trentnix wrote:
bazilbrush wrote:
I just had a road bike fit done and the fitter performed saddle pressure mapping as part of the fit. This isn't something I have read much about on here and I found it really useful (far more objective than rotating quickly through 10 saddles and asking "how does that feel? Any better?"). Basically they place a pressure pad over the saddle of the fit bike and take a look at where your weight is distributed across the saddle/ where your sit bones are while you ride and are able to see if your weight is distributed evenly or if you have far too much pressure in certain areas.
In my case, the fitter identified that I had far too much pressure on the nose of my current saddle (an ISM Road) and, by switching saddles and comparing the pressure map, was able to identify a much better suited saddle very quickly. I ended up on a saddle that I would never have expected to be riding (a Bontrager Montrose), positioned in a completely different part of the seat and with a far less angry looking pressure map (much less bright red on the map). Time will tell if this is the perfect saddle, but it sure seemed a lot less haphazard than previous approaches.
I'm curious how many of you have had saddle pressure maps done during fits and why this technology isn't discussed more on ST? Is it unproven/ new technology or are there mixed schools of thought as to whether it works? It sure seems a lot cheaper than my previous approach of buying more and more saddles and hoping that one works out.
I am skeptical of pressure mapping technology as tool that can be used to determine which saddle works best for a rider. I think they are very descriptive but not prescriptive, and that's where any real value would be. And as others pointed out, what does it mean when you have "far too much pressure in certain areas" and what did the saddle mapping technology tell you that you were unable to determine by feel?
There just simply isn't a replacement for an informed fitter having the rider ride on a saddle and provide feedback, and I just don't think gebioMized will influence that process much.
That said, I know several fitters I respect that speak highly of saddle pressure mapping (specifically, gebioMized), so take my skepticism with a grain of salt. I've strongly considered purchasing to see if more experience with it changes my opinion, but haven't been able to justify the expense so far.
No tool ought to be prescriptive. There are too many variables for current systems to correctly relate. Most people can't, but some people can.
Pressure mapping is a tool.
It allows the fitter to see what the subject is describing.
Instead of "Oh, the front of the saddle might have some pressure on it" or "No, everything feels OK, I guess" responses from the rider, the fitter can see what that means.
To the OP:
The fact of the matter is that the technology isn't cheap (nor is it expensive) therefore it's not ubiquitous. Additionally, it's information that is somewhat tough to utilize correctly. The majority of fitters want a tool to tell them what to do, to make them look like experts, to make the job easier. Most are unable to actually make decisions when presented with information that is outside the box.
*Caveat: I believe there are too many fitters who really shouldn't be fitting bikes. [/grumpyness]
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