I’ve been riding on an Adamo Racing saddle for about 6 months. I’m pretty sure my sit bones are positioned correctly (according to the diagram on the ism website), because my lady parts feel fine when riding, and the saddle is very comfortable. However, when I put more hours in the saddle, I start to get sores(kinda like chafing) in the area where my underwear would be, like the crease of the leg. (And I don’t wear underwear with my bib shorts). Has anyone else had this problem? Am I sitting on the saddle wrong and not knowing it?
if anyone ever comes up with a definitive answer for this, i’d happily buy them a bottle/case of their favourite beverage - i have the same issue with my cobb v-flow max saddle, which is otherwise absolutely wonderful.
cheers!
-mistress k
I still get it a little, but some extra lube there seems to help.
clm
I had the same problem. I had to give up- the pain out of the aero position wasn’t worth it.
Kelly
Here is the response from the main man at ISM. He’s traveling so I’m posting up his response.
We have several different models and she should try the Podium or Breakaway saddle. Narrower through the front arms and slope downward to cut down on superficial chaffing on region of outer labia and inner thigh.
I don’t have an Adamo, but I used to ride on a saddle that was very much like the Adamo (just a lot cheaper), and I had the same problem as you. When I got a new bike, I switched to one of the Selle Italia models with the long cutout down the middle. I think mine is a Stratos, but I have to check. The problem is much improved over the Adamo-like saddle, but it’s not completely solved. The advantage of the Stratos (or whatever I have, and if you want me to check at home, I can) is that the bits supporting me are narrower, so there’s less chafing. The disadvantage is that they’re narrower, so all of my weight is on two fairly narrow bits of saddle. My lady bits are fine (as they were on the Adamo-like saddle), and there is no chafing (like I had on the Adamo-like saddle) but the areas to the sides of my lady bits can develop pressure-related issues (mostly ingrown hairs), if I spend a lot of time on the saddle or don’t lift up off the saddle every now and then.
Sounds like you need something more narrow, try some chamois cream in those areas if you haven’t already first.
Are you using chamois butter every time you ride? A good one will make a world of difference! I really like the DZ Nuts brand (created by Dave Zabriske). They make a women’s specific chamois cream called Bliss. One of the narrower models may also help. Good luck!