Another saddle thread
Discussion
I've seen the other threads and they've been interesting, I've learnt some stuff but I have some questions. Firstly, some background.
I have a Specialized Romin Expert 2011 model, which came with my Tarmac SL3. We don't get along and never did. I think it might be too big, 98% certain it is 155mm: linky but bike isn't in my house right now to double check.
I consistently get pain around the perineum, feels like the pubic arch at exactly 30 miles into any ride. FYI I use Assos saddle cream. From 60 miles up the pain is excruciating and I'm sliding back and forward, up on the pedals, like a madman. By around 80, the area is completely raw and at 100 I feel like I've been incinerated with too much pain to do anything about it. Unlike other saddles in the past, there doesn't appear to be any numbness but that's probably because I am moving around so much.
Clearly something is amiss and I've decided to bite the bullet and buy a new saddle. I see this isn't an easy thing to do but I've managed to measure my 'sit-bones', which are 130mm. This puts me at the top end of medium. Now I found another linky to a Specialized recommended saddle width chart. It appears that my 130mm arse should have a 143mm saddle.
All well and good but I think I want this but the width is 134mm. There doesn't appear to be any other sizes.
Will it fit me and is it just the unique design of the saddle that makes it thinner/one size?
Many thanks
I have a Specialized Romin Expert 2011 model, which came with my Tarmac SL3. We don't get along and never did. I think it might be too big, 98% certain it is 155mm: linky but bike isn't in my house right now to double check.
I consistently get pain around the perineum, feels like the pubic arch at exactly 30 miles into any ride. FYI I use Assos saddle cream. From 60 miles up the pain is excruciating and I'm sliding back and forward, up on the pedals, like a madman. By around 80, the area is completely raw and at 100 I feel like I've been incinerated with too much pain to do anything about it. Unlike other saddles in the past, there doesn't appear to be any numbness but that's probably because I am moving around so much.
Clearly something is amiss and I've decided to bite the bullet and buy a new saddle. I see this isn't an easy thing to do but I've managed to measure my 'sit-bones', which are 130mm. This puts me at the top end of medium. Now I found another linky to a Specialized recommended saddle width chart. It appears that my 130mm arse should have a 143mm saddle.
All well and good but I think I want this but the width is 134mm. There doesn't appear to be any other sizes.
Will it fit me and is it just the unique design of the saddle that makes it thinner/one size?
Many thanks
Obvious question but could it be your shorts?
If you are sure it is the saddle I would suggest a trip to your (decent) LBS for a proper measure up and try out a few saddles. A good friend of mine bought a CAAD10 about 6 weeks ago and could not get on with the saddle (IMHO he just needed a liberal application of rule 5). 7Hundred in Windsor measured him up and made a couple of saddle recommendations, then let him borrow a couple of test saddles to try out on his bike over a couple of weeks. We did a number of test rides and the saddle that should be been the most uncomfortable (on paper), turned out to be the saddle he found most comfortable and ended up buying (Antares).
Try before you buy, otherwise you could end up with a shed full of 'barely used' saddles!!
If you are sure it is the saddle I would suggest a trip to your (decent) LBS for a proper measure up and try out a few saddles. A good friend of mine bought a CAAD10 about 6 weeks ago and could not get on with the saddle (IMHO he just needed a liberal application of rule 5). 7Hundred in Windsor measured him up and made a couple of saddle recommendations, then let him borrow a couple of test saddles to try out on his bike over a couple of weeks. We did a number of test rides and the saddle that should be been the most uncomfortable (on paper), turned out to be the saddle he found most comfortable and ended up buying (Antares).
Try before you buy, otherwise you could end up with a shed full of 'barely used' saddles!!
Yes, I did think of that but no, I've tried four different pairs now. I normally use Castelli Aero bib shorts and we now have a new team kit from Bio-Racer and the same thing happens with that.
On another thread I mentioned that I'd had a fit about 2 years ago at Sigma using the Specialized BG Fit so I have all the shoe inserts, shims and the rest of it. Bike position is normally very comfortable elsewhere on the body but not on my arse!
At first I thought my position was wrong and I was over-rotating my hips, forcing weight onto my arms and perineum instead of my sit bones but I've made a conscious effort to move my weight back and relax my arms, feeling all three points of contact on the seat. It still doesn't help.
I agree with your theory but wanted to buy a saddle and then have myself set-up again with a new fitting. Sigma will allow me to buy the saddle and return it if I don't damage it, as will Wiggle but with them I need to be careful that the packaging isn't opened
Also for me to test the saddle I'm going to have to do 30 miles+...
On another thread I mentioned that I'd had a fit about 2 years ago at Sigma using the Specialized BG Fit so I have all the shoe inserts, shims and the rest of it. Bike position is normally very comfortable elsewhere on the body but not on my arse!
At first I thought my position was wrong and I was over-rotating my hips, forcing weight onto my arms and perineum instead of my sit bones but I've made a conscious effort to move my weight back and relax my arms, feeling all three points of contact on the seat. It still doesn't help.
I agree with your theory but wanted to buy a saddle and then have myself set-up again with a new fitting. Sigma will allow me to buy the saddle and return it if I don't damage it, as will Wiggle but with them I need to be careful that the packaging isn't opened
Also for me to test the saddle I'm going to have to do 30 miles+...As you have no doubt already read it its such a subjective thing, the guides are not gospel they just a point of reference.
From painful experience you need to try before you buy, personally I would pop back to sigma and state your issue with the bg fit as the saddle is part of it and see if you can either try some on the turbo or rollers to see if you feel an immediate change.
You have already looked at most of the options so stop faffing about and try a different one
From painful experience you need to try before you buy, personally I would pop back to sigma and state your issue with the bg fit as the saddle is part of it and see if you can either try some on the turbo or rollers to see if you feel an immediate change.
You have already looked at most of the options so stop faffing about and try a different one
If you have pain issues around the perenium then I recommend getting your arse measured!
Pubic bone pain is usually caused by a saddle that is too narrow. The reasoning behind that is that if the saddle is too narrow your sit bones aren't supported anywhere near enough (sometimes not at all). When you lean forwards as you peddle you are tilting your pelvis forward which causes your pubic arch to press on the saddle nose.
Have a look into something like an SQ Lab saddle. These are based on medical fact and have different shapes and angles to other saddles which will stop your sensitives hurting.
Definitely worth a look!
Pubic bone pain is usually caused by a saddle that is too narrow. The reasoning behind that is that if the saddle is too narrow your sit bones aren't supported anywhere near enough (sometimes not at all). When you lean forwards as you peddle you are tilting your pelvis forward which causes your pubic arch to press on the saddle nose.
Have a look into something like an SQ Lab saddle. These are based on medical fact and have different shapes and angles to other saddles which will stop your sensitives hurting.
Definitely worth a look!
Interesting thoughts re the saddle actually being too thin. I did think this when I first got pain but reading more changed my view. A measuring is most definitely in order.
I did have the nose further down and this led to numbness in the groin. Tweaking it up using a spirit level removed the numbness but introduced the perineum issues.
I'm going for a Retul fit on Tuesday morning so all shall be revealed....
I did have the nose further down and this led to numbness in the groin. Tweaking it up using a spirit level removed the numbness but introduced the perineum issues.
I'm going for a Retul fit on Tuesday morning so all shall be revealed....
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