Bike Saddle And Bibs Questions
02-18-05, 08:58 PM
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Bike Saddle And Bibs Questions
I've been doing some searching through the past threads and I haven't really found the answers to my questions. First, about how long should I give a saddle (and my rearend) time to break in and get used to it before I start looking for a new saddle? I've put over 310 miles so far on the stock saddle that came on my '05 Fuji Roubaix Pro, and while its not uncomfortable, I wonder if there might be something more comfortable out there. I've read about the Brooks, and some of the Specialized and the Fizik (spelling?) saddles. Just thought I would get some online opinions about how long I should give my bike before I start trying saddles.
My second question is somewhat related. I purchased a pair of Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor Bibshorts in size Large when I got my bike. So far, I only have one jersey and one pair of bibs and I am looking to get another pair of bibs The PI pair that I bought were somewhat expensive (around $100). I've read on this forum that some of the Performance brands (not the gel ones) were rather comfortable and cheaper than my PI pair. I've also read that the sizing is different. If I wear a Large in PI, what size would I wear in say the Performance Ultra or Elite Bibs? If anyone can answer these questions I'd really appreciate. Thank you in advance for your help.
My second question is somewhat related. I purchased a pair of Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor Bibshorts in size Large when I got my bike. So far, I only have one jersey and one pair of bibs and I am looking to get another pair of bibs The PI pair that I bought were somewhat expensive (around $100). I've read on this forum that some of the Performance brands (not the gel ones) were rather comfortable and cheaper than my PI pair. I've also read that the sizing is different. If I wear a Large in PI, what size would I wear in say the Performance Ultra or Elite Bibs? If anyone can answer these questions I'd really appreciate. Thank you in advance for your help.
02-18-05, 09:06 PM
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I can't say anything for the bibs, sorry.
About the saddle though, have you tried slightly adjusting it? Try tilting the nose up/down and sliding the saddle back and forth. IMO 300 miles is enough. If you want to try something else go ahead.
From what I have read the Brooks saddles are great, I'm going to have to try one someday. Right now I'm riding a Fizik Arione and it's very comfortable. No numbness, chafing or any of that nasty stuff.
About the saddle though, have you tried slightly adjusting it? Try tilting the nose up/down and sliding the saddle back and forth. IMO 300 miles is enough. If you want to try something else go ahead.
From what I have read the Brooks saddles are great, I'm going to have to try one someday. Right now I'm riding a Fizik Arione and it's very comfortable. No numbness, chafing or any of that nasty stuff.
02-19-05, 01:37 PM
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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.
02-19-05, 03:05 PM
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The Colorado Cyclist catalog claims that a PI "Large" means waist 36" and inseam 33" and chest 42". The Performance catalog claims that "Large" is waist 36-38", inseam 33" and chest 42-44". I have had really good luck with the Performance "ultra" bibs and have found that they are on sale either in store or online about 50% of the time. I have paid 40$ for them. They last well for me and I like the chamois. Assos some day but not today. Good Luck
02-19-05, 03:26 PM
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I just got back from my first ride on a Brooks Team Professional ($145 LBS). The nose was tilted a bit too forward and caused me to slide forward the whole ride. Other than that it was/is the best feeling saddle I've ever ridden on. For a point of reference I switched from a Serfa Dual Density saddle and a stock saddle that was on my bike.
When I purchased the Brooks (which was purchased with Gift Certificates from my family
) I thought there was no way it would be better than the Serfa because it is rock hard....But once I got on today, I couldn't believe it....It is well worth the $145 in gift certificates that I purchased it for... I can't wait to adjust it correctly and get on it tomorrow. (I can't imagine what it's going to feel like once it's "broken in". )
As for the Bibs, I purchased a Nashbar bib ($49) during one of their sales and I'll never go back to bike shorts again.
When I purchased the Brooks (which was purchased with Gift Certificates from my family
) I thought there was no way it would be better than the Serfa because it is rock hard....But once I got on today, I couldn't believe it....It is well worth the $145 in gift certificates that I purchased it for... I can't wait to adjust it correctly and get on it tomorrow. (I can't imagine what it's going to feel like once it's "broken in". )As for the Bibs, I purchased a Nashbar bib ($49) during one of their sales and I'll never go back to bike shorts again.
02-19-05, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by GarrettM
I've been doing some searching through the past threads and I haven't really found the answers to my questions. First, about how long should I give a saddle (and my rearend) time to break in and get used to it before I start looking for a new saddle? I've put over 310 miles so far on the stock saddle that came on my '05 Fuji Roubaix Pro, and while its not uncomfortable, I wonder if there might be something more comfortable out there. I've read about the Brooks, and some of the Specialized and the Fizik (spelling?) saddles. Just thought I would get some online opinions about how long I should give my bike before I start trying saddles.
My second question is somewhat related. I purchased a pair of Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor Bibshorts in size Large when I got my bike. So far, I only have one jersey and one pair of bibs and I am looking to get another pair of bibs The PI pair that I bought were somewhat expensive (around $100). I've read on this forum that some of the Performance brands (not the gel ones) were rather comfortable and cheaper than my PI pair. I've also read that the sizing is different. If I wear a Large in PI, what size would I wear in say the Performance Ultra or Elite Bibs? If anyone can answer these questions I'd really appreciate. Thank you in advance for your help.
My second question is somewhat related. I purchased a pair of Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor Bibshorts in size Large when I got my bike. So far, I only have one jersey and one pair of bibs and I am looking to get another pair of bibs The PI pair that I bought were somewhat expensive (around $100). I've read on this forum that some of the Performance brands (not the gel ones) were rather comfortable and cheaper than my PI pair. I've also read that the sizing is different. If I wear a Large in PI, what size would I wear in say the Performance Ultra or Elite Bibs? If anyone can answer these questions I'd really appreciate. Thank you in advance for your help.
BTW, if you like the PI Ultrasensors, you will like the Microsensors even more (I have them both). Microsensors are an upgrade with the orange bordered chamois. I got my two pairs on eBay for under a $100 each (new with tags). If you want the Performance ones, their customer service dept. will guide you very accurately as to proper sizing.
