Uncomfortable Saddle After How Long?

maviczap wrote:

Go get a bike fit and see if the fitter can see what might be causing the problem.

One in my area does a bike fit option to sort a saddle out, and does Selle SMP test saddles, and I know one of the phyios at the Boardman prrfperform centre also does them, or did when she was working at her own practice in Essex. I forget her name right now.

I'm having a similar issue with my Fizik Aliante Vs which was my saddle of choice, but lately it's causing discomfort over longer rides.

I've considered a bike fit a number of times but never really felt the need I guess. I have a Specialized store fairly near to me & I think they do saddle tests so that could be an option if I didn't want to get a full fit.

I gues it's just a case of trial & error to see what's what but either way it's a bit frustrating.

peted76 wrote:

Something's not quite right for sure. You should be able to find a saddle which while not 'comfortable' (unless you go for a brooks) they should be bearable enough not to cause much thought.

You'll find 'most' decent local bike shops will have saddles for loaning out to test. 

Saddle height could be an issue, as could an imbalance in leg length or even something as your saddle fore/aft position not being right. As also mentioned it might just be your shorts? I've got shorts which I can wear for 90mins, beyond that they are torture. I've got a specific long distance pair as well which are pretty plush.

Shorts - as above same here.

As for bearable I'm just not sure if I'm being too soft & that's just the way it is. Don't get me wrong after say 60 miles my backside is pretty sore but it's not absolute agony & it's not gonna ruin my life. I guess that's what I need to figure out.

Some really good points here, thanks all.

I'm thinking the 1st port of call might be to get a different saddle off eBay to try out & take it from there. Specialized seem to get a good rap & I also used Selle Italia a few years ago which I got on with albeit I wasn't riding for as long as I do now.

Yorkshie Whippet wrote:

Have a look at what at what you are wearing.

I had an issue and found out one leg was shorter than the other. A wedge in the cleat allowed me to ride for hour with no issues. That was until I change shorts and it was back to being murdered, quick test with one manufactuer and I was fine, whilst another left me wanting.

Good point.

I like Castelli shorts & usually save my higher end shorts with the better pad for long rides but even this doesn't stop my backside being sore after 3+ hours.

Yorkshie Whippet wrote:

Have a look at what at what you are wearing.

I had an issue and found out one leg was shorter than the other. A wedge in the cleat allowed me to ride for hour with no issues. That was until I change shorts and it was back to being murdered, quick test with one manufactuer and I was fine, whilst another left me wanting.

How did you find out about your leg length imbalance as a matter of interest? Bike fit?

dottigirl wrote:

Where, exactly, are you getting sore/pain?

Is the saddle the correct width for your sit bones?

Is the saddle level or nose slightly pointed down?

Do you ride in an aggressive or relaxed position?

BTW,  some saddle issues can come from the saddle being too high.

 

Pain is in sit bones primarily.

I think so, it 142mm wide & my sit bones are approx 110-115mm (not measured scientifically though)

Relaxed upright postion more than anyhting, not much time in the drops, mainly on the hoods. 

Pretty sure saddle height is OK but again not had a bike fit or anything.