Saddle Test!
06-18-23, 09:34 AM
#76
biciclista
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Spain
Posts: 105
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I've been testing several saddles myself in the last few months... I can be comfortable on a number of saddles on a 200k, 300k and up to 400k brevets. I haven't found a saddle yet that is ok for longer rides. Currently trying a leather Berthoud open saddle. I don't like the weight (about 500 g) but I'm hoping this will be the end of the search. I did a 400k with minimal break in period (only 200k) and was OK. I will be trying it in a week for a 1000k brevet. Wish me luck as the saddle will only have about 900k prior to setting off.
On the not so positive side, I had some irritation due to the rear support, back plate or croissant in Berthoud speak. It was minor discomfort compared to all other previous saddles I had used. I am waiting for a new seat post with more setback (changed from 15 mm to 20 mm and now to 30 mm).
My hands hurt the most. No numb fingers, just pain on my palms. I ended up switching from riding with gloves to glove-less...
I do run an aggressive saddle to handlebar drop so I am going to experiment with handlebar set up by flipping the stem and hopefully attaining a position similar to my gravel bike. Also double wrapping my handlebars for extra cushioning.
I am testing all this next weekend on a 600K, probably my last brevet prior to PBP.
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06-30-23, 12:02 PM
#77
Senior Member
12 years on a bent and coming back to an upright is a huge change. I have been on a recumbent for 4 years and did PBP 2019 on one. I have been on an upright since June but no really long rides. On saddles that I know work for me, the tissue over the ischial tuberosity sit bones gets generally sore. I can't guess how many hours or miles that it will take before my butt can cash the checks my legs are writing, but I have been trying to follow rule #5.
I poo poo'd leather saddles for a long time. I came to appreciate them. The pressure on the ischial tuberosity sit bones is more dispersed over a wider area, once it is molded to your particular butt shape. On other saddles, these sit bones got sore. I never had perineum issues but the boys can get in the way and just becomes uncomfortable. I pony'd up for two pairs of the Assos bibs with the kuku penthouse, it simultaneously keeps them out of the way but provides like a comfortable nest. Sorry if too graphic, trying to keep it clean. I don't lube for rides under 300k unless it is raining, then, I have found lantiseptic to last the longest and more importantly, it provides a barrier that "germs" and crap won't breach. The only brevet that I quit was on a recumbent.
On my bent in heavy rain, I would get nasty in the perineum due to puddles of water on the seat, solved with drilling holes and more generous lantiseptic.
Saddles are so weird. I have a beautiful white leather saddle with center cut. It drives me crazy, it feels like each cheek is on a separate hammock.
I am building up an upright bike that I hope to be able to do brevets on and need a new saddle. The saddle to bar drop is too much for the B17 on that bike. I probably won't be able to ride it and will end up inside a velomobile. But, I look forward to your impressions!!
I poo poo'd leather saddles for a long time. I came to appreciate them. The pressure on the ischial tuberosity sit bones is more dispersed over a wider area, once it is molded to your particular butt shape. On other saddles, these sit bones got sore. I never had perineum issues but the boys can get in the way and just becomes uncomfortable. I pony'd up for two pairs of the Assos bibs with the kuku penthouse, it simultaneously keeps them out of the way but provides like a comfortable nest. Sorry if too graphic, trying to keep it clean. I don't lube for rides under 300k unless it is raining, then, I have found lantiseptic to last the longest and more importantly, it provides a barrier that "germs" and crap won't breach. The only brevet that I quit was on a recumbent.
On my bent in heavy rain, I would get nasty in the perineum due to puddles of water on the seat, solved with drilling holes and more generous lantiseptic.
Saddles are so weird. I have a beautiful white leather saddle with center cut. It drives me crazy, it feels like each cheek is on a separate hammock.
I am building up an upright bike that I hope to be able to do brevets on and need a new saddle. The saddle to bar drop is too much for the B17 on that bike. I probably won't be able to ride it and will end up inside a velomobile. But, I look forward to your impressions!!
