Saddle woes

nialljf

I have very bad discomfort on the saddle. I've tried 5 or 6 saddles now, ranging in quality from stock saddle, to well-rated Charge Spoon, to several Fizik shapes. I recently had very bad and constant inflammation from cycling. After several weeks, I went to pharmacist who gave me anti-fungal cream, which worked well. I took 2 weeks off the bike to allow the inflammation to clear up. I've been back on the bike twice now, for just an hour at a time, and the same tenderness and sensitivity has reoccurred.

Any ideas? Keep trying different saddles? I feel like I've tried a good variety of shapes and sizes. I have good padded shorts, good bike fit, good hygiene, etc. I'm wondering if this is some kind of dermatological issue, and if a trip to the doctor would be worthwhile. This is a very annoying position, as I do lots of cycling.

jamesd

Have you tried a brooks b17 saddle ?

nialljf

jamesd wrote: »

Have you tried a brooks b17 saddle ?

i haven't, no. what's the deal--the saddle breaks in to fit you after a few rides?

Wishbone Ash

Yes, the leather eventually adapts to your shape and its very comfortable for long rides - hence favoured by most audax riders. It does take more than a few rides to break it in though - for me it was well over 1,000kms.

In saying that, it does sound like you have a greater underlying problem than with saddles alone.

gaffmaster

Have you changed your saddle height/position or tried new shorts recently?

I have a pair of winter tights that 'rub me up the wrong way'!! I think... but then, I have a new winter bike, so I can't be absolutely sure my issues are with the tights alone.

jimmy blevins

I tried my best to get along with a fizik ardea saddle, which seem to get great reviews, but found it too hard and wide.
Currently use a selle Italia c2 with no problems.

07Lapierre

You've tried different saddles and the problem is still there?

To me, that suggests that the problem may not be the saddle itself, but maybe saddle position?

Maybe your saddle is too high, or too low? Is your saddle level? Too far forward? Or too far back?

All the above can cause discomfort.

arybvtcw0eolkf

The B17 is very comfortable, after awhile!.. But I blistered and had to take a week or ten days out of the saddle to let it heal (during the break in period), so it may not be for you OP.

Plus they're heavy & expensive.

Have you tried different cycling pants?.

boardbeer

nialljf wrote: »

i haven't, no. what's the deal--the saddle breaks in to fit you after a few rides?

I think its the other way around: your arse breaks in to fit the saddle. Having said that, I switched to B17 three weeks ago, and its been a joy from day one.

Cee-Jay-Cee

I know you said you had a bike fit dine but maybe try lowering your saddle 1cm and see how you get on. My saddle is 15mm lower than the saddle height recommended to me in a bike fit. I hated it and after several weeks input it back to where it was previously. I have no comfort or knee problems even on 4hr+ rides. Lowering your saddle will take some of the weight of your sit bones and may offer some relief on longer rides.

Plastik

Are you using chamois cream before your spins?

FISMA.

nialljf wrote: »

Any ideas? Keep trying different saddles? I feel like I've tried a good variety of shapes and sizes. I have good padded shorts, good bike fit, good hygiene, etc.

Are you using a chamois creme? Like Assos?

Aside from that, could you be allergic to the materials in the shorts?

Also, it does take some miles to toughen up down there, especially when you've been on haitus.

Arthurdaly

Have you measured your sit bones to ensure your saddle width is correct? I was riding a 131mm Sella Italia and it was killing me. Gave up on that saddle and went into cycleways and they measured my sit bones, I should have been riding a 143mm. Got myself a 143mm specialized Romin and never notice the thing.

Brian?

Have you had a bike fit done? No saddle will be right if your bike fit is off.

magicbastarder

Arthurdaly wrote: »

Have you measured your sit bones to ensure your saddle width is correct? I was riding a 131mm Sella Italia and it was killing me. Gave up on that saddle and went into cycleways and they measured my sit bones, I should have been riding a 143mm. Got myself a 143mm specialized Romin and never notice the thing.

how did they do that? getting your ass measured in a shop does not sound like a dignified procedure.

secman

Arthurdaly wrote: »

Have you measured your sit bones to ensure your saddle width is correct? I was riding a 131mm Sella Italia and it was killing me. Gave up on that saddle and went into cycleways and they measured my sit bones, I should have been riding a 143mm. Got myself a 143mm specialized Romin and never notice the thing.

The long way around telling us you have a big ass

Arthurdaly

magicbastarder wrote: »

how did they do that? getting your ass measured in a shop does not sound like a dignified procedure.

Ha, its all very discreet! You sit on a piece of foam which they use to check your measurements, very useful piece of into to know how fat/wide your ass is. Correct size make a huge difference. BTW I'm a medium, there is a 155mm!

Brian?

magicbastarder wrote: »

how did they do that? getting your ass measured in a shop does not sound like a dignified procedure.

You can do it at home by sitting on some tin foil.

NiallBoo

Arthurdaly wrote: »

Ha, its all very discreet! You sit on a piece of foam which they use to check your measurements, very useful piece of into to know how fat/wide your ass is. Correct size make a huge difference. BTW I'm a medium, there is a 155mm!

ha!

Just for OPs benefit, it's a measure of the distance between your sit bones. It's a purely skeletal thing and has nothing to do with how wide/fat/muscular your arse is!

I'm surprised you've gone through so many saddles without the shop suggesting you get measured.

Techo

Brian? wrote: »

Have you had a bike fit done? No saddle will be right if your bike fit is off.

+1

Have had the same trouble as OP and tried several saddles. Had a few bike fits and didn't make much difference. Lately, I got a Retul bike fit done with Shane Foley, based in CSS, and ended up getting a Selle SMP Lite 109 saddle. The difference in comfort is like night and day. Have only tested it a few times and no aches or numbness. It's not cheap but for me it was worth it as I'm now enjoying cycling again.

CramCycle

magicbastarder wrote: »

how did they do that? getting your ass measured in a shop does not sound like a dignified procedure.

It's like when the tailor keeps cupping you as he measures you up, has to be done :pac:

boardbeer

CramCycle wrote: »

It's like when the tailor keeps cupping you as he measures you up, has to be done :pac:

"Yes, yes, it is - in prison!"