saddle suggestions

Hi Bob, I feel your pain! lol

I'm similar height/weight to you (I'm 5-8 145, and also 50) Like you,
ride 2-3 times a week, typically between 12-15 miles this year, but more
frequently was doing about 15-25 mi jaunts last year every time I went
out. (on the rare occasion 40+ miles)

On my Bianchi, which came with a Selle Tri-Matic, this was horrible, and
knew I had to immediately get rid of it.

I switched to a Brooks Swift Ti, and this was an improvement, but still
on the longer rides, found too that I was still getting numb in the
private parts (Which is not good!) Called the Perineal (sp) area I guess
where all the pressue was being applied.

I suspect I would've been much better served with a standard Brooks
B-17, as these are wider, and much less cost also. The Brooks Team Pro
is in between the two in width, and this too is actually a quite slender
saddle.

Most people I've ever heard who bought a B-17 loved them. I can't
personally recall anyone calling the B-17 an Ass Hatchet.

I haven't been impressed much by any of Selle's line of offerings, but
opinions, and butts do vary. Some say the cutout Selles help, and
others say they exasperate/increase the numbness, and uncomfort problem.

On my Bianchi now, I'm running a Selle San Marco Regal, and this is
somewhat better than my Brooks Swift, as I think it's a bit wider. Many
folks seem to like the Terry Fly Saddles.

I'm using during warm weather a pair of Specialized $70 shorts, and
while the padding is quite good on this model, I suspect one mostly gets
what one pays for when it comes to quality with Biking Shorts. I think
next year, I'm going to graduate into a better pair of Shorts.

I wish I could be of more help with a recommendation. Perhaps your
local bike shop could help you with this problem. They usually have lots
of take offs, and maybe they'll let you try a few without hassle, so see
if you can draw some better conclusions? Maybe some sort of Cutout
Saddle will work better for you? Aren't these Flites you been using
cutout? Mark

Thanks Mark,

My saddle doesn't have a cutout but I think there is a Flite that has a
cutout. Also, I do need the saddle to be narrow because a wider saddle
affects my pedaling stroke. Another alternative for me is to try a saddle
that is a little more padded, similar to my mountain bike saddle. What I
could use is a saddle "demo" day, where there are a bunch of bikes with
different saddles on trainers. After all, they have Kayak demo days and Ski
demo days.

Bob P.

"Mark D" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi Bob, I feel your pain! lol

I'm similar height/weight to you (I'm 5-8 145, and also 50) Like you,
ride 2-3 times a week, typically between 12-15 miles this year, but more
frequently was doing about 15-25 mi jaunts last year every time I went
out. (on the rare occasion 40+ miles)

On my Bianchi, which came with a Selle Tri-Matic, this was horrible, and
knew I had to immediately get rid of it.

I switched to a Brooks Swift Ti, and this was an improvement, but still
on the longer rides, found too that I was still getting numb in the
private parts (Which is not good!) Called the Perineal (sp) area I guess
where all the pressue was being applied.

I suspect I would've been much better served with a standard Brooks
B-17, as these are wider, and much less cost also. The Brooks Team Pro
is in between the two in width, and this too is actually a quite slender
saddle.

Most people I've ever heard who bought a B-17 loved them. I can't
personally recall anyone calling the B-17 an Ass Hatchet.

I haven't been impressed much by any of Selle's line of offerings, but
opinions, and butts do vary. Some say the cutout Selles help, and
others say they exasperate/increase the numbness, and uncomfort problem.

On my Bianchi now, I'm running a Selle San Marco Regal, and this is
somewhat better than my Brooks Swift, as I think it's a bit wider. Many
folks seem to like the Terry Fly Saddles.

I'm using during warm weather a pair of Specialized $70 shorts, and
while the padding is quite good on this model, I suspect one mostly gets
what one pays for when it comes to quality with Biking Shorts. I think
next year, I'm going to graduate into a better pair of Shorts.

I wish I could be of more help with a recommendation. Perhaps your
local bike shop could help you with this problem. They usually have lots
of take offs, and maybe they'll let you try a few without hassle, so see
if you can draw some better conclusions? Maybe some sort of Cutout
Saddle will work better for you? Aren't these Flites you been using
cutout? Mark

Bob Palermo said:

Hi,

When I bought my road bike, it came with a low end Sella San Marco saddle
that had hard edges that cut into my thighs. I quickly replaced it with a
Selle Italia Flite. The shape was great, and the edges are soft. It was fine
for my "sit" bones but it was too hard on the more "sensitive" area just
behind my privates. (There must be a name for that area but I don't know
it.) Anyway, I returned it for a Selle Italia Flite Gel. It's the same shape
as the Flite and I find it a little softer. I rode the season with it,
taking a month to dial it in. Dialed in, it was passable but never
comfortable in that area. Now that I'm riding it on my trainer, it's real
uncomfortable.

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are
hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a survey of favorite
saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the
"flite" line (ie: good feel as far as position and pedaling stroke but a
little too hard) and found a good alternative.

Let me add that I'm 50 yrs old, 5'9" 140 lbs, ride about 3 times per week,
with typical rides being 25 - 40 miles at average speeds of 18 - 20 mph.
Also, the saddle on my mountain bike (which I don't ride very often since I
got my new road bike) is a Vetta "flex" that came with the bike. It's more
padded (foam padding?) than the Flite Gel, but not as versatile for
positioning. I find it comfortable to ride but I don't think it's a viable
alternative for my road bike.

Thanks for any ideas and suggestions.

Bob P.

Finding a comfortable saddle is like finding the Holy Grail. Once you
get one buy several because it will be discontinued by the manufacturer.

That said, my current most favorite saddle is the Saddleco model with Ti
rails. I have bought one on eBay and another from Performance Bicycle.
They are not the cheapest saddle around but the comfort is worth every
penny. The one stipulation is the rider must weigh less than 200#.

Rick

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I have the Selle Italia Max Flite Gel Flow--or at least that's how I
think the words of its title are arranged--and it has an excellent
cutout. It resembles the Terry Fly, or vice versa, because Selle
Italia is said to have designed the Fly for Terry. It works really
well for me. I've never experienced numbness (important to avoid at
66!) and it's narrow toward the nose and doesn't interfere with
pedalling at all.

Bob Palermo said:

Hi,

When I bought my road bike, it came with a low end Sella San Marco saddle
that had hard edges that cut into my thighs. I quickly replaced it with a
Selle Italia Flite. The shape was great, and the edges are soft. It was fine
for my "sit" bones but it was too hard on the more "sensitive" area just
behind my privates. (There must be a name for that area but I don't know
it.) Anyway, I returned it for a Selle Italia Flite Gel. It's the same shape
as the Flite and I find it a little softer. I rode the season with it,
taking a month to dial it in. Dialed in, it was passable but never
comfortable in that area. Now that I'm riding it on my trainer, it's real
uncomfortable.

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are
hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a survey of favorite
saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the
"flite" line (ie: good feel as far as position and pedaling stroke but a
little too hard) and found a good alternative.

Let me add that I'm 50 yrs old, 5'9" 140 lbs, ride about 3 times per week,
with typical rides being 25 - 40 miles at average speeds of 18 - 20 mph.
Also, the saddle on my mountain bike (which I don't ride very often since I
got my new road bike) is a Vetta "flex" that came with the bike. It's more
padded (foam padding?) than the Flite Gel, but not as versatile for
positioning. I find it comfortable to ride but I don't think it's a viable
alternative for my road bike.

Thanks for any ideas and suggestions.

Bob P.

If the Flite fits you size wise but it is a little hard then you may
have good results with the Fizik Aliante saddle. The cover flexes a
little due to a some kind of woven structure and is therefore more
forgiving for your private parts. It looks good (not to bulky), has a
reasonable weight and it is very comfortable. One drawback....it's
expensive.

Lou
--
Posted by news://news.nb.nu

Bob Palermo said:

Hi,

When I bought my road bike, it came with a low end Sella San Marco saddle
that had hard edges that cut into my thighs. I quickly replaced it with a
Selle Italia Flite. The shape was great, and the edges are soft. It was fine
for my "sit" bones but it was too hard on the more "sensitive" area just
behind my privates. (There must be a name for that area but I don't know
it.) Anyway, I returned it for a Selle Italia Flite Gel. It's the same shape
as the Flite and I find it a little softer. I rode the season with it,
taking a month to dial it in. Dialed in, it was passable but never
comfortable in that area. Now that I'm riding it on my trainer, it's real
uncomfortable.

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are
hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a survey of favorite
saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the
"flite" line (ie: good feel as far as position and pedaling stroke but a
little too hard) and found a good alternative.

Let me add that I'm 50 yrs old, 5'9" 140 lbs, ride about 3 times per week,
with typical rides being 25 - 40 miles at average speeds of 18 - 20 mph.
Also, the saddle on my mountain bike (which I don't ride very often since I
got my new road bike) is a Vetta "flex" that came with the bike. It's more
padded (foam padding?) than the Flite Gel, but not as versatile for
positioning. I find it comfortable to ride but I don't think it's a viable
alternative for my road bike.

Lower your Flite a few mm before replacing it. And level it
if it isn't now.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Mark D said:

I haven't been impressed much by any of Selle's line of offerings

You have to be more specific. "Selle" means saddle. There is Selle
Italia, Selle San Marco, Selle Royal, etc.

Art Harris

On Fri, 2 Dec 2005 20:15:07 -0600, "Bob Palermo" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Hi,

When I bought my road bike, it came with a low end Sella San Marco saddle
that had hard edges that cut into my thighs. I quickly replaced it with a
Selle Italia Flite. The shape was great, and the edges are soft. It was fine
for my "sit" bones but it was too hard on the more "sensitive" area just
behind my privates. (There must be a name for that area but I don't know
it.) Anyway, I returned it for a Selle Italia Flite Gel. It's the same shape
as the Flite and I find it a little softer. I rode the season with it,
taking a month to dial it in. Dialed in, it was passable but never
comfortable in that area. Now that I'm riding it on my trainer, it's real
uncomfortable.

You'll get the standard warnings about 'gel' causing you to sink even
further into the saddle, leaving the high spots able to press into your
perineal region even more. So think about that.

The thing I found was that on a trainer I seem to have more weight on the
saddle than on my road bike. Not sure why. Might be that I'm still getting
used to it. I do spend about 1/4 of the time sitting completely upright, no
hands on the trainer and that means more of my bodyweight will be on the
saddle.

Quoted message said:

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are
hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a survey of favorite
saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the
"flite" line (ie: good feel as far as position and pedaling stroke but a
little too hard) and found a good alternative.

Let me add that I'm 50 yrs old, 5'9" 140 lbs, ride about 3 times per week,
with typical rides being 25 - 40 miles at average speeds of 18 - 20 mph.

If you're sitting correctly and distributing your weight correctly 1/3 on
handlebars, 1/3 on feet/pedals, 1/3 on saddle, then that's only 43lbs
parked on the saddle. I have no idea how that tiny amount of weight is
causing you a problem.

Have you tried altering your position? You might try this:

On a flat section, move slightly forward but just by shifting your weight
not by changing your position on the saddle - do it partly by tucking your
pelvis, partly by leaning forward and bending your arms.

Then just -start- to shift as though you're about to stand to pedal, don't
actually lift up off the saddle completely. That puts more of your weight
on your pedals. See how that feels.

Experiment with that and with bending your forearms more towards parallel
to the ground, which brings your weight more onto the pedals and
handlebars.

I'm not advocating a change in how you ride, just some thoughts on getting
more weight over your pedals.

Generally, though, I think more foam, gel or padding is the wrong way to
go. At your weight, just about any saddle that isn't cutting into your
thighs on the sides, or too long for you, or with too much of an upraise in
the nose should be a problem. Once you get up over 180lbs, then I think
some people get more problems because there's more weight on the saddle.
Unless you have an unnaturally thin or underdeveloped gluteus muscle, or
something. ;-)

-jet

Quoted message said:

Also, the saddle on my mountain bike (which I don't ride very often since I
got my new road bike) is a Vetta "flex" that came with the bike. It's more
padded (foam padding?) than the Flite Gel, but not as versatile for
positioning. I find it comfortable to ride but I don't think it's a viable
alternative for my road bike.

Thanks for any ideas and suggestions.

Bob P.

I liked my Flite when I was on it, but when I switched my old San Marco
Rolls onto my fixed gear this year I was reminded about what a great saddle
it is (for me). San Marco now makes a ti rail version, along with the a ti
Regal which I understand has a similar shape and big rivets if you like that
sort of thing. I weigh about 78kg.
Blake

I liked my Flite when I was on it, but when I switched my old San Marco
Rolls onto my fixed gear this year I was reminded about what a great saddle
it is (for me). San Marco now makes a ti rail version, along with the a ti
Regal which I understand has a similar shape and big rivets if you like that
sort of thing. I weigh about 78kg.
Blake

You have to be more specific. "Selle" means saddle. There is Selle
Italia, Selle San Marco, Selle Royal, etc.
Art Harris
======================================
You're correct Art, my mistake sorry. I meant to say Selle Italia.
Being fair though, I honestly haven't tried every Selle Italia Saddle
made under the sun, so I shouldn't assume, or say that none are any
good.

They make so many different models, there's probably one of them
suitable. I sure wouldn't want to spend the money to find out though!

To the original poster:
There's been countless threads on this forum about saddles over the last
two years, and I'm sure you could spend a day googling.

What seems to be the standard agreed concensus by virtually all folks
that participate here, is that a soft, highly padded saddle is great for
the "around the block" trips, but for long mileage jaunts, no. In fact,
the exact opposite seems to be true.

As another poster has mentioned, some of these gel saddles let you sink
in, then expose the tender parts to punishment.

I've read that many love the B-17 for the long rides, and have stated
much better comfort when even doing Centuries. (100 mi)

By no means am I trying to twist your arm into a Brooks, but I believe
WallBike? will let you return a Brooks with a full refund should you
find they don't work for you. Just a thought.
Mark

About the only two downsides to the Brooks Saddles, is one, these are
not exactly the lightest saddles on the market to put on a bike, but
this should never be an issue for regular riders. What good is an ultra
lightweight saddle if it kills you, and causes pain to use it.

The other downside to a Brooks (At least for my Swift Ti I notice) is
that because of the design, there is a limited amount of Fore-Aft travel
on the rails. If you're a person that requires a saddle to be mounted
quite far back (Or forward) you might have a problem.

The Brooks B-17's dimensions are 170mm x 280mm, the Team Pro is 160mm
x280mm, and the Swift is 152mm x 280mm.

Goto www.wallbike.com for more info, and current prices, etc. Great
site. Mark

Oh, I forgot another disadvantage to the Brooks. Riding in the rain.
They do make covers for them, and one can either Proofhide Coat the
underside for better waterproofing, or perhaps even a spray application
of Scotchguard? Has anyone every tried Scotchguard Waterproofing on the
underside of a Brooks? I know Brooks always says don't use nothing but
Proofhide. Mark

Per Bob Palermo:

Quoted message said:

(There must be a name for that area but I don't know
it.)

Perineum.

AKA "Taint". Somebody else will explain.....
--
PeteCresswell

Bob Palermo said:

Hi,

When I bought my road bike, it came with a low end Sella San Marco saddle
that had hard edges that cut into my thighs. I quickly replaced it with a
Selle Italia Flite. The shape was great, and the edges are soft. It was fine
for my "sit" bones but it was too hard on the more "sensitive" area just
behind my privates. (There must be a name for that area but I don't know
it.) Anyway, I returned it for a Selle Italia Flite Gel. It's the same shape
as the Flite and I find it a little softer. I rode the season with it,
taking a month to dial it in. Dialed in, it was passable but never
comfortable in that area. Now that I'm riding it on my trainer, it's real
uncomfortable.

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are
hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a survey of favorite
saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the
"flite" line (ie: good feel as far as position and pedaling stroke but a
little too hard) and found a good alternative.

Let me add that I'm 50 yrs old, 5'9" 140 lbs, ride about 3 times per week,
with typical rides being 25 - 40 miles at average speeds of 18 - 20 mph.
Also, the saddle on my mountain bike (which I don't ride very often since I
got my new road bike) is a Vetta "flex" that came with the bike. It's more
padded (foam padding?) than the Flite Gel, but not as versatile for
positioning. I find it comfortable to ride but I don't think it's a viable
alternative for my road bike.

Thanks for any ideas and suggestions.

Bob P.

Lower your saddle a smidgen?

Robin Hubert

Mark D said:

Hi Bob, I feel your pain! lol

I'm similar height/weight to you (I'm 5-8 145, and also 50) Like you,
ride 2-3 times a week, typically between 12-15 miles this year, but more
frequently was doing about 15-25 mi jaunts last year every time I went
out. (on the rare occasion 40+ miles)

On my Bianchi, which came with a Selle Tri-Matic, this was horrible, and
knew I had to immediately get rid of it.

I do a lot of long-distance riding, saddle comfort was always a problem
for rides over 200 miles. I got a Tri-matic and was able to ride 250
miles without any soreness. Absolutely amazing.

Quoted message said:

I switched to a Brooks Swift Ti, and this was an improvement, but still
on the longer rides, found too that I was still getting numb in the
private parts (Which is not good!) Called the Perineal (sp) area I guess
where all the pressue was being applied.

I suspect I would've been much better served with a standard Brooks
B-17, as these are wider, and much less cost also. The Brooks Team Pro
is in between the two in width, and this too is actually a quite slender
saddle.

Most people I've ever heard who bought a B-17 loved them. I can't
personally recall anyone calling the B-17 an Ass Hatchet.

Mine was a terrible ass hatchet, so was the "Professional" I tried
before it. Both saddles gave me 1,000 miles of misery before I gave up.

Saddles are completely personal, there's no way you can predict what
will work without trying.

Bob Palermo said:

Hi,

When I bought my road bike, it came with a low end Sella San Marco saddle
that had hard edges that cut into my thighs. I quickly replaced it with a
Selle Italia Flite. The shape was great, and the edges are soft. It was fine
for my "sit" bones but it was too hard on the more "sensitive" area just
behind my privates. (There must be a name for that area but I don't know
it.) Anyway, I returned it for a Selle Italia Flite Gel. It's the same shape
as the Flite and I find it a little softer. I rode the season with it,
taking a month to dial it in. Dialed in, it was passable but never
comfortable in that area. Now that I'm riding it on my trainer, it's real
uncomfortable.

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are
hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a survey of favorite
saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the
"flite" line (ie: good feel as far as position and pedaling stroke but a
little too hard) and found a good alternative.

I like the Flite type saddles, they work for me. Flites are flat across
the back and flat front to back. I like the front to back flatness,
saddles that sag (like Brooks) cause me to get sore where you do
(perineum) -- so perhaps, contrary-wise they might work for you. My wife
loves the WTB "SST" off-road saddles, even on her road bike, they have a
noticeable front to back sag, I find them uncomfortable. Another thing
you might try is the Terry saddles, they look similar to Flite in the
back but perhaps with more sag. It's a trial & error thing I'm afraid.

Quoted message said:

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a
survey of favorite saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the "flite" line (ie: good feel as far as
position and pedaling stroke but a little too hard) and found a good alternative.

If you like the Flite i think you're best of with the Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow.
This is the type with a cut-out (http://www.glorycycles.com/selitflitgel.html)
to prevent pressure on your "sensitive" area. I used to ride Selle San Marco
Rolls untill i got a sleepy wheepy. Tried several brands and types of saddles
and ended up with the Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow. I also use the Selle Italia
Max Flite Gel Flow which is basicly the same shape but a bit wider and it
has more suspension due to different mounting of the saddle on the rails.

"Bob Palermo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi,

When I bought my road bike, it came with a low end Sella San Marco saddle that had hard edges that cut into my thighs. I quickly
replaced it with a Selle Italia Flite. The shape was great, and the edges are soft. It was fine for my "sit" bones but it was too
hard on the more "sensitive" area just behind my privates. (There must be a name for that area but I don't know it.) Anyway, I
returned it for a Selle Italia Flite Gel. It's the same shape as the Flite and I find it a little softer. I rode the season with
it, taking a month to dial it in. Dialed in, it was passable but never comfortable in that area. Now that I'm riding it on my
trainer, it's real uncomfortable.

So I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on alternatives. I know there are hundreds of saddles out there so I'm not wanting a
survey of favorite saddles. I'm hoping someone out there has had similar experience with the "flite" line (ie: good feel as far as
position and pedaling stroke but a little too hard) and found a good alternative.

Let me add that I'm 50 yrs old, 5'9" 140 lbs, ride about 3 times per week, with typical rides being 25 - 40 miles at average
speeds of 18 - 20 mph. Also, the saddle on my mountain bike (which I don't ride very often since I got my new road bike) is a
Vetta "flex" that came with the bike. It's more padded (foam padding?) than the Flite Gel, but not as versatile for positioning. I
find it comfortable to ride but I don't think it's a viable alternative for my road bike.

Thanks for any ideas and suggestions.

Bob P.

Agreed Peter, no two people will have the same likes/needs. They sure
all do feel just great slipping them between your legs in a store. Once
mounted/weight is placed on them though, it can be a different story.
Mark