I have been on the Race for several year and I am very pleased with it. I see ISM now offers the Time Trial. Anyone used both? Feedback?
I just switched to the TT from the race and offer the following anecdotal description.
The TT definitely is more comfortable if you have a pretty low, agressive position. With the race I had to tilt the saddle nose down quite a bit to be comfortable and then deal with sliding forward. When it was level, it felt like riding on two pointy objects instead of two flat beams.
The TT feels very similar to the race tilted down quite a bit, except you’re not sliding off the front(aero or on the bullhorns).
If you’re already buying a saddle, I’d definitely go with the TT, but not really worth $200 if you’re already somewhat comfortable on an adamo already.
This was exactly my experience as well. The TT rocks!!!
Cool. It is about time for me to get a new adamo. Will give the TT a go.
I JUST did my first ride on the TT saddle this am. I had been using the Race for a few weeks, as part of the most awesome saddle demo program offered by BREAKAWAY BIKES in Philly, PA.
The TT saddle feels narrower than the Race. Richie Cortez, a great fitter and top notch wrench at Breakaway, had to pinch the nose on the Race, for me to feel comfortable. With the TT, no pinch was necessary.
I like the Adamo TT better, and also recommend it.
I sent an email to ISM, asking what the differences were between the TT and Racing. This is the response:
It is the same with respect to rails and dimensions. The difference is we have sloped the front arms (like the Podium and Breakaway). This was done in an effort to cut down on the superficial chaffing some experience on the inner thigh.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Dave Bunce
Operations Commander
ISM Saddles
another email reply after less than 5 mins of sending an inquiry
We do not encourage the use of zip ties. The arms are intentially the width they are to support the pubic rami bone structure. Usually when riders feel the saddle is too wide, they are sitting too far back on the seat. I’d suggest moving the saddle further back on your seatpost and dropping your saddle height to compensate.
When properly seated you should have about 3-4 fingerwidths of saddle exposed behind your butt.
I hope this helps. Thanks for your purchase. The saddle does take a little time to dial in. Remember, comfort counts.
Dave Bunce
Operations Commander
Tampa Bay Recreation/ISM Seat
512-968-1888
dave@ismseat.com
www.ismseat.com
www.twitter.com/ismsaddles
FaceBook “ISM SEAT”
Zip ties: no. Hose clamps: yes.
The TT saddle just feels narrower than the Race, and the TT install was positioned the same as the old Race one (via measuring).
As far as 3-4 fingerwidths goes: whose fingers? And, I’m on the nose of the saddle when I’m racing, anyway… not everyone’s physiology is the same, thus the need for the ISM, and if necessary, some personal fitting…
Regardless: ISM Adamo TT is a great saddle.
Maybe this is a stupid question, but since I’ve been shopping around for a new saddle it comes to mind. Most saddles come in different widths to accommodate different widths of sit bones, but it seems the Adamo saddles only come in one width and that’s typically 130 - 135mm. Every time I’ve been fit I’ve fit on a 143mm saddle based on my sit bones. Does this matter at all?
Sorry I am the wrong guy to ask. I don’t know. My guess would be that those wider measurements are for traditional road saddles. The adamo obviously is a different concept so I don’t think the numbers work. Also, since you are riding on the nose anyway I don’t see how those numbers work well for a tri/tt setup. Just my 2c. Someone with more knowledge will hopefully chime in.
Timely thread…I mounted my new Adamo TT last night. Replacing my Cobb Max with the Adamo. Sat on it for about a minute and liked the feel of it already. We’ll see how the first test ride goes tomorrow.
Anyone try the TT vs the Breakaway??? I too am considering an ISM and was told to try the Breakaway but was wondering what the difference is between this and the TT.
You sit on the Adamo (and the Cobb) different than you sit on a standard saddle. The rami bones are closer.
Giving life to an old thread here…
I’ve been on the race II for 6 months now and LOVE it up to 60 miles or so. After that I start to feel the firmness. And especially if I try to go 2+ hrs the next day. I’m in the saddle for 6-8hrs a week. Will more 3+ hr rides help or have I acclimated by now? Maybe this isn’t the right saddle for me (70.3 racing+). Might the TT be my answer?
There is a very good writeup on the different ISM saddles on the front page. Give it a read. http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Saddles/ISM_Long_Term_Test_2890.html
I would also advice that you take a look at your shorts. Turn them inside out and then put them on. The pad will now be on the outside of your shorts. Put your bike on the trainer and start riding. Look at the pad and see where the seams are located. Are you sitting on top of the seams? If you are sitting directly on top of the seams of the pad then you are wearing the wrong shorts. If not maybe you need a different Adamo. Personally I have found that De Soto shorts works well with the Adamo saddle as the pad is a little wider than on most other shorts. Good luck.
How does the padding in the Race and Time Trial compare? Does one have more than the other?
If I remember right thay are the same. Only difference is the shape of the prongs. I have been on the TT for long enough I have forgotten if there is a difference in padding.