it is today:

Note that there is no tendency to slide forward of have more pressure on my hands.
It was much more uncomfortable for my sit bones, but it relieved all occasional "slow start" problems. In fact, this year those problems are completely gone. I often have a few minutes of sit-bone discomfort when starting a ride, but this goes away.

This is how it is today:

Note that there is no tendency to slide forward of have more pressure on my hands.
It was much more uncomfortable for my sit bones, but it relieved all occasional "slow start" problems. In fact, this year those problems are completely gone. I often have a few minutes of sit-bone discomfort when starting a ride, but this goes away.
#24
Here's one vote for the Brooks B17 saddle. I had a Specialized Avatar with the split gel seat before that, and I find the Brooks to be much more comfortable - and it's not even "broken in" yet. However my problem was always my backside, since my "Big Jim" is more of a "little Jimmy". I'm putting all of my weight on 2 bones, not 3 like some of you horses.
#25
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712




