Guys - saddle discomfort?

Ngalbrai

This is definitely going to fall into the "too much information" category but some fellow male commuter cyclists advice would be appreciated.

Have been experiencing some saddle discomfort recently. Have the standard body geometry one that comes on the sirrus. It’s about 4 years old now.

Have recently been getting some numbness, not in the important region, on my actual arse. Also some uncomfortable chaffing on my inner thigh. Seems weird to me that I should start getting this all of a sudden, haven't changed seat height or angle/clothing (padded lycra).

I was wondering, is it because my saddle has worn and so become less padded/supportive?

Anyone else shared this problem?

Any recommended alternative saddles?

Fancy a Brooks and would be interested to know:

How long/far did it take to break in?
Is it considerably more comfortable?
How does it bear up under fairly regularly being rained on?
Which one have you got?
What maintenance is required?
Is it cooler on the old nether regions than a plastic one?

Oh, lots of questions then…

redddraggon

Ngalbrai wrote:

Have recently been getting some numbness, not in the important region, on my actual ars*. Also some uncomfortable chaffing on my inner thigh.

Sounds like the saddle is too wide or wrongly positioned for the chafing. I find narrow and hard saddles more comfortable than soft wide saddles.

Ngalbrai wrote:

Any recommended alternative saddles?

Selle Italia Flite

hamboman

skin's more prone to becoming drier in colder weather, such as we have now

andrewc3142

How long/far did it take to break in? - Surprisingly comfortable from the outset but better after a few months. The 'aged' ones are supposed to break in quicker but no personal experience of these
Is it considerably more comfortable? - Compared to the fairly basic Selle on my Condor road bike, no, not really
How does it bear up under fairly regularly being rained on? - Not very well at all. Stick a plastic bag underneath to use as a cover.
Which one have you got? Team Pro on my Super Galaxy tourer (in the past had a B17 narrow and happy with it)
What maintenance is required? - Just some of the Brooks cream every now and then
Is it cooler on the old nether regions than a plastic one? - Not so as I've noticed

They are also quite heavy if that's a consideration.

Also, if you shop around on the net you'll find vast differences in the prices.

Sounds perhaps as if the problem is getting back on after a break (if you don't ride through the winter) or the effect of the cold (if you do), in which case the solution lies elsewhere.

FWIW if/when I upgrade the saddle on my road bike I'll almost certainly go for the Fizik Aliante or the Arione rather than a Brooks.

tardington

I've got a BG sport saddle that I've had for ages. Never had any problems, except it's starting to fall apart a bit. Maybe try moving it back slightly? Mine was a bit uncomfy at first, as I had it too far forward.

cee

no ive been lucky i guess with a bg saddle (on my second, i got on so well with the first one which exploded during a crash)

geocycle

There are lots of Brooks threads and always produce a marmite-like split. I love mine but would admit to it taking nearly 1000 miles before I felt it was really 'personalised' -most folks would suggest much less. I've seen it said that a 50m run will break it in more quickly than ten 5 mile commutes as it moulds to your shape when warm. It forces you to get it absolutely right in terms of set up or you'll slip forward, back, or side-to-side which is one of the reasons it is so comfortable. After some 6k miles I've just adjusted the tension bolt and for a few rides afterwards it felt like I was wearing someone elses shoes -now its back to the feel of a favourite chesterfield.

always_tyred

I don't think you should go for a new saddle right away if that one's been fine for years, because choosing a saddle is very hit and miss.

It really does sound like you are now sitting off centre for some reason. How are your lower back, glutes, ham strings? any of those muscle groups can influence where your most comfortable reach is, or the angle of your hips. Any reason your strength, flexibility might have changed in these areas?

A couple of other questions to ask: Are you sure the saddle hasn't slipped backwards over time? If you have clipless pedals, are your cleats in the same position? Have you changed the position of your bars or controls at all? (Obvious, but worth elimiating before going off to buy a ball breaker saddle)

Ngalbrai

Thanks for the input guys.

Will have a look at saddle recommendations, but Always Tyred hit the nail on the head i think. A while ago i turned the stem the other way round to lower the handlebars, I now prefer the more racey position but did find myself constantly slipping forwards on the seat. Moved the seat forwards slightly to make sure the padded bits were where they should be. Could be this change in setup has taken a while to manifest itself in discomfort. As far as back and hamstrings, really need to do some stretching on the hamstrings as am laughably inflexible (only 32) I guess this tightness may also be effecting my ars* comfort?

With regard to the cold, my profile details lie, I now live in Sydney (q about rain was relevant, we have had the wettest summer in years here..) but haven't worked out how to change my profile to reflect that - ??

Given the comments on the Brooks saddle might not go that route.