Saddle issues..

johnscleary

I've been riding a Spesh Taupe since my bike build, but on longer rides Im finding the race profile of this saddle a bit harsh on my arse, and although the bike is a Roubaix, because of the varying quality of road surfaces here, I feel Im taking more than my share of punishment in the seat.
Any advice on more comfortable saddles?Seems to be a huge variety of gel saddles out there and Id like to hear what's working best for other riders that may have experienced similar problems.
Regards
JohnC

skyd0g

Before looking to change the saddle, I take it you are already using padded shorts (possibly also with chamois cream)?
And in addition to the above are you already totally comfortable with your position on the bike?

In terms of the pain in the ar*e, what bit is hurting? After how long a ride?
Is it the sit bones, or the Perry Como area? Elsewhere?

The Spesh Taupe hasn't been particularly well rated for its' comfort but I wouldn't necessarily rush towards gel saddles exclusively.

Saddles that appear to be highly rated are the Charge Spoon and Selle Italia Flite for their comfort (even though they have relatively little padding) and also the Brookes range - all of which don't use gel.

IMHO (generally) gel saddles provide short-term comfort, but a better shaped saddle made from quality materials is more comfortable longer-term. 8)

jordan_217

IME the Taupe is a deceptively comfortable saddle. It's on my Tri bike. On a training ride I can stay on it for up to 2.5 hours without any issues. However, when racing I feel pressure/numbness in my sitbone after 1 hour. This is definitely caused by the lack of padding in my Tri suit.

It may be worth looking for shorts with a more comfortable chamois and/or using chamois cream (as skyd0g suggested). If you do find that the saddle shape suits you but you do want that little bit of extra padding then it may be worth checking out the Spesh Alias. I use this on my other bike and its excellent!

GyatsoLa

I agree with the above comments, discomfort down below can be caused by a lot of different things, not just the saddle. Cheaper first to investigate a good pair of padded shorts/bibs (bibs are better), then look at using Assos Cream. also, check that the saddle isn't too high (a common source of problems) and that you have it exactly level and properly clamped in place. It might also be worth experimenting with shifting it back or forwards - sometimes inexperienced riders simply place themselves on the wrong position - usually too far forward on the main seating area. Only if all these don't work, look to a new saddle.

In terms of gel saddles, one that is worth looking at is the Fizik Rhondine. Its a more padded version of the very popular Arione series. Its very comfy for short to medium rides, but like all padded saddles, gets a bit hot for a long ride.

johnscleary

Well, I appreciate all of the above advice and commentary.
I'm riding with a physiological problem caused by a heavy fall a number of years ago-along with damage to vertebrae and my pelvis(bone damage all now healed)I've been contending with the commensurate soft tissue damage, which from time to time flares up and causes minor pain/discomfort.
This manifests in numbness on the right side of my pelvis in a small area, particularly after a hard ride and compounded by the aforementioned poor road surfaces.
My riding position is as near perfect as dammit, tweaked over a few years to accomodate age and ability etc-you guys know the score-my physio has discussed this with me and the advice is obviously to keep exercising and all the rest.
I think that its certainly pertinent to have a look at better bibs than what Ive been using, and Im not a regular user of chamois cream but I'll have a try-any suggestions for bibs?
I'd be prepared to spend a decent amount on them if I could get a solid consensus on what the best are-Assos/Giordana/Altura?
Thanks!

skyd0g

From what you say, in your case, I'd look at the following options.
Possibly try a slightly larger tyre size (rear only) say, move from 23mm to 25mm.
A better pair of bibs try here :
http://www.prendas.co.uk/default.asp
for a good range, without going too expensive.
And, as you suggested a look at gel saddles.

*thought* Do you think the pain may be caused by "over-excercising"?

johnscleary

I run a farm, so my daily routine involves a lot of physical work, lifting, pulling and pushing, and so-on, so it may certainly be the case that on an evening run, after a day's work, I might be feeling a bit tired or whatever-you know how it is though, when you want to get out on the road you just have to do it, however you might be feeling.
I don't do big mileage per week, just try to be consistent in getting out maybe 3 week evenings and a longer run on sundays.
The work I do obviously gets in the way, not being a 9 to 5 type job.
So I guess there are plenty of factors at play, and naturally neither my chiro nor my physio and certainly not my gp(trot off to the chemist for some anti-inflammatories now theres a good lad)seem to agree on anything bar this-that if I wasn't exercising as much as I am I'd be fairly screwed.
So thanks to all of you for the replies-it will be trial and error I imagine, and hopefully I'll solve the problem one way or another.