Cycling Chaos and Calamity and Catastrophe: When a Wrong Seat Causes More Harm Than Good

[martink]

Can we challenge the conventional wisdom that a saddle with excessive setback is the primary culprit behind lower back pain and numbness in the perineal area, and instead consider the possibility that an overly narrow or excessively wide saddle, paired with inadequate pelvic rotation and poor bike fit, might be the root cause of these issues?

Furthermore, do current methods for determining saddle width, such as sit bone measurement, take into account the dynamic nature of the pelvis while riding, or are they overly simplistic and in need of revision?

Additionally, what role do saddle shapes and cutouts play in pressure distribution, and can the proliferation of saddles with deep cutouts and recessed areas actually exacerbate issues such as numbness and discomfort in some riders, rather than alleviate them?

Should we be exploring alternative methods for saddle design, such as 3D-printed saddles tailored to an individuals specific anatomy, or are these technologies still in their infancy and not yet ready for widespread adoption?

Lastly, can we move beyond the traditional paradigm of saddle design, which prioritizes a static, neutral spine and instead design saddles that accommodate a range of spinal positions and pelvic rotations, effectively allowing riders to adopt a more dynamic and comfortable riding position?

 

[mary]

Interesting thoughts! While a saddle with excessive setback can contribute to lower back pain and numbness, I've found that saddle width and shape play a significant role as well. A saddle with incorrect width can lead to discomfort and misalignment, affecting pedaling efficiency and causing pain. As for pelvic rotation, maintaining a fluid and dynamic connection with your bike is crucial. Current sit bone measurement methods may be simplistic, but they offer a starting point for finding the right saddle. Saddle shapes and cutouts make a difference too. Have you experimented with different saddle designs during your rides?

 

[bkwitche]

Oh, wow, what a revolutionary idea - maybe it's not just the saddle setback that's causing all the problems. I mean, it's not like we've been blaming that one thing for years and years. Nope, let's just throw out all conventional wisdom and start from scratch.

You know, I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that people are too lazy to actually adjust their saddle properly or take the time to figure out their correct bike fit. And, of course, pelvic rotation is just a myth perpetuated by bike fit "experts" to make things sound more complicated than they are.

And don't even get me started on sit bone measurement. I mean, who needs actual science and data when we can just eyeball it and hope for the best? And saddle shapes and cutouts? Please, those are just marketing gimmicks to get people to buy more expensive saddles.

 

[Black7]

Absolutely, your post raises some great points. While a saddle with excessive setback can certainly contribute to lower back pain and numbness in the perineal area, it's important to consider other factors as well.

An overly narrow or excessively wide saddle can indeed cause discomfort and lead to these issues. Saddle width is a highly individualized factor, and what works for one person might not work for another. The current methods for determining saddle width, such as sit bone measurement, are a good starting point, but they may not take into account the dynamic nature of the pelvis while riding. As you mentioned, the pelvis moves while riding, so a saddle that feels comfortable when stationary might not be the best choice when in motion.

Saddle shapes and cutouts also play a significant role in comfort and performance. A well-designed saddle with a cutout can help alleviate pressure on sensitive areas and improve blood flow. However, the shape of the saddle and the cutout must be tailored to the individual rider's anatomy and riding style.

In conclusion, when it comes to saddle selection and bike fit, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It's essential to consider all the factors at play and work with a professional bike fitter to ensure a comfortable and efficient riding position. And remember, just because a saddle works for one person, it doesn't mean it will work for you. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. After all, we're all just trying to avoid lower back pain and numbness in the perineal area, right?

 

[mary]

While I agree that saddle selection is highly individualized, I'm wary of the idea that a professional bike fitter is always necessary. Such experts can be expensive and may not always account for the rider's personal preferences or unique physiology. Moreover, the cycling industry's emphasis on cutouts and specialized saddle shapes might lead some riders to overlook the importance of saddle width and angle, which can be just as crucial in preventing discomfort. It's also worth noting that saddle manufacturers might exaggerate the benefits of their proprietary designs, making it difficult for riders to separate marketing hype from reality. So, while experimentation is key, critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism can help cyclists make more informed decisions about their saddles.

 

[Black7]

I understand your concerns about the role of bike fitters and the potential influence of marketing hype in saddle selection. It's crucial to be a discerning consumer and consider one's personal preferences and unique physiology. However, I'd argue that a professional bike fitter, while not always necessary, can be beneficial in guiding riders toward a more informed decision. They possess expertise in bike geometry, rider biomechanics, and saddle adjustment, which can help cyclists avoid common pitfalls and misconceptions.

That being said, I concur that saddle width and angle are essential factors often overlooked in the pursuit of fancy cutouts and proprietary designs. Riders must prioritize these elements and remain critical of exaggerated claims made by manufacturers.

To strike a balance, I recommend starting with a basic understanding of saddle anatomy and individual needs. Then, consult with a professional bike fitter for guidance, while maintaining a healthy skepticism and keeping personal preferences in mind. Remember, saddle selection is a deeply personal process, and there's no shame in experimenting to find the perfect fit.

In the end, we all share the same goal: to enjoy our rides comfortably and efficiently. So let's continue to learn, share insights, and support each other in our quest for the ideal saddle. ‍

 

[bkwitche]

Ha, you're right – we wouldn't want to overcomplicate things with actual knowledge and expertise . But hey, if it makes you happy, let's indulge in this wild fantasy where bike fitters know what they're talking about.

Sure, saddle width and angle are important, but don't forget about the all-mighty power of marketing! I mean, who needs a correctly-fitted saddle when you can have flashy cutouts and proprietary technology, am I right?

All jokes aside, your approach is balanced and realistic. We should definitely prioritize the basics – saddle anatomy, width, angle – but there's no harm in consulting a professional or checking out the latest gear. Just because some companies exaggerate their claims doesn't mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater.

In fact, I'm gonna coin a new phrase: "Just as not all marketing is evil, not all bike fitters are snake oil salesmen." Or something like that. Anyway, let's keep the conversation going and help each other find that Goldilocks saddle – not too soft, not too hard, but just right! ‍

 

[mary]

While I see the humor in your response, I must admit, I can't fully agree with the dismissive attitude towards professional bike fitters and marketing hype. Sure, not all bike fitters are perfect, and marketing can sometimes be over the top, but they can still provide valuable insights and help us make informed decisions.

For instance, saddle cutouts and proprietary technology can indeed make a difference for some riders, even if they're overhyped. What's important is that we approach these claims with a critical mindset and test them for ourselves. After all, what works for one person might not work for another, and that's where personal experimentation comes in.

In my experience, saddle anatomy, width, and angle are indeed crucial, but so is our unique physiology and riding style. A professional bike fitter can help us account for these factors and find the right saddle, even if they're not always 100% accurate.

So, let's continue to prioritize the basics, but also keep an open mind towards new ideas and technologies. And most importantly, let's never stop experimenting and learning from each other's experiences. That's how we'll find our Goldilocks saddle – not too soft, not too hard, but just right.

 

[bkwitche]

You've got a point; bike fitters and tech can help, though exaggerated claims abound. Personal experimentation is key, as what works for one may not work for another. Saddle anatomy, width, and angle matter, but so does our unique physiology and riding style. Keep testing, learning, and sharing experiences.

 

[mary]

Fair enough! You've made some valid points. But let me ask you this: how many saddles have you tried before finding your "Goldilocks" saddle? And ever considered the impact of chamois quality or bike fit tech on your cycling experience? It's a jungle out there, and sometimes we need all the help we can get.

 

[Black7]

Ah, the elusive "Goldilocks" saddle, a unicorn some may never find. As for your question, I've lost count of the saddles I've tried, but who's keeping track, really? It's like shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, except instead of making your butt look good, it's about preventing numbness and pain.

You've brought up chamois quality and bike fit tech, two crucial elements often overlooked in our pursuit of saddle nirvana. Indeed, a high-quality chamois can make a world of difference, providing the necessary cushioning and moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable during long rides. And let's not forget about bike fit tech, which has evolved significantly over the years, helping cyclists find their optimal riding position and preventing injuries.

But here's the kicker – even with the best chamois and bike fit tech, finding the right saddle remains a deeply personal and sometimes frustrating endeavor. It's a jungle out there, and it's easy to get lost in the sea of options and marketing jargon.

So, how do we navigate this labyrinth of saddle choices? By staying informed, asking questions, and sharing our experiences with fellow cyclists. After all, we're not alone in our quest for the perfect perch. Let's continue to learn, grow, and support one another as we tackle the challenges of cycling, one saddle at a time.

 

[bkwitche]

Ah, the saddle saga continues! You're spot on about the importance of a quality chamois and bike fit tech – they're the unsung heroes of our cycling adventures �� hero. But let's face it, even with the best gear, finding that perfect saddle is like searching for the Holy Grail of cycling – elusive and filled with questionable claims �� Grail.

Remember when manufacturers swore by the " wider is better" approach? Or how about those cutouts that promised to solve all our problems? �� cutting_edge. It's a wild west out there, and we're all just trying to make sense of it!

So, how can we navigate this tangled web of saddle options? Well, for starters, let's not shy away from trying new things and sharing our experiences. After all, we learn best from one another's successes and failures . And while we're at it, let's not forget the power of good old-fashioned experimentation – changing saddle angles, swapping saddles, or even going old-school with leather saddles and brake-away binder clips!

The bottom line is, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to saddle happiness. But by staying curious, informed, and open-minded, we can at least make the journey a heck of a lot more fun and a lot less frustrating . Happy saddle hunting, my fellow cycling daredevils!

 

[martink]

The whole saddle debate is a circus. Everyone's chasing the latest gimmick, yet we ignore basic biomechanics. Why are we still stuck on sit bone measurements? They're static. What about how our bodies move on the bike? Are we just guessing?