Hello. Contemplating trying the ISM again (it didn’t work 12 years ago for me…). At the time, I remember your package was supposed to be ‘in front’ of the saddle. When trying to achieve this and when ‘not in the aerobars’ I always remember a strain on the lower back. And, in both positions I had pressure in a nerve that seemed to be hamstring related. Again, going on memory here… I don’t think even if I try them again they will work. But, with a new position on the bike, they might… Or, perhaps anyone of the newer variations…
Curious mostly where your nuts go though… in between? in front??? any cues to old posts or videos would be great. thanks…
that’s not really drawn correctly, if your pelvis is centered on the saddle as is shown in that diagram, your package is on the top of the leading edge of the tip of the saddle. Well, unless you’re riding nude.
I always had the same problem with noseless saddles, nothing to balance against puts too much pressure on my back and shoulders. But for tri you’re gonna be mostly on the aero bars right?
Yes and no. I live in an area where there isn’t too many bike lanes, plenty of blind spots, windy roads, hilly (not mountainous) terrain, potholes galore, and crazy drivers. Point is, I don’t live in the bars too long, cause ‘living’ is the goal… I suppose I could stay in the bars, but my paranoia of the idiots that are meandering through the roads keeps me varying my position. I also do like to slide back a little on the saddle when going up hills…
Anyway, try something else…I have 2 saddles I like and I had similar issues as you. I am using the specialized tri saddle and also like the fizik tri saddle that has the divot or cut out. Sadly, I forget the name of it but it looks heavy and ugly. But, it’s light and works.
Yeah two of em, but one pair. One larger than the other. My speedos are larger now that I am older as well (crap) as there is not enough ball real estate… Guess at some point I’ll need to worry about knee cap ballsag… I guess evolution feels I wont need em anymore at some point… maybe I should go back to the tighty whiteys…
Good point on the saddles. Will take a look at those other saddles as well. A lot more on the market now than 12 years ago. Although, had decent options then too - ism, cobb, and the curvy selle san ‘something’ saddle… Wasn’t crazy about any at the time. Always gravitated back to a flat type of saddle… maybe i changed, idk…
My man bits are sitting on the tip and in front of the saddle.
Watch the installation video’s for the saddle. The ISM saddle needs to be lower and further back than a “normal” saddle. Your back problems may be related to not adjusting your bike fit for the new saddle.
I have the ISM on both my road and TT bike. I followed the ISM fitting instructions and then made small tweaks to get the most comfortable position.
if you’re not sure how you should be sitting, get a professional bike fit by a certified, trained bike fitter. I finally, after several years, had a fitting a few weeks ago AND IT CHANGED EVERYTHING. Started with the position of my feet and my cleats, then saddle height, position & tilt, then front end etc. He watched my rotation and cadence. We over-corrected, then under-corrected then he ‘cleansed my pallet’ then took it back again. Embarrassed to say I hadn’t done this years ago. I have seen a massive difference in the last few weeks, both during interval workouts and long endurance rides.