EdIsMe

So... I've logged around 900 miles on my Neuvation S1 saddle and I'm beginning to think that I should look into buying something else.

Is there any way to do an at-home self test to find out what kind of measurements, or what type of saddle I should be looking at or is this just something you have to go to a bike shop for?

The main reason I ask is I really hate going to the lbs nearest me as I've been given sub-par service at best several times in the past going there.

If it helps, I'm getting a lot of soreness directly on my sitbones and in this area:

Caymem

My recommendation is to find a shop that will let you demo different saddles. You may or may not need a center cutout. You may need a narrow, medium, or wide saddle. Some big people have sit bones that are close together, some little people have sit bones that are far apart. You really need to give several different styles, shapes, and sizes of saddles to find what works for you. I tried about ten different saddles before I found the perfect one.

Also, the tilt and height of your saddle can greatly affect how your behind feels after a ride. It take time and a proper fitting to get you going in the proper direction.

Also, you will become tougher the more miles you put in. I assure you, after nearly 10,000 miles, my behind can handle way more miles at a time in the saddle than it could when I was a newbie.

I settled on a Selle SMP Pro. No soreness, no numbness, all happiness.

DScott

This site has some interesting fit tools and saddle options: https://www.wekeepyoucycling.com/en/default.aspx

Remember, it's not just the saddle. The right saddle that's fit incorrectly isn't going to work.

EdIsMe

Well, if it helps any...

I'm 5'5" and 145lbs. Relatively thin build but still have some work to do. Been riding since February this year and logged a bit over 3500 miles total, about 900 of which were on the Neuvation.

I did fit the bike myself. The saddle is positioned horizontally (parallel to the ground) and positioned so when seated my patella is directly over the pedal spindle at the far-forward crank position. I have my bars in the lowest position, with the drops also horizontal, at about a 4" drop from the saddle. (I have no problem reaching the bars in this position)

I really don't have any issues, except for the places I mentioned. The only problems I can think of are either the saddle or the chamois.

I may just have to suck it up and go to the lbs...

ColinL

How long are your rides and how soon do you feel discomfort in the indicated area?

Any numbness, or just this pain?

EdIsMe

Rides range from 1 hour to 5 hours being my longest, generally around the 2-3 hour range for most rides. Discomfort in the areas mentioned begins as early as the first 10 miles, but becomes unbearable after 30.

No numbness, just significant pain in the areas mentioned.

P.S. I tried that fit tool thing (measured sit bones by sitting on a piece of paper on top of a cushioned chair and measuring the distance between impressions). This is one of the saddles they recommended:
https://www.wekeepyoucycling.com/en/p...ra-saddle.aspx

ColinL

That's a 135mm seat, relatively narrow. (130 and less is very narrow.) Pain where you mentioned does sound like the seat is too wide and/or too hard. Usually too narrow and/or too soft hurts between the sit bones. Plus if you're 5'5" I would think average men's sitbone width would be in the 130-135mm range.

Also, it does have a huge cutout and if I found the right pics of your existing seat, that is a big change and in my experience more likely to be a good thing than not.


Silly question, but I assume you are wearing padded cycling shorts?

DScott

Saddle fit can be a real pain in the ass. Sometimes you get lucky and find something right away, or you can join many of us in teh long search for what works best for you and your bike.

I think you will be ahead in the long run if you go and get a pro fit from a reputable fitter. Might just save you alot of pain and unecessary expense in the long run.

Just ask people here how many saddles they've tried, and how many they have bought and either sold or shoved in a box in the garage. Right now, I've got five at home, not counting the one on the bike, and have tried at least 10 others through my very generous and patient LBS.

Best of luck.

mmmdonuts

No numbness is good but significant pain after 900 miles is not. Have you tried lowering your saddle a little bit to see if that makes a difference?

The S1 is a pretty narrow but standard saddle from the Velo line. I have one like it (not Neuvation) and while the shape is okay it gets to be uncomfortable after some time. The padding on mine is a bit on the soft side and I prefer firm saddles.

Bottom line, it could be too narrow for you. Like the others said you have try different ones until you find the one that fits.

trek2.3bike

Try one of these (60 day refund).
www.moonsaddle.com
I've ridden 1000's of miles with no pain.

It's the only saddle that I've ridden.

Adrianinkc

I have a very similar problem, mine began after my first century. I've tried 10 different saddles and widths,padding,shapes. I've been told that maybe I need to take a long break off the bike, I'll follow that advice in Jan or feb when there is snow and ice. For now I'll just HTFU !

DScott

I forgot to add that before you start changing saddles around, you might want to get some skin first.

Could make a big difference in comfort.

Just sayin'...

EdIsMe

Yes, I am wearing padded cycling shorts, albeit cheapo Canari Velo Gel's.

I've been told that a saddle that fits properly won't require the rider to wear cycling shorts... but that may just be old man banter from someone a few times my age.

Edit: This is the saddle I currently have: https://www.neuvationcycling.com/product171.html

Atavar

I do a lot of short rides and the occasional 30 mile (long for this Clyde) ride. I used to have a big problem with saddle pain until I caved in to my bro's constant harping and got an unpadded Brooks saddle. I was completely amazed but it fit like a butt glove within 15 miles, and I have not wished for padding since.

ColinL

1. The shorts thing depends on how long your ride is and how long you're accustomed to riding. I would suggest that you wear cycling shorts for any 'longer' ride because the chamois is not only padding it is wicks away sweat. Chafing in your nether regions is not fun.

2. That saddle does have a small cutout, I see. I would focus on getting a narrower saddle, ideally 135mm, medium padding and a relatively large center cutout. That Selle San Marco seat you linked earlier might work well.

Rob944

Subscribed as I have the same problem. So far have been through: original specialized saddle (too soft), Specialized Avatar 155 (sit bone pain, chaffing) , Brooks B17N (same) , Bontrager RL 155 (same). Currently riding a Kontact Saddle (kontactbike.com). I really like the shape as it has a drastic leg "cut in" between the rear of the seat and the nose but I think it is going to be too narrow. Getting a pro fit done next week. Dscott, thanks for the link, they made some good recommendations. Good luck OP, post if you find a fix!

dstrong 

I've ridden two saddles over the last 5 years...my original Terry Fly that I've had on my steel bike for 5 years...and a Fizik Aliante, that I bought for my CF bike two years ago. I did several centuries on my fly when I first got it and it's served me well over the years but after I got the Aliante, I found that it was a bit more comfortable.

Then...2 weeks ago, I did a 68 mile ride on my Terry using Performance Ultra Bibs and ended up raising a couple of saddle sores on my right butt check...along "the crease" (about where your circle is, except on the right side). Fortunately, I knocked them down quickly with warm compresses, hibiclens and bacitracin, and was able to ride last weekend on my Aliante (same bibs) without an issue.

Needless to say, I'm going to buy a second Aliante and ditch the Terry, which I think may have just worn out.

laserfj

If you are having soreness anywhere other than your sitbones, your saddle probably does not fit right. If your soreness is only on your sitbones, the saddle is working as intended.

Your sitbones area gets tougher and used to riding the more you ride. Based on the 900 miles you have done on that saddle, I wouldn't guess your sitbones would still be bothering you, so the problem is probably a bad saddle fit.