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saddle issues and bike fit issues
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so I finally got aerobars for my bike and all was good until I replaced my saddle. The old one had broken rails and was literally falling apart. New saddle and my clitoris is inflamed. I need about 3 days to recover from a 1-hour ride. I am using chamois cream in globs in that area and while I'm in discomfort on teh bike it isn't until I get off the bike that I realize how bad it is. Is this normal? Is this what people are talking about when they say 'getting used to aerobars'? I love the postion and spend the whole ride on teh bars, but the price is getting too steep for me. help!

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


Last edited by: kathy_caribe: Jun 17, 12 16:55
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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No, the aero position should not cause you 3 days worth of discomfort. You need to shop around for a new seat that will put pressure on your sit bones instead of on your soft tissue. This is easier said than done, but good luck with your search.
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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I don't usually post about saddles (or anything, actually), but one of the guys on the main forum just asked about the Selle Italia Superflow, and I thought I'd let the womens know that I just got one (two, in fact) and have found it to be the best saddle EVER -- no part of your labia will actually touch the saddle because the cutout is so large, even in aero position. It is great if you find the Adamo too wide or oddly unstable, or if you have trouble with shorts that have seams in the crotch (what a stupid idea that is, in any case). I suspect it has major advantages too if you are a pee-on-the-bike person. Comes in two sizes, 130 and 145 (I have both), and they do make gel versions and "women's" that are similar, but only the Superflow has the huge huge cutout. Six hours climbing 2 weeks ago, then six hours flat aero last week, NO discomfort at all. Totally worth the cost, but comparison-shop online if you can -- and not the cheapest, but Performance Bikes carries the 145 and has a no-questions return policy.
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Ditto. Three days to get back on the bike isn't normal, even for a new saddle and aero bars. "Getting used to aero bars" refers more to the fact that your back and shoulders may feel stiff and your hip flexors are very restricted. I had what you are referring to when I bought my Cervelo. It had the stock seat on it, and I knew something was wrong since I could compare it to my other bike.

If your clitoris is affected, that tells me that you've rocked your hips forward and shifted the pressure from the sides of the pubic bone to the front. Try curving your back a little more (this brings the hips a little more to vertical - very similar to Lance Armstrong's position on his tt bike in his triathlon career) or raising your aero bars. It may not look as cool as the photos of uber-athletes in Triathlete magazine but hopefully it will be more comfortable.

On the other hand, if you think your back is flat and your hips are fine, then you may need to consider a saddle with a slit down the centre where the clitoris presently meets the saddle. Terry Saddles were the original makers of these saddles for women and still have excellent ones at a reasonable price. Specialized also makes a fabulous saddle, although I've had problems fitting the seat posts on some bikes to the rails. Another great one is made by Cobb Cycling (V Flow).

Good luck and keep us posted!
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Re: saddle issues [hyr00] [ In reply to ]
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back, shoulders and hips all feel good and I've been able to stay in aero pretty much from day one. My husband thought this was the "perfect" saddle so maybe it is a fit issue. I'll give him your suggestions and see what he says. I really don't have much chance to try saddles as we live in Mexico. I currently have Bontrager saddle. Hubby is going to see what he can do with my position.

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


Last edited by: kathy_caribe: Jun 9, 12 8:22
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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your husband will have NO idea what a perfect saddle is for you. No matter how well he knows you (down there).
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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http://www.trisports.com/...-saddle-program.html

Give this a try instead...

DFL > DNF > DNS
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Also, when you get aerobars, it also changes the fit of your bike slightly, since you are in a different position. When I got aerobars placed on my roadbike, I had to get refitted and purchased a Cobb V Flox Max, since my road seat was pressing on my nether regions uncomfortably.

Best bet is to demo as many saddles as you can. (It's like trying to find that perfect pair of heels.) Many tri and high-end bike shops allow you to demo saddles for a week or longer. You generally have to deposit money, but you can use the deposit toward the purchase. Or you can always look on Ebay or the classifieds for your local tri club.

Good luck!
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Re: saddle issues [Critzilla] [ In reply to ]
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thanks to Sally also for the advice and if I lived in the US I would definitely take advantage of those solutions. However not even the electric company trusts the postal "service" here and instead delivers bills by moto.

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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I bought a speed concept last august. I still have whatever WSD saddle came with it. I have not had too many problems with inflamed nether regions, the occasional soreness after a long ride. BUT I had a race on Saturday in saltwater and ended up sitting in my shorts for 2 hours after the race (I know it was a a terrible idea). I rode on Sunday for about 2 hours and felt okay while riding, but as soon as I got in the shower I had horrible burning in the labia minora (and continued burning) with small blister like bumps on the labia majora.I also have swollen lymphnodes on my groin and had a fever last night (101). Anyone have a similar experience? Advice? I made an appt with my dermatologist for this morning. I am in so much pain I don't even want to go pee because it burns too bad. I have been putting Balmex on and it relieves it a little. I am so uncomfortable and sad.
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Re: saddle issues [cgirltri92] [ In reply to ]
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I know only too well the burning peeing from open sores issues inside the vulva. Down here we can get OTC lidocaine cream. Can you get that there? It works for me until the sores are better.

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Hi, I've been reading this thread with interest, because the same thing has happened to me for a few years. After an hour on the bike, I'm in pain. I had a pro fitting and I raised my aerobars a little, used creams, new shorts and have tried several saddles, including the present one from Terry. I ended up putting a gel cover over the top of it to make it a little more comfy. Its not a complete fix though. I'm thinking about switching to a road bike with a higher position.
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Just got back from doctor. They did a viral and bacterial test on the fluid that came out. Praying this is just a staph outbreak. I am a carrier of staph and can only imagine that i rubbed myself totally raw after the race and bacteria was able to sneak on in.
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Cut out saddle....I have Selle SMP saddle such a large cut out my soft tissue doesn't touch the saddle. Lots of saddles have large cut outs.

I looked in your blog and no photos of your position on your bike. Hip position can effect where your weight is on your saddle. I try to explain if you had a tail try to sit in a position to hold your tail up and your pelvis in different position. You could google some photos to see the difference.

How do you buy things that are not available locally?

I hope you can figure out how to solve this as riding is supposed to be fun and not painful for days after a short ride.
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Re: saddle issues [KathyG] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks Kathy. We use mules. Heading down? :)

I'll get a picture and post it in this thread. DH moved the saddle forward for my last ride but it is hard to tell if that made it better, worse or the same. Need more healing I guess. We're also looking to see if we can get someone to resolder and recover my old saddle (as I had no problems with it) as down here anyone can fix anything with a rubber band and a knife (almost not an exaggeration :)).

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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moved the saddle all around today, back, forward, nose down, nose up. Still pretty beat up in the vulva so it was hard to determine which was best but I think we have something to perhaps start with. Any ideas on the position?

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


Last edited by: kathy_caribe: Jun 14, 12 20:06
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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OMG, that looks so uncomfortable. It looks as if you're trying to impose a tri bike position on a road bike. That may be the source of your issue. You are way too stretched out, and (I'm just guessing here) because your shoulders can't carry enough weight disproportionate pressure is ending up being placed on your crotch.

Other womens know a lot more about this than I do, so I hope they chime in.

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball
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Re: saddle issues [Tri3] [ In reply to ]
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You and I have a very similar position. Unfortunately, I am having the same problems as you are. It does look like you are tucking your tailbone under you a bit (could be because you are sore from the prior rides) but you will be more comfortable if you do as one of the prior responders said and lift your tail/tailbone to allow your legs to engage more.

DH and I are going to try to zip-tie my Adamo saddle to make it a bit narrower and see if that helps.

Are you having more pain from the pressure on your sit bones/soft tissue (like a bruise) or are you having more chafing (skin) pain?
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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I can sympathize. On my "clown bike" (a Cervelo Soloist that was a bit too big for me) and a Tri Arione saddle, I would be in tears by hour 2. I traded that bike away (for a real skookum wheelset) because it was just too big for me, I was stretched out. So I went back to my older Olmo frame that fits me very well (49cm vs the Soloist's 51cm) with the **same** Tri Arione saddle and I have no problems now. On the Soloist, no matter how I adjusted my position, that saddle and that bike just didn't work for me - for IMC I went back to an older trusted saddle on the Soloist. Stack & reach, baby.

AP

EDIT: By the way, please please try to keep your saddle level and work more on (1) lowering the saddle slightly; (2) moving the saddle forward slightly. Tipping the nose slightly up or down usually doesn't work - they are designed to be run level. Drop your saddle 1/2" first then see how it goes. AP

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"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS
Last edited by: AndyPants: Jun 16, 12 14:12
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Your seat's too high.

DFL > DNF > DNS
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Re: saddle issues [AndyPants] [ In reply to ]
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Ok, I put the old saddle back on and moved it all the way forward and I think I'm beginning to see what you guys mean by stretched out in the foto. I am able to sit on my right pubic ramus and as such do not have all the pressure on my clitoral region. More forward in the old seat, I am looking directly down over my front axle and I'm able to use leg muscles I'd lost going from normal road position to aero so I think I'm headed in the right direction. I'll try to get a foto in the new position and see if you guys have any more suggestions. Am I the only one who's clit is getting hammered though?

I found this video and it is fascinating - pubic anatomy and saddles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-wdfEcedq8

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Kathy, that is why DH bought me the Adamo seat. I was getting internal chafing with my stock seat (awful). I tried the Terry Butterfly, but it still has a nose that mashes the front in a bad way. Same deal with the Cobb v-flow plus. It has a good seating area, but those nubbins on the front hit me in the wrong place.
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Re: saddle issues [SallyShortyPnts] [ In reply to ]
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Re: saddle issues [StephB] [ In reply to ]
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Re: saddle issues [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Kathy, in terms of the stretch, you want your elbows to be directly underneath your shoulders (not out in front like they are in the pic). The idea is that it is your bone structure, not muscles, that support you and you can't do that if you're stretched out. You can bring your elbows closer by moving saddle forward, lowering seat, shortening stem, moving elbow pads closer or some combination of the above. I would start with getting the seat height correct, then work from there.

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball
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