Here is the first one: Am I correct that not all saddles are the same length, and thus the position of the nose of the saddle relative to the BB (i.e. forward, even with or behind the BB) would be different?
Here is the hard one. My sit bones seem to fall off a cliff from the back of the saddle forward. I have tipped the nose up, moved the saddle forward, but it still seems that my sit bones want to slide forward a bit, and then drop off–this changes my knee angle–makes it more acute–and I lose power. I am thinking that this might be a function of saddle design and my hip bone structure. Have any of you had this same isssue, and is there a saddle that addressed this issue for you. All of this is in the aero position. Or maybe this is just to stupid to be able to respond to.
For an answer I doubt anyone will agree with, let me suggest you have that problem because you are mashing. A more round pedal stroke will cause you to push over the top and lessen the forces that cause you to slide forward.
Anytime I find myself repeatedly sliding forward, I concentrate on my pedal stroke. Try it.
Thanks Art, I’ll pay attention to whether these (mashing v spinning) go hand-in-hand. But what I was thinking, as well, is that there seems to be a drop off, its not gradually, and maybe a different seat would prevent this. Because when I realize I have moved forward, I can’t just slide back, I have to lift by butt, and slide back. If I tip the nose up anymore, my parts will get numb.
Just like some saddles have a longer nose, some are also longer or shorter, wider or more narrow at the other end. I guess it’s possible that the way your saddle narrows from back to front could play a part in your “cliff.” Also, the way the saddle is shaped (curved) could play a part.
Hmmph. What saddle? How many have you tried, and did they all do this to you? Can’t say I’ve had that happen. After zillions of road saddles, I settled on the least uncomfy of them all, the Fizik Aliante. The Arionne that so many love is awful (for me… huge saddle sore issues). As for aero, I am starting back with the Aliante in a few weeks when I start riding aero again.
Monk’s saddle nose is even with his BB, and he has a very short stem-super short. Monk’s elbows are pretty much just shy of right angles. Monk thinks his cockpit is probably not the culprit.
Well after hearing, or more accurately reading, that description I would have to agree with you that your cockpit is probably not the problem. Maybe there is something to the pedal efficiency suggestion.
I didn’t read all the posts, but did you mention your saddle? If it’s a “tri” saddle…many of which have a padded nose. So, when you mount it “level”, it’s actually sloping downward…thus, you need a slight upward tilt to compensate.
I just got back from a 2 hour fit session. My gosh…as if my 1.5hr ride beforehand wasn’t enough. Got the new road bike all dialed in and only made fractional adjustments to the TT. We confirmed the fact that I’m a mutant and a posterboy for custom fitting.
Nose is tipped up–I use a level so I get it pretty much in the same place every time I mess with it. I guess I don’t know what a “tri” specific saddle is. Its a Selle Italia C2, from what I can discern, and came stock on the P2K.
MONK-----------------NO CHANGING SADDLES YOUR RACE IS A FEW WEEKS AWAY!
ok, now that I got that off my chest. Every saddle is different just like every tush is different. WHen you have your glove you will know it. But there is NO ChANGING JACK THIS CLOSE TO YOUR RACE>>>>>>NOTHING>>>>>NADA>>>>>NOTHING>>>>NIENTE>>>>NIL>>>NUL>>>>(don’t pull the double/triple/quad negative rule on me via using big time lawyer terms-I yell because I care)!!! ok? Only exception to this rule is if something breaks off the day before/day of, and then you adapt on the fly, its called adversity, but don’t create adversity the headaches aren’t worth it! My saddle broke 10 mins before cut off check in time for my first IM–that sorta blew, but I made things work I was able to find the identical saddle and just really lubbed it up.
Breathe in/exhale out count to 10 Monk will be just fine if he quits dialing things in–go to AZ and have the time of your life Monk, what got you through training is what will guide you through race day, you will be supreme
Different saddle shapes (profile of saddle) could have an affect. There are some that have somewhat of a banana shape, sloping up slightly at both ends creating a sort of sweet spot somewhere in between where you tend to settle into. An example of this shape would be a Fizik Aliante or Gobi. You might experiment with something like this to see if it helps keep you from sliding forward.
Regarding saddle length, I’ve seen posts here about modified “snub nosed” saddles. I’ve since seen an example on the Blackwell website. Don’t know if the saddle is available, but it definitely looks like a shortened nose saddle. I believe that the real purpose was to allow a more forward position for people who are under UCI positioning rules.
ok? Only exception to this rule is if something breaks off the day before/day of
OH NO!!! I’m looking over at my bike and I think I hear my saddle breaking!!
Please tell me though, how a “tri saddle” differs from a roadie saddle, assuming my saddle doesn’t stop breaking—oops–there it goes again–another piece fell off!
Would this be the wrong time to mention that I am thinking about removing a spacer? I think I hear one breaking!!
