Saddle pain
scott5
Posts: 83
Hi there, first ever question. I'm looking for a way to reduce saddle pain. As the original seat on my bike snapped in half after about 3000km or so I got a replacement. Although the new saddle was the same as the old saddle it never felt right and became quite uncomfortable. So I replaced it with a prologo saddle. Still the same sort of problem keeps happening. On my body, there is a point between the 2 seat bones and the pressure build up after about 20km it quite immense. It feels like im putting so much weight there. Could this be as simple as raising the saddle up a bit to put more weight on the feet? :
Thanks
Scott
Thanks
Scott
0
Posts
Have you tried adjusting it at all?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sell ... lsrc=aw.ds
Seems like I was using the wrong height by quite a few cm's.
So I used Lemond's formula (inseam x 0.883cm) which based on my height/inseam recommends a 71.5cm top of saddle to bottom bracket. From there I experimented and ended up with 73cm. Also I use my handlebars on the top position which is less aero but more relaxed which could have also helped.
To simply answer your question, will raising the saddle up a bit put more weight on the feet? No. Increasing saddle height will make it worse.
New saddles even when exactly the same as the old, are not quite the same in terms of comfort and in my experience do need a week or so to 'break in. My first question to you is, are you mistaking saddle pain for saddle sores? Those small lesions that look a bit like a zit on your undercarriage. We all suffer these at some stage and this website advice is as good as any...
http://cyclinguphill.com/saddle-sore/
To add, throw away bibtights / shorts if saddle sores keep re-occuring. Chamois do wear out quite discretely, even expensive ones. Don't suffer like I did, because I was to mean / stupid to admit my two pair of shorts were worn out.
Let's assume it is not saddle soreness, then the second question is, how did you get the new saddle went back on your bike in exactly the same place in terms of height and forward / aft position? Even +/-2.5mm difference will make a big change in body angles and comfort. If you did take measurements before removing your broken saddle, then maybe your new saddle is simply not suited to you.
Ultimately, where this is all heading is, bike-fit. Whether you work out how to get bck to being comfortable yourself or get professional help is your choice. There's plenty of advice here on who to go for bike fits here on the BR forums. But here is a starter for £11.04 to help give you some knowledge as regards to what a good bike-fit is. It may even provide you with the solution.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bike-Fit-Optimise-performance-avoidance/dp/1408190303
My best advice would be to go for a bike fit, rather than trying to do it yourself. Aside from knowledge, it is skill and experience that counts. It is a combination of all three elements that you pay for with a bike-fit. £150-£250+ for a 2hr - 4hr consultation is a lot of money, and maybe even more if your saddle, bar width, stem length and ultimately bike are wrong. But, blingy bits, big watts and the right nutrition are of no value if you are not comfortable riding your bike,
Hope this helps.
Ski to live
This is good advice, i had a saddle that was too narrow and it was very painful. Plenty of guides on the web how to measure sit bones.
Thanks for the replies and advice. I moved the seat forward about 1-1.5cm and after a 2 hour ride no pain.
However new problem arose with losing feeling in my fingers and thumb. I bought a copy of Bike Fit: Optimise your bike and that has given a few insights. So I think as soon as I can afford it a bike fit is on the cards.
Thanks for the help
Scott
That makes sense. You're probably sitting a little further back on your saddle, so effectively a bit wider. But, also a little further forward possibly with more weight on your hands. It if was me, I'd consider saddle angle... maybe nose up just a fraction.
What really helped me was
A brooks leather saddle - which looks a bit strange on a carbon bike - but I couldn't get comfy on anything else
Chamois cream
From what you have said yours sounds more like a fitting issue. But just thought I d pass the above on in case it helps
On problem with that (and I have had it done) - is that some of the guys in the shops ....and elsewhere - is matching the measurement to the saddle - although you may measure 143 - I've heard it said you need the next saddle up. IT didn't work for me - a much, much wider brooks saddle did !!!!